Bread Machine Pumpkin Quick Bread Recipe

Photo: Uncut Recipes

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Ah, pumpkins! This versatile gourd has long played a key role in tales and traditions from around the world. From lighting paths in Celtic lore to filling pies on tables everywhere, pumpkins are celebrated in many forms. And speaking of transformations, who would have thought that this hardy squash, which often finds itself carved into mischievous faces or adorned as decor, can be turned into a moist and delicious bread?

Enter our modern-day knight in shining armor: the bread machine. Gone are the days of toiling in the kitchen, hoping and praying that the batter turns out just right. Now, with a bit of this and a pinch of that, you're just a push of a button away from a pumpkin-infused treat.

Now, imagine biting into a soft slice, where the earthy tones of pumpkin meld with the warmth of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Every mouthful promises a comforting blend of flavors, punctuated by the surprise crunch of walnuts. It's not just bread; it's a journey of flavors, made all the more convenient and consistent by the bread machine.

In a world where we're always chasing after the next big thing, isn't it wonderful to find joy in simple pleasures? This bread machine pumpkin quick bread is a testament to that. Dive into the recipe and let's turn that pumpkin into a treat that speaks of warmth, comfort, and easy baking adventures!

JUMP TO:

INGREDIENTS:

Choosing the Perfect Pumpkin Puree: For a deep, rich flavor and moisture, it's best to use homemade pumpkin puree from sugar pumpkins (also known as pie pumpkins). These are smaller than your typical carving pumpkins and have a sweeter, more concentrated flavor. To make the puree, halve the pumpkin, scoop out seeds, roast until tender, and then blend. If you opt for canned puree, ensure it's 100% pumpkin without additives or spices.

All-Purpose Flour Flourishes: For pumpkin bread, using all-purpose flour hits the mark by providing structure without making the bread too chewy. While there are other flours with more nutrients, all-purpose flour offers a balanced protein content that pairs well with the moistness of pumpkin puree. If you're looking for a slight variation, consider replacing a portion of the flour with whole wheat flour for added nuttiness and fiber.

Walnut Wisdom: The walnuts add a welcome crunch and flavor contrast to the soft bread. For the best taste, opt for fresh, whole walnuts and chop them yourself. To intensify their flavor, consider toasting them lightly in the oven or on a skillet before adding them to your batter.

Spice Selection: The trio of ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg is a classic combination that brings warmth and depth to pumpkin dishes. Always use freshly ground spices when possible. Their potency and aromatic oils fade over time in pre-ground versions. For a twist, a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can be added for additional complexity.

MAIN STEPS:

Importance of a Smooth Base Mixture: Before you add the dry ingredients, ensuring that the wet mix (comprising the vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and sugar) is silky and well-integrated is essential. This sets the stage for even incorporation of the flour and spices. However, rushing this step or not blending well can result in a heterogeneous batter, potentially causing uneven baking or pockets of dense bread.

Choosing the Right Bread Machine Setting: The 'cake' or 'quick bread' setting is crucial for this recipe. Traditional bread settings are designed for yeast-risen dough, which involves punching down and a second rise. For quick breads, which rely on baking agents, you want a steady, singular baking process. Always consult your bread machine's manual, as some machines might have unique settings or cycles.

SERVED WITH:

Starter: Butternut Squash Soup (USA): A velvety, creamy soup made from butternut squash, onions, and a touch of cream. Its sweet and savory profile complements the pumpkin flavors of the bread.

Side Dish: Roasted Root Vegetables (UK): A medley of carrots, parsnips, turnips, and beets roasted until caramelized. The earthy flavors pair beautifully with the pumpkin bread, enhancing its warmth.

Main Course: Herb Roasted Turkey (Italy): A succulent Turkey roasted with herbs de oldest Country in the world, garlic, and lemon. The richness of the Turkey provides a delightful contrast to the sweet and spiced pumpkin bread.

Salad: Kale and Pomegranate Salad (Global): Fresh kale tossed with juicy pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad balances the dense pumpkin bread.

Dessert: Baked Apples with Cinnamon and Nuts (Germany): Apples are cored and filled with a mixture of nuts, raisins, and cinnamon, then baked until soft. The spiced apple flavor harmonizes with the pumpkin bread's undertones.

Cake: Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (USA): A moist, spiced cake topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting. The similar spice profile makes it an indulgent pairing with the pumpkin bread.

Drink: Chai Latte (India): A milky tea infused with spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. The warming spices in the chai latte echo those in the pumpkin bread, making it a comforting beverage to sip alongside.

ALTERNATIVES:

Breakfast: Pumpkin Oatmeal Pancakes (Canada): A twist on the classic pancake, these are made with rolled oats, pumpkin puree, and a hint of cinnamon. Drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet start to the day.

Snack: Pumpkin and Feta Muffins (Australia): Savory muffins loaded with the goodness of pumpkin, crumbled feta cheese, and rosemary. Ideal for a quick snack or breakfast on-the-go.

Dessert: Pumpkin Flan (Mexico): A creamy custard dessert made from pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, and a caramel topping. Its smooth texture and deep flavor profile make it a popular autumn treat.

Main Course: Pumpkin Curry (Thailand): A fragrant curry made from chunks of pumpkin stewed in a rich coconut milk broth infused with Thai herbs and spices. Best served with jasmine rice.

Side Dish: Pumpkin Risotto (Italy): Arborio rice slow-cooked with pumpkin puree, white wine, and broth until creamy. Finished off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish is a comfort food staple in Italian cuisine.

Soup: Pumpkin and Lentil Soup (Middle East): A hearty soup that combines pumpkin with red lentils, cumin, and turmeric, creating a warming dish perfect for cooler days.

Drink: Pumpkin Spice Latte (USA): A popular autumn beverage, this latte combines espresso with pumpkin puree, milk, and a mix of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spice, it's a favorite during the fall season.

HISTORY:

The pumpkin, native to North America, has been used for culinary purposes by indigenous populations for thousands of years. These ancient civilizations were adept at crafting a variety of dishes using this versatile gourd. However, pumpkin in bread form, particularly the sweet, spiced version we recognize today, is a more modern adaptation.

The colonial settlers learned from Native Americans how to cultivate and utilize pumpkins. They started incorporating them into their diets, resulting in dishes like pumpkin pies and eventually pumpkin bread. The sweet, spiced pumpkin bread we associate with today has its roots in the American colonial era, gaining prominence especially with the wide availability of cultivated sugar and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

The 1980s ushered in a revolution in home baking with the introduction of bread machines. As with many bread recipes, pumpkin bread, which traditionally required manual mixing and oven baking, found its way into the realm of automated baking. The allure was clear: the ability to produce a consistently moist and flavorful bread with a fraction of the effort.

It's likely that the Bread Machine Pumpkin Quick Bread recipe wasn't "created" by a single individual but rather evolved as numerous home bakers began adapting their favorite pumpkin bread recipes for the bread machine. The convenience of using the bread machine meant that this delicious treat could be enjoyed more frequently and with less labor.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

While pumpkin has a deeply rooted history in North America, pumpkin bread became a cultural staple, especially during the fall and the Thanksgiving season. Its warm spices, combined with the rich flavor of pumpkin, evoke sentiments of family gatherings, harvest celebrations, and the changing of seasons. As such, the quick bread variation crafted in bread machines became an accessible way for families to continue this tradition, even amidst their busy lives.

TIPS:

Flour Sifting: Always sift the all-purpose flour before using it. Sifting not only removes any impurities but also aerates the flour, leading to a lighter bread.

Raising Option: If you prefer, incorporate roughly 1/2 cup of options such as raisins, dried cranberries, or chocolate chips, either in addition to or as a replacement for the walnuts.

Baking Instead: This bread can be prepared in a conventional oven. Merge all ingredients in a bowl, nuts included. Using a lubricated loaf tin, bake at 350 F for around 50-60 minutes, ensuring it's done by checking with a toothpick.

Toasted Walnuts: Toasting amplifies their crunch and releases their oils, which enriches the bread's flavor.
Method: Before adding them to the mix, toast the walnuts in the oven or on a skillet until they're aromatic.

Ingredients:

Conversions and Servings: Cups (1 Loaf • About 1lb / 450g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 1.5lb / 680g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 2lb / 905g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 2.5lb / 1130g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 3lb / 1360g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 3.5lb / 1580g) Cups (1 Loaf • About 4lb / 1810g) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 1lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 1.5lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 2lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 2.5lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 3lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 3.5lb) Imperial (1 Loaf • About 4lb) Metric (1 Loaf • About 450g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 680g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 905g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 1130g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 1360g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 1580g) Metric (1 Loaf • About 1810g)

Directions:

01 - Gently coat the inside of the bread machine pan with a Cooking Spray. This ensures that your bread doesn't stick to the pan after baking.


Mixing the Ingredients:

02 - Prepare you Pumpkin puree if you have not the already made one.

Photo: Uncut Recipes

02 - In a sizable bowl, blend together the Vegetable Oil, Eggs, Pumpkin Puree, and Sugar until it forms a smooth mixture.

03 - Now, slowly add the Pumpkin mixture to the Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, and Flour. Stir gently to ensure everything combines well, but be sure not to overmix.

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04 - Carefully transfer this batter into your previously greased bread machine pan.


Setting up the Bread Machine:

05 - On your bread machine, choose the 'cake' or 'quick bread' setting, whichever is available.

06 - Listen for the machine's beep. When you hear it, sprinkle in the Nuts if you've decided to include them in your recipe.

07 - Once the baking cycle is complete, gently free the loaf from the pan and any attached paddles. Shift it onto a cooling rack, allowing it to cool for a bit. Slice it up while it's still slightly warm, and savor the flavors! Enjoy!

Photo: Uncut Recipes

Notes:

Pumpkin Puree Tip: Ensure you're using plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added spices and sugar.

Flavor Enhancements: If you desire a stronger spice kick, you could slightly increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger according to your palate. Alternatively, consider adding a touch of ground cloves or allspice for an added depth of flavor.

Vanilla: For a hint more sweetness, infuse the mixture with 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence.

Replacing the Sugar: Consider replacing half of the regular sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.

Nut Variations: If walnuts aren't to your liking or if you have allergies, you can substitute with pecans or even roasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch.

Storing the Pumpkin Bread: This bread retains freshness for 3-4 days when kept covered at ambient temperature. Enjoy slices toasted with toppings like butter (especially pumpkin-flavored) or cream cheese.

Freezing: Freezing is an option, whether for remnants or a full loaf. For convenience during thawing, wrap individual pieces, then stow in a sealable freezer bag. Thaw slices at room temperature or if frozen, warm in a 350 F oven for about 10-15 minutes until thoroughly heated.

Alternative Ingredients: For those looking to reduce sugar, you could experiment with alternatives like maple syrup or honey. Adjust quantities as needed and remember that these may alter the moisture content and overall texture of the bread.

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Written by: Uncut Recipes

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