Walnut Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Delicious Fall Favorite
Guide or Summary:PumpkinWalnutSpicesRecipeAs the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a fresh loaf of walnut……
Guide or Summary:
As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there's nothing quite like the warmth of a fresh loaf of walnut pumpkin bread. This hearty, nutty, and aromatic bread is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for the cooler months. With a hint of pumpkin spice and the crunch of walnuts, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let's dive into the mouthwatering world of walnut pumpkin bread.
Pumpkin
The cornerstone of this recipe is, of course, pumpkin. Pumpkin, with its rich orange flesh and slightly sweet flavor, is a versatile ingredient in baking. It adds moisture to bread and imparts a delightful earthy taste. Pumpkin is also loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium, making it a healthy addition to your diet. When selecting a pumpkin for baking, opt for a firm, smooth-skinned variety, such as a sugar pumpkin or a pie pumpkin. These types of pumpkins are less stringy and have a sweeter flavor, which is ideal for baking.
Walnut
Walnuts are not only a delicious addition to this bread but also offer numerous health benefits. These small, dark brown nuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants. Walnuts can help reduce inflammation, improve heart health, and even support brain function. To incorporate walnuts into your bread, simply chop them finely and mix them into the batter. The nutty flavor and crunch of walnuts will elevate the texture of the bread, making each bite a delightful surprise.
Spices
The spices in this walnut pumpkin bread recipe are what truly set it apart. A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds a warm, comforting aroma to the bread. These spices work together to create a flavor profile that is reminiscent of the classic pumpkin pie, but with a more savory twist. The spices also help to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin and the nuttiness of the walnuts, resulting in a perfectly balanced loaf of bread.
Recipe
To make this delightful walnut pumpkin bread, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This walnut pumpkin bread recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you're baking it for a cozy family dinner or as a Thanksgiving side, this bread is sure to be a hit. The combination of pumpkin, walnuts, and warm spices creates a loaf that is both comforting and delicious. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some mouthwatering walnut pumpkin bread. Your taste buds will thank you!