Description
This moist and flavorful Maple Pumpkin Loaf combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree and maple syrup with warm spices and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a cozy, spiced treat, this loaf is easy to prepare and bakes to a tender crumb that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Blend Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could result in a dense loaf.
- Add Walnuts and Pour Batter: Fold in the chopped walnuts evenly throughout the batter, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Maple syrup adds natural sweetness and enhances the pumpkin flavor; adjust the amount if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of yogurt or applesauce if desired.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This loaf freezes well; slice and freeze portions for quick snacks later.
