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Autumn is more than just a season; it’s an experience. As the leaves turn golden and the air takes on a crisp chill, our senses tingle in anticipation of the familiar scents and flavors that evoke nostalgia. At the top of the list? Pumpkin spice!
Today, we’re diving deep into the world of pumpkin spice with a recipe that will make your autumn mornings a tad sweeter and evenings a bit cozier: Pumpkin Spice Bread.
History of pumpkin-flavored foods:
Pumpkin spice bread, like many other pumpkin-flavored foods, traces its roots back to the culinary traditions that have incorporated pumpkin for centuries. Let’s explore a brief history of pumpkin and its use in breads and other baked goods:
- Ancient Use of Pumpkins: Pumpkins and other types of squash have been grown in the Americas for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including the Aztecs and Mayans, consumed pumpkin and its seeds.
- Early American Colonists: When European settlers arrived in North America, they were introduced to pumpkins by Native Americans. The Native Americans had already been using pumpkin in various ways, including roasting, boiling, and even grinding it into a flour-like substance. The settlers soon incorporated the squash into their own diets.
- Pumpkin in Baked Goods: The earliest versions of pumpkin pies were not like the modern ones we’re familiar with today. Colonists sometimes filled a hollowed-out pumpkin with milk, honey, and spices, then roasted it to create a custard-like dessert. This could be seen as a precursor to both pumpkin pie and pumpkin bread.
- Evolution of the Recipe: As time went on and cooking methods evolved, recipes that incorporated pumpkin puree into breads and cakes began to emerge. These recipes were often sweet, spiced with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—what we now commonly associate with “pumpkin spice.”
- Pumpkin Spice Popularity: The flavor combination of “pumpkin spice” has roots in these older recipes, but its massive surge in popularity is a more modern phenomenon. By the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the term “pumpkin spice” became synonymous with fall in the U.S., largely thanks to marketing efforts and products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte introduced by major coffee chains.
Why Pumpkin Spice Bread?
When you think of pumpkin spice, the first thing that might come to mind is the classic latte that has become synonymous with fall. However, this blend of spices is incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to baked goods, particularly sweet bread.
This sweet bread combines the moist, rich texture of pumpkin purée with a delightful mix of spices, creating a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, paired with a cup of coffee, or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread
Tools Needed:
- 9 inch Loaf pan
- Mixing Bowls
- KitchenAid hand mixer (this is my FAVORITE hand mixer)
- Spatulas
Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups King Arthur all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 – 15 oz can pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup oat milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ tsp pumpkin spice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease loaf pan or use parchment paper.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until everything is well combined. Then add the eggs and vanilla and mix.
- Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Mix in the oat milk. Stir just until the batter comes together, ensuring not to overmix and that your batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If you were making the streusel topping, completely cover the top of the pumpkin batter. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you need more time, add 5 minutes until it’s ready.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Tips and Variations:
- Add-ins: Consider adding in walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips for an added layer of flavor and texture.
- Glaze it: For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together a simple glaze of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Streusel Topping: If you don’t want a glaze, mix together a streusel topping in a separate bowl and add it right before the bread goes into the oven. Streusel topping includes: 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons white sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice.
Pumpkin Spice Bread captures the essence of fall in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy evening or sharing with loved ones at a festive gathering, this bread is sure to become a staple in your autumn baking repertoire. Happy baking! 🍂🎃🍞