This Pumpkin Apple Bread is a tasty blend of cozy flavors! With sweet apples and a hint of pumpkin spice, it’s perfect for fall or anytime you want a warm treat.
Baking this bread fills your kitchen with the yummiest aroma. Trust me, I can’t resist a slice with my morning coffee! It’s like a hug in bread form. 🥰
What I love most is how easy it is to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake—then enjoy warm or toasted! It’s a delicious way to use up extra apples or pumpkin puree, too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is the base for this bread. You could try whole wheat flour for a healthier twist, but it might change the texture a bit. Just be sure to adjust the liquid slightly if the batter feels too thick.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this bread its warm flavor. If you’re missing one, try using a pumpkin pie spice blend instead. It works well too! Cinnamon is a must-have, though; it’s the star here.
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, but homemade puree is even better if you have time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep the flavor right.
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness. If you want a sweeter bread, try Fuji or Gala apples. You can even mix a few types for added flavor!
Nuts: I love adding walnuts for crunch. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for texture.
How Do You Ensure Your Pumpkin Apple Bread Is Moist and Delicious?
Getting the right texture for this bread is key. Here are my tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter when adding the dry ingredients. Just stir until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
- If your apples are particularly juicy, you might want to reduce the oil slightly to prevent excess moisture.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely; this helps it maintain shape and prevents sogginess.
- Storing it in an airtight container or wrapping with plastic can help keep it moist longer.
How to Make Pumpkin Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Apple Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll bake it for around 60 to 70 minutes. Once it’s baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Overall, you’re looking at under 2 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and lightly flouring a 9×5 inch loaf pan will help your bread come out easily. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra ease.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Stir well until everything is combined nicely. Next, add the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Add Apples and Nuts:
Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts gently. This will add great flavor and texture to your bread.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the mixture into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
8. Cool & Enjoy:
Once done baking, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it up and enjoy it warm or at room temperature, maybe with a pat of butter!
Can I Use Fresh Apples Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
No, it’s best to use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, you’ll need to cook and puree it first, ensuring it has a similar texture to canned puree.
Can I Use a Different Type of Oil?
Absolutely! While vegetable oil is commonly used, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil, olive oil, or even applesauce for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that using applesauce may slightly alter the texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Pumpkin Apple 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 before enjoying it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for an extra special touch. Just be cautious about adding too many extra ingredients, as it may affect the baking time and texture.
