This Apple Pumpkin Bread is a warm and cozy treat that combines sweet apples and spiced pumpkin. It’s perfect for chilly days and will fill your kitchen with a lovely smell.
I love how easy it is to whip up! You just mix the ingredients, pour it in a loaf pan, and bake. Enjoy a slice with your favorite cup of tea or coffee. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour gives the bread its structure. If you’re gluten-free, try using a gluten-free flour blend; it works well in quick breads.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is super convenient. If you prefer fresh, you can roast and puree a sugar pumpkin instead. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any added spices.
Apples: For a sweet touch, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These varieties hold their shape well. If you’re out of apples, you could substitute with finely chopped pears.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add great crunch and flavor. If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds make a good alternative. Also consider walnuts for a different taste.
How Can I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Fluffy?
For perfect moist and fluffy bread, follow these tips:
- Use room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients; gentle folding keeps the bread light.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out with crumbs, it’s done. Overbaking will dry it out.
Letting the bread cool in the pan briefly helps it set, making cutting easier without crumbling.
How to Make Apple Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 1 medium apple, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons brown sugar for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and approximately 60-70 minutes of baking. So, get cozy and plan for about 2 hours altogether to enjoy this delightful bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This helps ensure everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will take about 2-3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air into the mixture, which is essential for fluffy bread!
4. Add the Eggs and Pumpkin:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, making sure to beat well after each addition. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Add the Fruit and Nuts:
Gently fold in the chopped apple and ½ cup of chopped pecans. This will add delicious texture and flavor to your bread!
7. Pour and Top:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If you like, you can sprinkle the top with the remaining pecans and the optional brown sugar for a crunchy finish.
8. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready! If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
9. Cool:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess!
10. Slice and Enjoy:
Once cooled, slice the bread and enjoy it plain or spread with butter for an extra treat. Perfect to share or savor all on your own!
Can I Substitute Apples with Other Fruits?
Absolutely! You can use finely chopped pears or even add dried fruits like cranberries for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the moisture content is similar to maintain the bread’s texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pumpkin Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree a sugar pumpkin, but make sure it’s completely pureed and not watery before using it in the recipe.
What Can I Do if the Bread is Too Sweet for My Taste?
If you find it too sweet, try reducing the sugar by ¼ cup the next time you make it. You might also consider using unsweetened apple sauce instead of some sugar, as it provides moisture and a touch of sweetness!
