This Pumpkin Apple Bread is a cozy treat filled with sweet flavors. It combines spiced pumpkin and juicy apples into a soft, moist loaf that smells amazing while baking.
I can’t resist a slice warm from the oven, especially with a little butter on top! It’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack, making your kitchen feel like autumn, no matter the season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the bread! You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. Just be sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast with the sweetness of the pumpkin. If apples aren’t available, pears offer a great alternative!
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. For gluten-free options, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend might work well.
Vegetable Oil vs. Butter: I usually opt for vegetable oil for moistness, but melted butter adds great flavor. Use what you prefer or have on hand!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans are fantastic in this bread for added crunch. If you need a nut-free option, simply leave them out!
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping your pumpkin apple bread moist and flavorful relies on two main tricks: using the right ingredients and mixing carefully.
- First, don’t skimp on the spices! They add warmth and depth to your bread.
- Make sure your ingredients are fresh. Stale baking soda or old spices can dull the flavors.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of fluffy.
Lastly, let it cool completely before slicing. This helps set the moisture and flavors! Enjoy your baking adventure!
Pumpkin Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Mix-Ins:
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apple (about 1 medium apple)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes to prepare the ingredients and mix everything together, and then 60 to 70 minutes for baking. Allow some additional cooling time, about 10 minutes in the pan and then letting it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. In total, expect about 1.5 hours to make and cool your delicious loaf!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping and Preheating:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s happening, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread doesn’t stick. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger). This will help distribute the baking soda and spices evenly throughout your bread. Set this bowl aside for later.
3. Preparing the Wet Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the vegetable oil (or melted butter). Mix well until it becomes smooth and creamy.
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is incorporated before adding the next. Finally, pour in the vanilla extract. Blend everything together nicely.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients mixture to your wet mixture. Mix just until everything is combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
6. Folding in Apples and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apple and nuts (if you’re using them) into the batter. This adds a lovely texture and flavor.
7. Pouring into the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’d like, sprinkle a few additional chopped apples or nuts on top for an attractive garnish.
8. Baking the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking!
9. Cooling:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the best texture!
10. Serving:
Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve the pumpkin apple bread warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or spread with butter or cream cheese!
Enjoy this moist, flavorful bread combining the autumnal essence of pumpkin with the sweet freshness of apple!
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! To make your own puree, roast pumpkin slices until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best results.
What Kind of Apples Work Best for This Bread?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisps are great options as they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the pumpkin. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Gala work well too!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add some for the right texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Apple Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
