Pumpkin Cranberry Bread is the perfect embodiment of fall in a loaf. This delicious bread combines the moist, earthy flavor of pumpkin with the tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as a festive addition to your holiday table. Here’s a simple yet flavorful recipe to make your own Pumpkin Cranberry Bread at home.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
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 ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Add-ins:
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures your bread will be free of lumps and the spices are evenly distributed.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
Fold in Cranberries and Nuts:
Gently fold the cranberries (and nuts, if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This bread tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together.
Tips and Variations
Pumpkin Spice Alternative: If you have pumpkin spice mix on hand, you can use 2 teaspoons of it instead of the individual spices listed.
Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
Storage: This bread stores well at room temperature for a few days, or it can be wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to preserve its moistness.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread is a versatile recipe that welcomes modifications to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it with a pat of butter, a drizzle of honey, or simply as it is, this bread is sure to capture the essence of autumn with every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread isn’t just a treat; it’s a versatile staple during the fall season. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance its enjoyment:
Breakfast Delight: Slice and toast the bread lightly, then spread with cream cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a quick and satisfying breakfast.
Dessert Transformation: For a dessert twist, serve slices of the bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast of the warm spices with the cool cream is divine.
Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair a slice of this bread with your favorite tea or a pumpkin spice latte for a cozy afternoon treat. The flavors complement each other beautifully.
Healthier Options
For those looking to tweak the recipe for dietary needs or preferences, here are some suggestions:
Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to add fiber and a nuttier flavor to your bread.
Reduced Sugar: You can reduce the sugar by up to a third if you prefer your bread less sweet.
‘The cranberries and pumpkin both add natural sweetness.
Egg and Dairy Substitutes: For a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based milk.
Why This Recipe Works
This Pumpkin Cranberry Bread recipe balances the moisture of pumpkin puree with the tartness of cranberries, creating a harmoniously flavored loaf. The spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, infuse the bread with warmth and depth, embodying the essence of fall.
Additionally, the simplicity of this recipe makes it accessible to bakers of all levels. The process of mixing wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them is a standard technique in baking that ensures a uniform texture without overworking the batter.
Pumpkin Cranberry Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this bread is sure to impress with its moist crumb, vibrant flavors, and the delightful pop of tart cranberries in every bite.
It’s a recipe that invites customization and will become a go-to for making your home smell like autumn. Bake a loaf to share with friends and family, and enjoy the warmth and comfort it brings to your table.
