I don’t know about you, but I have always loved looking back on old recipe cards! My mom still has the same box we have always had, and looking through the recipes always makes me feel nostalgic. I’m excited to start sharing some more of these recipes here. If you’re looking for the best pumpkin bread recipe to wow your friends and family this fall, you have to give this one a try!
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Table of Contents
Pumpkin Tea Bread
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 1/2 cups oil
- 4 whole eggs
- 1 can pumpkin large can 29 oz.
- 4 1/2 cups flour
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon and baking soda together in a bowl and set aside.
- In a large bowl mix oil, sugar, and eggs.
- Add can of pumpkin and flour mixture. Mix to combine.
- Pour into 3 greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This is the best pumpkin bread recipe and has easily been one of my favorite recipes my mom made growing up. I’m going to admit something crazy to you. I don’t like pumpkin pie, there I said it! It’s just never been my favorite. But throw all of those spices and a can of pumpkin into a batch of pumpkin bread, and it turns into my favorite fall recipe!
After I moved to Minnesota, I was introduced to pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting. I must admit I am a pumpkin bread purist. I prefer just the simplicity and delicious flavor of the pumpkin bread itself!
Should I bake pumpkin bread in a glass or metal pan?
Consider how each material conducts heat when deciding whether to bake pumpkin bread in a glass or metal pan. Metal pans are great for baking because they heat up quickly and evenly, helping your bread develop a nicely browned crust. However, they may also cause the edges to cook faster, so you might need to monitor the bake time to prevent over-browning. Glass pans, on the other hand, distribute heat more slowly and evenly but retain heat longer, which can result in a more evenly baked loaf, though it might take a bit longer to bake. If using a glass pan, consider lowering the oven temperature by about 25°F to prevent the outside from overcooking before the center is done. Ultimately, both options work well, but temperature and baking time adjustments might be necessary to achieve the perfect loaf. When I am making the best pumpkin bread recipe I typically use metal loaf pans!
What is the difference between 100% canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree?
“100% canned pumpkin” and “pumpkin puree” both refer to cooked, mashed pumpkin typically used in recipes like pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. “100% canned pumpkin” indicates that the product contains pure pumpkin with no additives, preservatives, or seasonings. Pumpkin puree is essentially the same but may sometimes include a mix of different pumpkin varieties or squashes commonly used in commercial canned products. The secret to the best pumpkin bread recipe is using just the right amount of pumpkin puree and some of you favorite pumpkin pie spices!
In my opinion, if you want the best recipe for pumpkin bread, you have to use Libby’s 100% Pure Canned Pumpkin. You can use the large 29 oz can or two smaller 15 oz cans. The recipe calls for an angel food cake pan plus one loaf pan for baking. You can also use 3 loaf pans, which we typically choose.
How can I tell if my Pumpkin Bread is done?
The best way to see if your pumpkin bread is done is to pull it out of the oven and stick a knife in the center of the loaf. The pumpkin bread is done if the knife comes out clean (or with a few crumbs). Keep cooking if the knife looks like the mix you initially poured into your loaf pan!
Why won’t my pumpkin bread cook in the middle?
If your pumpkin bread isn’t finished in the middle, it could be due to a few different things. One common issue is that the loaf is too thick, causing the center to take longer to bake. Using the correct loaf pan size is important; if the pan is too small, the bread will be thicker and need more cooking time. If your oven temperature is too high, it can cause the outside to cook too quickly and leave the middle uncooked. See the paragraph on metal vs. glass baking pans. You may need to adjust the temperature based on which type of pan you’re using. An oven thermometer can help ensure accurate temperatures. Overmixing the batter can make the bread denser, affecting how evenly it bakes. To fix this, try tenting the bread with foil to prevent over-browning on the outside while giving the center more time to cook. Be sure to check with a toothpick or skewer that comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when done.
Why did my pumpkin bread come out dry?
Dry pumpkin bread can result from a few standard baking mistakes. One of the main reasons is overmixing the batter, which can develop too much gluten and create a denser, drier texture. Another culprit is overbaking; even a few extra minutes in the oven can dry out your bread, so it’s essential to check for doneness with a toothpick that comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Using too little liquid or pumpkin puree can also affect moisture levels, as the puree contributes to the bread’s moist texture. Finally, mismeasuring flour—by packing it into the measuring cup instead of spooning and leveling—can lead to a drier result because it adds more flour than the recipe intended. Following the recipe carefully and watching the bake time should help keep your pumpkin bread soft and moist. If you have been searching for the best pumpkin bread recipe that will not come out dry, this one absolutely hits the mark with its perfect blend of spices and moist texture.
Can I leave Pumpkin Bread out overnight?
You can leave your pumpkin bread out overnight, but you want to wrap it appropriately or put it in a plastic bag to keep it from drying out. Any loaves that will take you longer than a couple of days to eat should be stored in the fridge or the freezer.
Do you put pumpkin bread in the fridge?
Yes, you can and should store your pumpkin bread in the fridge. This bread can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum shelf life. Honestly, I love pumpkin bread, just as cold as warm! This bread is delicious, warm or cold, with a glass of milk! My mom will wrap the other two loaves in tin foil and put 2 in the freezer until she’s ready to enjoy those. She will usually just let it thaw out a little bit and then enjoy it cold, but it is also delicious right out of the oven! For another cozy fall recipe, check out this Easy Spiced Cider!
So there you have it, the best pumpkin bread recipe! It’s the perfect treat for fall and will impress your friends and family. For more easy recipes, plus other tips and tricks to make life less stressful, connect with me on Instagram or join my private Facebook group. I can’t wait to see all of your delicious creations!
