Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Fall’s Coziest Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Autumn’s crisp breeze signals the perfect moment to bake this irresistible pumpkin bread recipe that promises warmth in every slice.

Loaded with rich spices and a deep pumpkin flavor, this bread delivers comfort straight from your kitchen.

The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance through your home, beckoning everyone near.

Each carefully measured ingredient blends into a tender, moist loaf that speaks of cozy afternoons and sweet indulgence.

Packed with seasonal charm, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a delectable treat.

Served warm with a dollop of butter, this pumpkin bread becomes an instant favorite that you’ll want to share with loved ones.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that captures the essence of fall in one delightful bite.

FAQs

  • What gives pumpkin bread its signature orange color?

The vibrant orange color comes from the pureed pumpkin, which not only adds beautiful hue but also provides natural moisture and rich flavor to the bread.

  • Is pumpkin bread a healthy option?

While delicious, pumpkin bread is typically a treat with moderate nutritional value. It contains some nutrients from pumpkin like vitamin A and fiber, but also includes sugar and flour that make it more of a dessert than a health food.

  • Can I make pumpkin bread without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with alternatives like mashed banana, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers. These ingredients help bind the mixture and maintain moisture similar to eggs.

  • Why do some pumpkin bread recipes include spices like cinnamon and nutmeg?

These warm spices complement the pumpkin’s natural flavor, creating a classic fall taste profile that enhances the bread’s overall richness and aroma.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 13

What You Need for pumpkin bread

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and rich autumn flavor, choose 100% pure pumpkin without added spices for best results.
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates tender crumb and helps keep bread moist, opt for neutral-flavored oils like canola or sunflower.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and binding, select fresh large eggs at room temperature for smoother mixing.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of bread, look for unbleached flour with consistent protein content.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning, white sugar creates lighter texture.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bread rise and creates tender crumb, ensure it's fresh and not expired.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
For Spices and Flavoring:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, classic autumn taste, choose freshly ground for most intense flavor.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Adds subtle depth and complexity, whole nutmeg freshly grated provides superior taste.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes zesty undertone, select high-quality ground ginger for best results.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds depth, pure vanilla extract offers richer taste compared to imitation.

What You’ll Use for pumpkin bread

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for beating eggs and mixing dry ingredients without lumps.
  • Loaf pan (9×5 inch): Creates the classic pumpkin bread shape and ensures even baking.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements are key to successful baking.
  • Spatula: Helps scrape batter from sides of bowl and spread evenly in pan.
  • Cooling rack: Allows bread to cool without getting soggy on the bottom.
  • Parchment paper (optional): Makes removing bread from pan easier and prevents sticking.

How to Make pumpkin bread

  • Protect Your Freshly Baked Treasure

Keep your delicious pumpkin bread in a sealed container on your kitchen counter. It’ll stay moist and yummy for about 3 days at room temperature.

  • Extend Shelf Life in the Fridge

Want to keep your bread a bit longer? Wrap it snugly in plastic or place in an airtight container. Your pumpkin bread will remain delectable for up to a week when chilled.

  • Freeze for Future Enjoyment

Craving pumpkin bread later? No problem! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then slide it into a freezer bag. Your bread will stay perfect for 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just let it thaw naturally on the counter.

Tips to Upgrade pumpkin bread

  • Add a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt to keep your pumpkin bread incredibly moist and tender throughout baking.
  • Experiment with different spice combinations like cardamom, nutmeg, or ginger to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic pumpkin bread.
  • Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add xanthan gum to maintain the bread's soft texture and prevent crumbling.
  • Replace eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or flax eggs, and use plant-based milk and oil to create a delicious dairy-free and egg-free version of the bread.
  • Prepare the batter the night before and refrigerate overnight to develop deeper flavors and save time during morning baking.

Plating Tips for pumpkin bread

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Pair a warm slice with creamy butter or cream cheese spread for a delightful morning treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Weekend Brunch Highlight: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon for a hearty weekend breakfast that'll impress family and friends.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice into thin pieces and enjoy with a steaming cup of chai or pumpkin spice latte for a comforting mid-afternoon snack.
  • Dessert Transformation: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce to turn this bread into an irresistible after-dinner dessert.

Store pumpkin bread Like a Pro

  • Keep your pumpkin bread in a sealed container on the kitchen counter, enjoying its delightful taste within 3 days for maximum flavor and soft texture.
  • Extend your bread's life by refrigerating in a tight container or wrapped in plastic, maintaining moisture and quality for up to 7 days.
  • Slice the bread, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer bag to enjoy homemade goodness for 3 months, perfect for future snacking or unexpected guests.
  • Remove frozen bread from the freezer and let it naturally warm to room temperature, ensuring the bread retains its original moist and delectable characteristics without compromising taste or texture.
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Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe

Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Tangy “Traeger Smoked Grape Jelly Meatballs” blend smoky barbecue charm with sweet and savory notes. Hearty comfort meets grill mastery, promising a crowd-pleasing feast you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork

Main Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Sauce and Optional Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (12 oz) grape jelly
  • 12 ounces (12 oz) chili sauce (such as Heinz)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Fire up the Traeger grill, positioning the temperature dial precisely at 225 degrees fahrenheit for optimal smoking conditions.
  2. Select premium wood pellets like hickory, cherry, or apple to infuse the meatballs with a rich, complex aromatic profile.
  3. Craft uniform meatballs, ensuring consistent size and shape to promote even smoking and cooking throughout.
  4. Meticulously arrange the meatballs on a clean grill grate, spacing them to allow uninterrupted smoke circulation.
  5. Close the Traeger lid, allowing the gentle wood smoke to envelop the meatballs, transforming their texture and developing deep, nuanced flavors.
  6. Smoke the meatballs for approximately 60-75 minutes, monitoring internal temperature to guarantee thorough cooking without drying.
  7. While smoking, prepare the grape jelly glaze by whisking together grape jelly, tangy barbecue sauce, and optional complementary spices.
  8. Once meatballs reach a safe internal temperature, generously brush them with the glossy grape jelly mixture, creating a luscious, caramelized exterior.
  9. Return the glazed meatballs to the smoker for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and intensify the flavor profile.
  10. Remove the meatballs from the Traeger, letting them rest briefly before serving to allow juices to redistribute and enhance overall succulence.

Notes

  • Choose mild wood pellets like hickory or fruit woods to enhance the meatballs’ smoky flavor without overpowering the grape jelly sweetness.
  • Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them for quick smoking, ensuring consistent size and texture for even cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 160F to guarantee food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meatballs.
  • Consider using lean ground beef mixed with ground pork for a more complex flavor profile and improved moisture retention during smoking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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