This Apple Pumpkin Bread is a cozy delight that combines sweet apples and spiced pumpkin in a soft, moist loaf. Perfect for fall, it’s great for breakfast or snack time!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with wonderful smells that make everyone smile! I love to spread a little butter on a warm slice; it’s like a hug in bread form! 🧡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin is convenient, but you can use fresh pumpkin if you prefer. Just roast and mash it, making sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. If you can’t find them, any firm apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji works too!
Oils: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moistness, but you can substitute melted coconut oil or butter. For a lighter option, applesauce can replace some of the oil.
Nuts: Optional for extra texture! If you want to keep it nut-free, feel free to skip them. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be a great alternative if you’re looking for a crunchy bite.
How Do You Make Sure Your Bread is Moist and Delicious?
The key to keeping this bread moist lies in the ingredients and mixing method. Here are a few tips to ensure you nail this:
- Don’t overmix! When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until there are no dry spots. Overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Use room temperature ingredients — especially eggs and purees. They blend more easily, making for a smoother batter.
- Adding moisture-rich ingredients, like apples and pumpkin, helps keep the bread tender. Make sure the apples are chopped small for even distribution.
- Check the bread for doneness around 60 minutes by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Enjoy baking this delightful bread that welcomes the aromas of fall right into your kitchen!
How to Make Delicious Apple Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Extras:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or a tart apple)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let the bread cool for a while. In total, you’ll spend just under 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, you can tackle the other preparations. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This is an important step to ensure that the spices and leavening are evenly distributed in the bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and your choice of oil or melted butter. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth. Now it’s time to add the eggs!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time into the pumpkin mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma!
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet pumpkin mixture. Mix just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix, or your bread may turn out dense.
6. Fold in Apples and Nuts:
Now, gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if you’re using them) with a spatula or wooden spoon. This adds delightful bites of apple to each slice!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This will help it bake evenly.
8. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean when poked in the center!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from getting soggy on the bottom.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the bread is completely cooled, slice it up and enjoy it plain or with a smear of butter. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert!
This Apple Pumpkin Bread is moist, packed with flavor, and has a delightful texture that will make it a favorite! Enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings on cozy fall days!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast and mash it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid making the bread too wet.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pumpkin Bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Substitute the Sugar?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly. You can also try using all brown sugar for a richer flavor!
Is It Possible to Make This Bread Vegan?
Definitely! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water equals one egg) and substitute the oil for unsweetened applesauce. Enjoy your vegan version!
