Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Ina Garten, the beloved Barefoot Contessa, has crafted a pumpkin bread recipe that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen.

As an addition to the wide range of delectable quick breads, this recipe brilliantly combines the warmth and richness of pumpkin with simple yet enticing flavors.

When you try Ina Garten’s pumpkin bread, you’ll appreciate the perfect harmony of spices and the moist texture that it offers.

The recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.

How to Make Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients List

To make Ina Garten’s delicious pumpkin bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Process

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine the wet ingredients

Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a large bowl until well combined.

Add the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient mixture.

Mix gently until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.

If using chocolate chips or chopped walnuts, fold them into the batter at this point.

Step 5: Fill the loaf pans

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.

Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure the batter is level.

Step 6: Bake the pumpkin bread

Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.

If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the loaf pans for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious Ina Garten pumpkin bread.

Side Dishes for Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Bread is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of complementary side dishes.

Here are some side dish suggestions to serve with pumpkin bread that are easy to make and enhance the flavors of your dessert.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

A perfect pairing for your pumpkin bread is a pumpkin spice latte.

The warm, spiced beverage complements the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the pumpkin bread.

Adding a pumpkin spice latte to your dessert plate highlights the pumpkin theme and creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere for your guests.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Scoop up a creamy, cold side of vanilla ice cream to serve alongside your Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread.

The coolness of the ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the warm, moist bread.

The flavors of the pumpkin bread and vanilla ice cream blend together seamlessly, showcasing the perfect partnership of autumnal spices and classic creaminess.

Whipped Cream

Top off your pumpkin bread experience with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.

The fluffy texture of the whipped cream adds a touch of indulgence without overwhelming the rich pumpkin flavors.

Whipped cream is a versatile side that can be added directly to the pumpkin bread or simply placed on the side for dipping.

Caramel Sauce

For an additional layer of sweetness, drizzle your pumpkin bread with a homemade caramel sauce.

The rich, buttery notes of caramel elevate the warm spices in the pumpkin bread and offer a luxurious twist to the classic recipe.

Presenting the caramel sauce in a small dish on the side allows your guests to add as much or as little as they please.

When serving Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Bread, don’t hesitate to get creative and try out these side dishes that complement the flavors and enhance the overall dessert experience.

Ingredients Substitutes

Pumpkin bread is a delicious autumnal treat that can be enjoyed year-round, and Ina Garten’s pumpkin bread recipe is no exception.

If you’re looking to make substitutions for some of the ingredients in the recipe, here are some options to consider:

Coconut Oil

If vegetable oil is not your preference, coconut oil can be a great alternative.

The flavor of coconut oil complements the pumpkin and spices in the bread while providing a healthier option rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).

To substitute, use the same amount of coconut oil as specified for the vegetable oil in the recipe.

Dark Chocolate Chips

Adding dark chocolate chips to your pumpkin bread can give it a decadent, indulgent twist.

Dark chocolate not only pairs well with the pumpkin and spices but also provides antioxidants that can benefit your health.

You can add approximately 1 cup of dark chocolate chips to the batter or to suit your taste preferences.

Almond Flour

For those looking for a gluten-free or lower-carb alternative to all-purpose flour, almond flour can be a suitable option.

It will provide a slightly denser and more moist texture while maintaining the bread’s delicious flavor.

To substitute almond flour, use an equal amount as called for with the all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time.

White Sugar

If you’d like to use a different sweetener, you can consider substituting white sugar with other options such as:

• Brown Sugar: This will add a slightly richer molasses flavor to the pumpkin bread. Substitute using a 1:1 ratio.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can provide a more subtle sweetness to the bread but add more liquid to the recipe. Use 3/4 cup of honey or maple syrup for every cup of white sugar, and reduce the liquid ingredients by 3 tablespoons to maintain the right consistency.
• Sugar Substitutes: Artificial sweeteners like stevia or erythritol can be used to reduce the sugar content of the pumpkin bread. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for substitution ratios. Experiment and find the option that best suits your preferences and dietary needs.

Remember, making substitutions in a recipe can change its flavor and texture, but it also allows you to customize the dish to your preferences and dietary requirements.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you!

How to Store Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

Storing your freshly baked Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread is essential to preserve its delicious flavor and maintain its moist texture.

To help you store your pumpkin bread, here are some simple and effective methods.

Room Temperature Storage

For short-term storage, you can keep your pumpkin bread at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Refrigerator

If you want to store your pumpkin bread for a longer period, consider placing it in the refrigerator.

Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.

Your pumpkin bread can last up to a week when stored this way.

Freezer

For long-term storage, the freezer is your best option.

Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices of pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in a freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container.

Make sure to label the bag or container with the date and type of bread.

Your pumpkin bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Remember, it is crucial to wrap your loaf or slices of pumpkin bread properly and keep them in an airtight container when storing them in the fridge or freezer.

This will ensure that your pumpkin bread stays moist and fresh for your future enjoyment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when preparing Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread.

Overmixing the Batter

When preparing Ina Garten’s pumpkin bread recipe, it’s crucial to avoid overmixing the batter in your mixing bowl.

Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to activate too much, leading to a dense and less airy bread.

To achieve the perfect texture, combine the wet and dry ingredients until they’re just incorporated.

Incorrect Oven Temperature

Baking pumpkin bread at the right temperature is essential to achieve a moist and delicious outcome.

Preheat your oven and cook the bread for 50-60 minutes at the precise temperature mentioned in the recipe.

Keeping an oven thermometer can help in ensuring accurate temperature maintenance.

Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately

For perfect pumpkin bread, measure the ingredients accurately, especially when using spices like ground allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Using too much or too little of any ingredient can alter the flavor and texture of the bread.

Use proper measuring tools like teaspoons and cups to prevent errors.

Combining Ingredients in the Wrong Order

It’s essential to follow the recipe’s specific steps when combining ingredients.

Start by mixing the dry ingredients (such as flour, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice) in a separate larger bowl.

In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients.

Then, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture to ensure everything is thoroughly and evenly combined.

Uneven Cooking

If you notice that the top of your pumpkin bread is browning too quickly while the inside is still undercooked, adjust your oven temperature and place aluminum foil over the bread to prevent over-browning.

This will help even out the cooking process and ensure your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked throughout.