Description
This Perfect Pumpkin Bread recipe yields moist and flavorful loaves infused with warm pumpkin spice and a hint of bourbon or vanilla. Baked to golden perfection with a sweet, crunchy sugar topping, this seasonal treat is ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, promising rich autumnal flavors and a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup neutral oil (e.g., extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice
For Topping and Preparation
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- Oil or baking spray, for preparing pans
Instructions
- Prepare pans and oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with oil or baking spray, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly in each pan to coat the bottom.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, bourbon or vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and dark brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice until well blended.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking continuously to incorporate. Once mostly mixed, stir by hand for about 50 strokes to ensure a smooth, uniform batter.
- Fill pans and add topping: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the tops of each loaf to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake the bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each loaf comes out clean, indicating they are perfectly cooked through.
- Cool the loaves: Remove the loaves from the oven. Carefully turn them out onto a cooling rack and let them cool completely before slicing. For enhanced flavor, allow the bread to rest overnight.
- Store leftovers: Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs mix better and help create a smooth batter.
- Using bourbon adds a subtle depth of flavor, but vanilla extract is a suitable non-alcoholic substitute.
- Sprinkling sugar in the pans before adding batter contributes to a delightful crunchy sugar crust on the bottom.
- For best results, let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling.
- If freezing, slice before freezing for convenience and thaw slices as needed.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using different size pans or ovens.
