Description
This classic pumpkin loaf is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for fall and year-round enjoyment. Made with pure pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a hint of orange juice, this loaf is tender and aromatic. Semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted nuts add delightful texture and richness, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour, fresh and free of lumps
- 1 teaspoon baking soda, fresh for proper rise
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar, fine granulated
- 3/4 cup (150g) light or dark brown sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups (340g) pumpkin puree, 100% pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola/coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
Add-ins
- 2/3 cup (120g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), toasted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat to 350°F (177°C) for even baking and proper texture.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a metal 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with granulated sugar and brown sugar until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
- Add Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree evenly for moisture and flavor.
- Add Extras and Pour Batter: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted chopped nuts, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan smoothing the surface.
- Bake: Bake for 60 to 65 minutes, start checking at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean. Tent with foil if edges brown too fast after 40 minutes.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture and easier slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh baking soda for optimal rise and texture.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help batter mix more smoothly.
- Do not overmix batter to keep the loaf tender and avoid toughness.
- Check pumpkin puree ingredients to ensure it is 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains spices and sugar.
- Toasting nuts enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
- Cover the loaf with foil if it browns too quickly to prevent burning while finishing to bake thoroughly.