This Pumpkin Apple Bread is a cozy treat that brings together the sweet flavors of pumpkin and juicy apples. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Plus, the lovely spices give it a warm hug feeling! I love to enjoy it with a cup of tea while the leaves change outside. It’s all about that fall vibe! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of our bread. You can substitute it with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or almond flour for a gluten-free option. Just remember that almond flour may make the bread denser.
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient, but you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just roast a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth.
Apples: I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. If you can’t find these, other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji can also work well.
Sugars: This recipe uses both granulated sugar and brown sugar for depth of flavor. You can adjust the sweetness with less sugar or use coconut sugar as a healthier alternative.
Vegetable oil: I often swap this with melted coconut oil or butter for a richer taste, but feel free to use applesauce to reduce the fat! It keeps the bread moist too.
How Do You Ensure a Moist Pumpkin Apple Bread?
Making sure your bread is moist starts with not overmixing the batter. Here’s how to keep it deliciously tender:
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Use room temperature eggs and oil. This helps them blend better and creates a smoother batter.
- Don’t skip the diced apples; their moisture will keep the bread soft.
- Keep an eye on the baking time. A toothpick should come out clean, but iff it feels too dry, consider removing it a bit earlier next time.
These tips will help you bake a delightful Pumpkin Apple Bread that’s moist and bursting with flavor! Enjoy every slice! 🍞
How to Make Delicious Pumpkin Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith and Gala are great choices)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional topping: Pumpkin seeds for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 60 to 70 minutes of baking time, and then an additional 15 minutes to cool in the pan. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can enjoy a slice of this yummy bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed and set this bowl aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, crack the eggs and beat them. Then add your pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix all these wet ingredients together until everything is nice and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s fine if a few lumps remain.
5. Add Apples (and Nuts):
Now, fold in those delightful diced apples and the nuts if you’re using them. This will add such great texture and flavor to your bread!
6. Transfer to the Pan:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top if you’d like.
7. Bake Your Bread:
Pop the loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
8. Cooling Time:
Once it’s done baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
This Pumpkin Apple Bread is delicious either warm or at room temperature. It’s fantastic on its own, or you can spread on some butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Enjoy your moist, flavorful Pumpkin Apple Bread — it’s perfect for cozy fall mornings or as a delightful afternoon snack! 🍞🍏
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala are great options for a sweet-tart flavor balance, you can use any apples you like—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of your favorites can work well in this recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this Pumpkin Apple Bread vegan, you can replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). For the oil, use a neutral vegetable oil and ensure your pumpkin puree is dairy-free.
How to Store Leftovers?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge when ready to enjoy!
Can I Add More Spices?
Definitely! If you love warm spices, feel free to add more cinnamon or nutmeg to taste. You could also try adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for an extra flavor kick!
