Spiced Autumn Pumpkin Seed Loaf
Celebrate the flavors of fall with this delightful Spiced Autumn Pumpkin Seed Loaf. Infused with warm spices and enriched with nutrient-dense pumpkin and whole grains, this bread is perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple breakfast. Ensure your pumpkin puree is at room temperature for optimal rise, resulting in a fluffy texture. Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch, making this the ultimate comfort food for the season. Enjoy it fresh with a pat of butter, or use it to make scrumptious sandwiches for lunch.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
1/3 cup (Measured)
Canned pumpkin puree
2/3 cup (At room temperature)
Egg
1 (Beaten)
Nonfat dry milk
1/4 cup (Measured)
Salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
Brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup (Measured)
Vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (Measured)
Whole wheat flour
3/4 cup (Measured)
Bread flour
2 cups (Measured)
Pumpkin seeds, toasted
1/3 cup (Toasted)
Ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (Measured)
Ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
Ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Measured)
Bread machine yeast or instant yeast
1 3/4 teaspoons (Measured)
Instructions
1
Gather and prepare all ingredients, ensuring the pumpkin puree is at room temperature.
2
In a measuring cup, combine the water and egg. Beat lightly and set aside.
3
In the bread machine's baking pan, add the water and egg mixture first.
4
Carefully layer in the canned pumpkin puree, nonfat dry milk, salt, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.
5
Following the liquids, incorporate the whole wheat flour and bread flour, creating a gentle mound over the liquid ingredients.
6
Sprinkle the toasted pumpkin seeds, ground allspice, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and finally the bread machine yeast over the top of the flour mound.
7
Close the lid, insert the pan into the machine, and select the Whole Wheat Cycle setting.
8
Upon completion of the baking cycle, leave the bread in the machine for 10 minutes.
9
Remove the bread pan from the machine, and carefully take out the loaf. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiced Autumn Pumpkin Seed Loaf?
It is a nutrient-dense fall-themed bread featuring pumpkin, whole grains, and toasted seeds.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, but ensure it is well-strained to match the consistency of canned puree and is at room temperature.
How many servings does this loaf make?
This recipe is designed to produce approximately 8 servings.
What is the recommended bread machine setting for this recipe?
You should select the Whole Wheat Cycle setting on your bread machine.
How should the egg be prepared?
The egg should be lightly beaten and combined with the water before being added to the pan.
Why must the pumpkin puree be at room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients help the yeast activate properly, resulting in an optimal rise and fluffy texture.
Can I substitute brown sugar with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup, though it may slightly change the moisture balance and flavor.
What types of flour are used in this pumpkin loaf?
This recipe uses a combination of 3/4 cup whole wheat flour and 2 cups bread flour.
Can I make this bread without a bread machine?
Yes, you can mix and knead the dough by hand, let it rise, and bake it in a conventional oven at 350 degrees F.
How should I store the leftover pumpkin bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Can I freeze the Spiced Autumn Pumpkin Seed Loaf?
Yes, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and place it in a freezer bag for up to three months.
What specific spices provide the autumn flavor?
The recipe uses a blend of ground allspice, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Melted butter or coconut oil can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil.
How do I toast the pumpkin seeds?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees F until they are fragrant and lightly browned.
Does this bread contain dairy?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/4 cup of nonfat dry milk.
Can I use active dry yeast instead of bread machine yeast?
Yes, but you may need to proof it in the warm water first if not using a machine specifically designed for instant yeast.
How long should the bread stay in the machine after baking?
It is recommended to leave the bread in the machine for 10 minutes after the baking cycle finishes.
What is the final texture of the bread?
The loaf is fluffy and soft, punctuated by the crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds.
Can I add other ingredients like raisins or nuts?
Yes, dried cranberries or chopped walnuts would be excellent additions to this spiced loaf.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is considered healthy due to the use of whole wheat flour, nutrient-dense pumpkin, and seeds.
What are the best serving suggestions?
It is delicious fresh with butter, toasted, or used for autumn-themed sandwiches.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you would need a high-quality gluten-free bread flour blend and a specific gluten-free machine setting.
In what order should I add ingredients to the bread pan?
Add liquids first (water, egg, pumpkin, oil), then the flours, and finally the seeds, spices, and yeast on top.
How much yeast is required?
The recipe calls for 1 3/4 teaspoons of bread machine yeast or instant yeast.
Why is bread flour necessary if there is already whole wheat flour?
Bread flour provides the high protein content needed to give the loaf structure and lift when using heavier whole wheat flour.
Can I omit the pumpkin seeds?
Yes, you can omit the seeds if you prefer a smoother loaf without the added crunch.
How long does the baking process take?
The total time depends on your specific bread machine's Whole Wheat Cycle, which typically lasts between 3 and 4 hours.
What should I do if my bread does not rise?
Check that your yeast is not expired and ensure your pumpkin puree was at room temperature rather than cold.
Can I use salted pumpkin seeds?
Yes, but you may want to slightly reduce the added salt in the recipe to maintain the flavor balance.
What is the best way to slice the loaf?
Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before using a serrated bread knife for clean slices.