This Pumpkin Apple Bread is a cozy treat that combines sweet apples and spiced pumpkin. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, filling your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
You can’t go wrong with a slice (or two!) of this soft bread. It’s like a hug in food form. I love enjoying it with a pat of butter—total bliss! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for structure, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nutty taste or gluten-free blends if desired. Just remember, the texture might change a bit.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own by roasting a sugar pumpkin and pureeing it. Just make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling!
Apples: Cortland or Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, but feel free to use whatever apples you have. Honeycrisp or Fuji are sweet alternatives, adding extra flavor.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you’re nut-free, just omit them. This bread still tastes great without nuts!
How Do I Make Sure My Bread is Moist and Tender?
To achieve a moist and tender pumpkin apple bread, avoid overmixing your batter. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- Use room temperature eggs and oil for a smoother batter.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking. This helps create a better texture.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry!
How to Make Pumpkin Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to bake, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Additional time will be needed for cooling before serving, making it a perfect treat to enjoy later!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. This ensures your bread won’t stick!
2. Mixing Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mix well to combine and set aside.
3. Preparing the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
4. Adding Pumpkin:
Add the canned pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients, mixing until completely blended. This will give your bread that lovely pumpkin flavor and moisture!
5. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture light and fluffy.
6. Folding in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts, if you’re using them. This adds a delicious crunch and flavor throughout your bread.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. It should be sitting nice and snug in the pan!
8. Baking:
Bake the bread for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top gets too brown before the middle is set, you can loosely cover it with foil.
9. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key! Cooling it helps the flavors develop even more.
10. Serving:
Once cool, slice the bread and serve it as is, or with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat. Enjoy every bite of your homemade pumpkin apple bread!
Now, take a moment to relish in the cozy smells of your kitchen and the joy of sharing this delightful bread with friends and family!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a sugar pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth. Make sure to measure out 1 cup for the recipe!
What Kind of Apples Are Best for This Recipe?
For this bread, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Honeycrisp work wonderfully. Feel free to pick your favorite variety, or mix and match for added flavor!
Can I Store Leftover Bread?
Yes! Store any leftover pumpkin apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for about a week, or freeze it for longer storage—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap!
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness?
To make the bread less sweet, reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also substitute the brown sugar with a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option!
