Skip to main content

One Bowl Pumpkin Bread

Published:
Updated: 13 November 2023
close up of a pumpkin bread loaf

It's pumpkin season, so why not make something to celebrate. I tried a Pumpkin Bread.

So a friend asked if I was going to make something with pumpkin. It is pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice latte season and all. I hadn't really thought about it. I don't recall having had a pumpkin pie nor have I had a pumpkin pie spice latte. I was not in the mood to make pie crust (I feel like I haven't mastered it yet, more on this to come) and I wanted to ease myself into pumpkin. I love bread and making quick breads are a great way to try out new flavor combinations.  

I started with the Simple Pumpkin Bread Recipe from DessertForTwo.com and made some variations based on what I had on hand. The recipes yields 1 9x5 loaf. Make sure to use Pumpkin Puree and NOT Pumpkin Pie Filling. The recipe needs a flavorless oil like canola, grapeseed or vegetable. Because it uses pumpkin puree, pumpkie pie spice is needed. I, of course, didn't have any and had to make it. I used the recipe from the Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe also on the DessertforTwo.com site. 

The quick bread came out great. Moist and soft. I enjoyed it with a pat of Kerrygold Salted butter and a cup of tea. Not sure it converted me to a pumpkin or pumpkin pie spice fan but it is delicious.

What would I do different next time?

  • Use light brown sugar. 
    The recipe calls for light brown sugar, but I only had dark brown sugar. 
  • Substitute out 1/4 cup of whole wheat flour
    In an effort to add extra nutrition
  • Use Baking Sugar Alternative from King Arthur Baking
    A nod to my carb conscious and diabetic samplers who still like treats every now and again
  • Store bought pumpkin pie spice
    Just to compare to homemade
  • Add chocolate chips
    It's chocolate, do I need a reason?
    Chef Christy of The Treehouse Pie Company has a Pumpkin and White Chocolate hand pie only for this season on her Thanksgiving. 

Recipe: Simple Pumpkin Bread Recipe from DessertForTwo.com

Homemade pumpkin pie spice (from the Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe on DessertForTwo.com cut in half for this recipe)

  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Key Ingredients:

  • Libby's Pumpkin Puree
    Chef Christy of The Treehouse Pie Company says that this is best!  They even have a special Libby Pumpkin specifically made for them.
  • King Arthur Baking All Purpose Flour
  • Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract
  • Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt Flakes

Tips:

  1. Brown Sugar Bears - I struggled for years to keep brown sugar soft until I started using these little bears. Soak them and put in your sugar jar. Scoopable sugar every time.
  2. Use fresh spices - if you haven't used them since last year's holiday baking, replace them. It will make a world of difference.