Go Back
To make a rich and tasty pumpkin loaf, you need: - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground ginger These dry ingredients create the perfect base. The flour gives structure. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. The salt and spices add flavor and balance. Next, you need the wet ingredients: - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - 1 cup pure pumpkin puree - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup packed brown sugar - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients bring moisture and sweetness. The applesauce and pumpkin puree keep the loaf soft. The sugars add sweetness and a nice golden color. For extra flavor and texture, consider these add-ins: - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans - ½ cup chocolate chips These add-ins can make the loaf even more special. Nuts give a nice crunch, while chocolate adds a sweet surprise. You can mix and match based on your taste. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide to making this delicious treat. - Preheat to 350°F (175°C) - Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, grab your 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can grease it with a bit of oil or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal after baking. - Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Add in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of ground ginger. Whisk them together well, so there are no clumps. Set this bowl aside for later. - Mix applesauce, pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla Now, let’s make the wet mixture. In a large bowl, combine ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce and 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree. Add ¾ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Crack in 2 large eggs, then pour in ½ cup of vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until it's smooth and well mixed. - Fold dry mixture into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing Next, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Take the dry mixture and gradually fold it into the wet mixture. Use a silicone spatula to gently combine them. It’s okay if some lumps remain. Avoid overmixing; this keeps the loaf soft and moist. - Incorporate nuts or chocolate chips gently If you want to add some fun, now is the time! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans, or ½ cup of chocolate chips if you like. Be gentle to keep the batter fluffy and light. - Pour batter into the pan and bake for 55-65 minutes Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. If the top gets too brown, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes. To make your pumpkin loaf super moist, avoid overmixing. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. This keeps the loaf light and fluffy. Also, use fresh pumpkin puree if you can. It adds a richer flavor and moisture compared to canned puree. Watch your loaf while it bakes. If it gets too brown on top, cover it with aluminum foil. This helps it cook evenly without burning. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. If it has batter on it, bake a bit longer. Slice your warm loaf and serve it with butter or cream cheese. These pair well with the pumpkin flavor. For a nice touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top. This adds a sweet finish and makes it look lovely. Enjoy each bite of this tasty treat, and share it with friends! {{image_4}} To make a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that include xanthan gum, as it helps with texture. You can measure it the same way as regular flour. This change keeps your loaf soft and moist. If you need a dairy-free option, replace eggs with flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. For oil, use coconut oil or avocado oil instead of vegetable oil. Both will keep your loaf rich and tasty. To make your loaf even more exciting, add some citrus zest. A teaspoon of orange or lemon zest brightens the flavor. You can also fold in dried fruits like cranberries or raisins. They add sweetness and texture to the loaf. This way, you can customize your pumpkin loaf to fit your taste. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. You can keep your pumpkin loaf fresh for three days. Wrap it well in plastic wrap. This helps lock in moisture. Place it in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight. If you notice it getting stale, you can toast slices for a warm treat. To store your loaf in the fridge, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it from drying out. It’s best to eat it within a week. You can also use an airtight container for extra protection. Just remember to let it cool before wrapping. Freezing your pumpkin loaf is a great option for later. First, slice the loaf into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer bag. This helps save space. When you want to enjoy a slice, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours. Enjoy the fresh taste! To make your pumpkin loaf extra moist, focus on key techniques and ingredients. First, use fresh pure pumpkin puree or a good quality canned one. This adds moisture and flavor. Next, add unsweetened applesauce; it keeps the loaf soft. Using vegetable oil instead of butter also helps. Oil locks in moisture better. Finally, avoid overmixing the batter. This keeps the loaf light and fluffy, resulting in a perfect texture. Yes, you can substitute unsweetened applesauce with other ingredients. Use mashed bananas or yogurt for a similar effect. Both will add moisture and flavor. You can also try pureed prunes for added sweetness. Each option will change the taste slightly, but they will keep your loaf moist. To enhance the flavor of your pumpkin loaf, consider adding spices and mix-ins. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Chocolate chips are another great option for a sweet twist. Try adding spices like clove or allspice for an extra kick. If you love citrus, a bit of orange zest brightens the loaf beautifully. When stored properly, the pumpkin loaf lasts about 3-5 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap it well and it can last for up to three months. Yes, you can make mini pumpkin loaves! Use a mini loaf pan instead of a standard one. Adjust the baking time to about 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean, the mini loaves are ready. This is a fun way to share them with friends! In this post, we covered the essential ingredients for a moist pumpkin loaf, how to bake it, and tips for perfecting your recipe. With this guide, you can make a delicious treat that’s great for any occasion. Remember to store your loaf well to ensure it stays fresh. Try different variations and enjoy the process. Baking is fun, and your pumpkin loaf will impress everyone. Happy baking!

Super Moist Pumpkin Loaf

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with this Super Moist Pumpkin Loaf recipe! Enjoy a deliciously tender loaf packed with spices and the goodness of pumpkin and applesauce. Follow our simple steps for a perfect bake every time, and feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ cup unsweetened applesauce

1 cup pure pumpkin puree

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

½ cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with a little oil or lining it with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.

    Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisk them together thoroughly until well blended, then set aside.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the applesauce, pure pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated and free of clumps.

        Fold Dry Into Wet: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula. Gently fold until just combined; it’s perfectly fine if a few lumps remain – do not overmix!

          Add Optional Mix-ins: If you're using nuts or chocolate chips, carefully fold them into the batter now, ensuring an even distribution without overworking the mixture.

            Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth out the top for an even bake.

              Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean. If the loaf browns too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

                Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it retains its moist texture.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr 10 min | 8 slices

                    - Presentation Tips: Slice the pumpkin loaf and arrange the pieces on a rustic wooden board for a charmingly homemade display. For an elegant touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or serve each slice warm alongside a dollop of butter or cream cheese spread. Enjoy the comforting flavors!