Re-Make Pumpkin Bread and Indulge
Quickbreads like pumpkin bread have long been staples for bakers. They are tasty, easy to make, and freeze well: you simply double the recipe and make a loaf for later.
On this lens, you'll find a recipe for lightly-spiced pumpkin bread and substitutions that will eliminate much of the sugar and fat in the original recipe. You can use these tips for other fruit and nut breads, as well. Enjoy your banana bread guilt-free!
The Ingredients
The basics for a traditional loaf of Pumpkin Bread
1½ cups all-purpose flour½ teaspoon of salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup pumpkin purée
½ cup olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup water
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon allspice
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
You can substitute a tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice for the nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice. You can also add a cup of dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins, for variety.
Skip the Canned Pumpkin and Cook Your Own
Get better taste and nutrition by using fresh pumpkin in your bread.
To make pumpkin purée, cut a small pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds and strings. Lay the halves facedown on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour.You can also cut your pumpkin into pieces and roast or boil them until tender. This makes removing the skin much easier. Cool the squash, scoop out the flesh, and mash it with a fork. Freeze whatever squash you don't use and throw the rinds away (or into your compost pile).
No pumpkin? Try this recipe with sweet potatoes, instead. You can also use butternut or acorn squash.
Baking Supplies for Making Pumpkin Bread
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Loaf Pan
Amazon Price: $8.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
Norpro Grip-ez 12 Piece Measure Cup Spoon Set
Amazon Price: $8.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Revere 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Amazon Price: $20.00 (as of 10/11/2008)
Oxo Good Grips Soft Measuring Cups, Set of 7, Black
Amazon Price: $7.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Baker's Secret Basics Nonstick Petite Loaf Pan
Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 10/11/2008)
Mix It Up
Make your batter
Preheat oven to 350°F and generously coat the inside of a 9"x5"x3" inch loaf pan with your preferred cooking spray. Use a non-stick pan, if you have one.Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Set aside your dry ingredients.
Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices thoroughly. Combine your wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing lightly. Fold in the nuts and pour the batter into your prepared pan.
Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick or knife inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn your pumpkin bread out of the pan and let it cool on a wire rack. Quick breads taste great warm but will crumble badly when you cut them before they have cooled completely.
Make Your Pumpkin Bread Healthier
Try these variations and substitutions to reduce sugar and fat.
You can substitute ¾ cup of whole wheat flour to use half white and half whole wheat flour. If you do, add a bit of butter or extra pumpkin to increase the moisture. You may also need to add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking soda to help the bread rise.If you would like to reduce the amount of sugar in your pumpkin bread, substitute ½ cup of Splenda granular sweetener for ½ cup of the sugar. If you do, add an extra ½ teaspoon of baking soda to help your bread rise.
You can substitute applesauce for the olive oil to reduce the amount of fat in this recipe. You can also use ½ cup of egg substitute or four egg whites instead of the 2 eggs. Add two teaspoons of oil if you don't use whole eggs, especially if you use applesauce instead of oil. The fat in the oil and eggs helps quick bread's texture and eliminating it will get you rubbery pumpkin bread.
Read more about cooking healthier by substituting to reduce fat and sugar.
Do you have tips, suggestions, or variations?
Please share!
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stargazer00
LOVE pumpkin bread! Thanks for the recipe. Posted September 27, 2008 |
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awelldressedbullet
Definitely one recipe I have to try! Excellent lens and recipe, good luck in the Squidinner Bread Contest! - Kathy Posted September 16, 2008 |
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ebay-grandma
Great looking recipe. I've always liked cooking my own pumpkin for pies. Thanks for joining our contest. Posted September 07, 2008 |
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poddys
Sounds like a great recipe, I love pumpkin bread. Posted July 06, 2008 |
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boutiqueshops
Great idea, up to now I'd been sticking with banana, applesauce and nut breads. I'll try this! Printed! Thanks! Posted May 09, 2008 |
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KimGiancaterino
Mmmmmm. I love this spice combination. We just got a new convection oven, so I need to keep experimenting. Welcome to Culinary Favorites From A to Z. Posted May 08, 2008 |
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kiwisoutback
I had no idea cooking your own pumpking was healthier, I'll have to give that a try! Posted February 04, 2008 |
