Pumpkin Bread: A Nostalgic Twist with Unexpected Spice

As autumn leaves swirl outside, I find myself craving something homey yet surprisingly adventurous. This pumpkin bread breaks tradition with a dash of unexpected spices like cardamom and a hint of orange zest, elevating a classic comfort food into something memorable. The aroma alone, with its warm notes of cinnamon and fresh pumpkin, is enough to bring everyone into the kitchen.

What sets this recipe apart is its ability to evoke memories of autumnal grandma kitchens while offering a fresh, gourmet twist. The moist crumb, dotted with crunchy pecans and a subtle citrus zing, makes it more than just a snack. It’s a perfect companion for chilly mornings or late-night cozy evenings.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Pecans and Orange Zest

This pumpkin bread features a moist, tender crumb infused with warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom, complemented by fresh orange zest. Chopped pecans add crunch, and the bread’s golden-brown crust creates an inviting appearance. The batter is mixed, poured into a loaf pan, and baked until fragrant and perfectly baked through.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 3/4 cups chopped pecans

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Loaf pan

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, and salt until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and eggs until smooth and slightly frothy.
4. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter should be a bit lumpy.
5. Stir in the orange zest and chopped pecans evenly into the batter for added flavor and crunch.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal a moist crumb dotted with pecans and flecks of orange zest.

This pumpkin bread feels like a soft whisper of fall in every bite. Its fragrance, a blend of spices and roasted pumpkin, lingers warmly on the senses. Making this bread is a comforting ritual that reconnects you with the changing seasons and simpler joys.

Whether it’s baked for loved ones or enjoyed in solitude, this recipe offers a moment of calm and warmth. It’s a slice of tradition with a small twist, perfect for embracing the cozy days ahead.