This Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread is a cozy treat packed with warm spices and hearty oats. It’s moist, sweet, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack with your favorite drink!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, bake, and enjoy the lovely fall smells wafting through the kitchen. You might want seconds—trust me, it’s hard to resist! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats give a great texture. You can use quick oats in a pinch, but they might make the bread slightly denser. Instant oats are not recommended as they won’t hold up the same way.
Pumpkin Puree: Feel free to use canned pumpkin for its convenience. If you have fresh pumpkin, just make sure it’s cooked and pureed smoothly. Some love to substitute butternut squash puree for a slightly different flavor. It works just as well!
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can swap in whole wheat flour if you want a heartier bread. Just remember, it might change the texture a bit, and you may need to add a tad more liquid.
Brown Sugar: If you’re out of brown sugar, make your own by mixing granulated sugar with a bit of molasses. Alternatively, coconut sugar can replace it for a healthier twist, though it may affect the flavor slightly.
Oil or Butter: I prefer using vegetable oil for a lighter texture, but melted butter adds a rich taste. You can even use melted coconut oil if you want a different flavor profile!
How Can I Get the Right Texture in My Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread?
The texture is key to a perfect bread. Here’s how to ensure yours is moist and fluffy:
- Soaking the oats in boiling water helps them plump up, making the bread tender and supportive of the rich pumpkin flavor.
- When mixing wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to bread that’s tough. Just stir until combined.
- Letting it cool briefly in the pan helps maintain the shape and keeps the crust nice. Then transfer to a wire rack for the best cooling.
These techniques will help you achieve a wonderfully soft Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread every time. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup boiling water
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Rolled oats for sprinkling
- Pumpkin seeds for sprinkling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 60-70 minutes of baking. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. So, overall, you will need around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Soak the Oats:
In a small bowl, pour the boiling water over the rolled oats. Let this sit for about 15 minutes so the oats soften and soak up the water.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger). This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the bread.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Add the soaked oats (with any remaining water) to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently. Then pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix!
6. Prepare the Loaf Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some additional oats and pumpkin seeds on top for a nice finishing touch!
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice, serve plain or with butter, and enjoy your homemade pumpkin oat goodness!
This heartfelt blend of pumpkin flavors and nutritious oats makes each bite a cozy experience. Happy baking!
Can I Use Instant Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
It’s best to stick with old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, as instant oats can make the texture too mushy. If you only have instant oats, just be aware that the bread may be denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. It also freezes well—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and it can last for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Pumpkin Puree with Something Else?
Absolutely! You can use butternut squash puree or even a mashed banana for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the consistency is similar to pumpkin for best results.
What Can I Serve with Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread?
Enjoy it plain, spread with butter or cream cheese, or even layered with nut butter for added flavor! It’s also fantastic alongside a warm drink like coffee or tea, making it a perfect cozy treat.
