Spiced Pumpkin & Molasses Harvest Loaf
This Spiced Pumpkin & Molasses Harvest Loaf is a heartwarming quick bread that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Infused with the rich flavors of molasses and the natural sweetness of pumpkin, it offers a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. The addition of dried cranberries adds a touch of tartness and texture, making it an ideal choice for brunch or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you're sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment to yourself, this delectable bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
16
Servings
120
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1/2 teaspoon
baking soda
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
molasses
1/2 cup (unsulfured)
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup
oil
1/4 cup (vegetable or canola)
eggs
2 large (lightly beaten)
canned pumpkin
1 cup (plain pumpkin puree, NOT pumpkin pie filling)
apple juice
2 tablespoons (or orange juice)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (roughly chopped (may substitute raisins))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease and flour a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan; set it aside.
3
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
4
In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the molasses, sugar, applesauce, oil, lightly beaten eggs, pumpkin puree, and apple (or orange) juice until smooth and creamy.
5
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined; do not overmix.
6
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries or raisins until evenly distributed.
7
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Information
1.4g
Protein
30mg
Sodium
4mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spiced Pumpkin & Molasses Harvest Loaf?
It is a heartwarming quick bread that captures the essence of fall using rich molasses, pumpkin, and tart dried cranberries.
Is this a quick bread or a yeast bread?
This is a quick bread, meaning it uses chemical leaveners like baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 1.4g of protein in each serving.
How much sodium is in a slice of this bread?
Each slice contains 30mg of sodium.
Does this loaf contain cholesterol?
Yes, there is approximately 4mg of cholesterol per serving.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size loaf pan is required?
You will need a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan.
How should I prepare the loaf pan?
The pan should be greased and floured before the batter is added.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
No, the recipe specifically requires plain pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling.
What type of molasses should I use?
The recipe calls for unsulfured molasses.
What kind of oil is recommended?
Vegetable or canola oil are both suitable for this recipe.
Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, you can substitute the dried cranberries with raisins if preferred.
How should the dried cranberries be prepared?
The dried cranberries should be roughly chopped before being added to the batter.
What can I use if I do not have apple juice?
You can use orange juice as a direct substitute for apple juice.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, usually after 60 minutes.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it.
Where should the loaf finish cooling?
After the initial 10 minutes in the pan, it should be moved to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the role of applesauce in this recipe?
Unsweetened applesauce adds moisture and sweetness while keeping the bread light.
Should I beat the eggs before adding them?
Yes, the 2 large eggs should be lightly beaten before being mixed with other wet ingredients.
What is the first step in the mixing process?
The first step is whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Can I overmix the batter?
No, you should mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to avoid a tough texture.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour.
What are the main flavor profiles of this loaf?
The main flavors are pumpkin, molasses, and spice, with a tart contrast from cranberries.
Is this a good snack for autumn?
Yes, it is designed as a cozy harvest loaf perfect for fall afternoons.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 12 ingredients total.
What should I serve with this bread?
It pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee.
What kind of sugar is needed?
The recipe requires granulated sugar.
What are the leavening agents used?
The bread uses 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.