Pumpkin Raisin Bread

If the period of time from mid October through mid December could be defined by a flavor, it would be the taste you get with this pumpkin bread with raisins. Sweet, spiced and buttery all in one, this is simply a delicious bread that also happens to look great, both in loaf and in slice form.

It is a forgiving recipe, despite the complexity of the flavor profile, so even novice bakers need not be intimidated by this one. Just measure  your ingredients carefully, follow the steps, and let’s get baking.

Pumpkin Raisin Bread Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: As with most fine baked goods, all-purpose flour is the hero this recipe.
• Baking soda: Make sure you don’t leave out the baking soda, though, or that flour won’t rise the occasion.
• Ground cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a classic autumnal spice that does much to define the flavor of this spiced pumpkin bread.
• Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg is a powerful flavoring agent, so make sure not to use more than the recommended teaspoon.
• Sugar: 3 cups of sugar bring the sweetness to this treat of a loaf.
• Canola oil: We recommend canola oil because it’s neutral flavor profile does not interfere with the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Use four large eggs, beaten, and ideally you can let them come to room temperature before you commence the cooking.
• Buttermilk: 3/4 of a cup of buttermilk help the flavor and the texture of this delicious bread.
• Vanilla extract: Vanilla extract is one of the greatest baking ingredients ever devised.
• Butter flavoring: Usually made from a blend of compounds that are not actually derived from butter, butter flavoring is a powerful ingredient.
• Pumpkin: You’ll need one can of solid pack pumpkin, which you should be able to find at the grocery store throughout autumn, if not beyond.
• Raisins: If your raisins are on the larger side, take the time to chop them down a bit.
• Chopped pecans: And make sure to chop the pecans down so the nuts blend into the bread and bake evenly.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

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In a large bowl, sift together the flour, soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Then, add the sugar, oil, eggs and buttermilk and mix everything well. Next stir in the flavorings of pumpkin, raisins and pecans.

Step 2: Bake the bread

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Pour the batter into two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans, and bake the bread at 350°F for 60 to 65 minutes or until the bread tests done. Let it stand for 10 minutes before removing it from the pans to cool on a wire rack.

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Raisin-Filled Pumpkin Spice Bread Variations

• Try it with cranberries: This bread is quite tasty with the raisins but it’s also excellent with cranberries. You could even try it with dry cherries.
• Use a buttermilk substitute: To substitute for each cup of buttermilk in any recipe, use 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice plus enough milk to measure 1 cup. Stir these and then let them stand for five minutes.
• Use some brown sugar: Swapping out half of the white sugar with brown sugar reduces the potency of the sweetness a bit and adds a bit more depth to this bread.

How to Store Pumpkin Raisin Bread

Pumpkin bread with raisins can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to four days or store it in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Can you freeze this bread?

Yes! Wrap it in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap and then place in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty resealable freezer bag and freeze it for up to two months. Thaw it while wrapped at room temperature.

Pumpkin Raisin Bread Tips

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What should I serve with this bread?

A cup of coffee or hot cocoa is all the accompaniment this rich and tasty bread needs. Of course a scoop of ice cream or fresh fruit would be welcome as well.

Could I make this bread with whole wheat flour?

Yes, you could! You can follow the exact same recipe using whole wheat flour for a hearty bread with a bit less sweet of a flavor profile.

Can I use melted butter instead of butter flavor?

Absolutely, but you should probably use twice as much actual butter as butter flavoring to achieve similar results.