As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, fall brings with it the flavors we look forward to all year—pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and warm, comforting treats. Among the delights of the season, one stands out for its unique twist: Coffee-Spiced Pumpkin Bread. This delightful recipe takes the beloved classic pumpkin bread and elevates it with the bold, aromatic addition of coffee, adding depth and richness to every bite. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this bread will quickly become your go-to fall treat.
Why Coffee-Spiced Pumpkin Bread?
Pumpkin bread has always been a fall staple, but adding coffee takes this classic recipe to a new level. Coffee is known for its ability to enhance other flavors, particularly the warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves often found in pumpkin recipes. The slightly bitter edge of coffee complements the sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. If you’re a coffee lover, this bread is an ideal way to incorporate your favorite beverage into your baking. If you’re new to coffee-infused treats, this recipe offers a delicious introduction.
Ingredients
Before diving into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee (cooled to room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Add-Ins (Optional):
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or cinnamon chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: Brew the Coffee
Brew a strong cup of coffee. You only need 1/2 cup for this recipe, so use the extra to sip on while baking! Allow the coffee to cool to room temperature before adding it to the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. Set the dry ingredients aside.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, cooled coffee, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk to beat the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients to the Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf. The batter should be thick but smooth.
Step 6: Fold in the Add-Ins
If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or any other mix-ins, gently fold them into the batter at this point. These add-ins will give your bread an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If you’d like, you can sprinkle a few more nuts or chocolate chips on top for added decoration.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Bake the pumpkin bread in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Every oven is different, so begin checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature with a spread of butter or cream cheese, and maybe a hot cup of coffee on the side.
Tips for Success
- Use Strong Coffee: For a more pronounced coffee flavor, brew strong coffee or even use espresso. You can also experiment with different coffee roasts for varying flavor profiles.
- Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of the recipe.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf. Mix just until the flour is incorporated into the wet ingredients for a tender, moist bread.
- Storage: Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months.
Variations
- Glazed Topping: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, coffee, and a dash of cinnamon over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
- Spiced Nut Topping: Mix together some chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to sprinkle over the top of the batter before baking. This will create a crunchy, sweet crust on the bread.
- Chocolate Swirl: Swirl in some melted dark chocolate into the batter for an extra indulgent twist.
Why You’ll Love Coffee-Spiced Pumpkin Bread
This coffee-spiced pumpkin bread is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall while indulging your love for coffee. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed any time of day. Pair it with your morning coffee for a delicious breakfast, or serve it as an afternoon snack with a latte. The combination of rich coffee and warm pumpkin spices creates a unique, comforting treat that will have you reaching for another slice.
The beauty of this recipe is its balance—neither the coffee nor the pumpkin overwhelms the other, but instead, they complement each other perfectly. The coffee deepens the flavor of the pumpkin while the spices enhance the earthy, slightly sweet notes of the coffee. The result is a bread that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
As fall settles in, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than by baking up a loaf of Coffee-Spiced Pumpkin Bread. It’s a fresh twist on a beloved classic, combining the warmth of pumpkin spices with the boldness of coffee for a treat that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, grab your coffee, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the cozy aromas of fall.
