This Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread is a cozy treat that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s moist, filled with pumpkin goodness, and has a nice hint of cinnamon—what’s not to love?
Every slice brings a warm, homey feel. I like to toast mine and slather on a bit of butter. It’s the ultimate fall comfort food, and you won’t even need a fancy coffee shop for it! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rolled Oats: They add texture to the bread and soak in some moisture. If you don’t have rolled oats, quick oats can work, but they won’t give the same chewy texture.
Canned Pumpkin Puree: Essential for moisture and flavor. If you’re short on pumpkin, mashed banana or applesauce can be a good substitute, though it’ll change the taste a bit.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: These fats keep the bread moist. I love using melted butter for a richer flavor, but you can use coconut oil for a different twist!
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both are crucial for the rise. If you’re out of baking powder, you can use an extra 1/4 tsp of baking soda along with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to get the same effect.
Spices: The mixture of spices makes this bread so warm and inviting. Feel free to adjust according to your taste; a bit more cinnamon never hurts!
How Do I Make Sure My Oatmeal Bread is Moist and Not Dense?
The key here is mixing your ingredients properly. Make sure not to overmix the batter when combining wet and dry ingredients. This can lead to dense bread!
- Soften the rolled oats in boiling water for about 10 minutes to help with moisture.
- When adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently fold them in until just combined. A few lumps are totally fine!
- Use fresh leavening agents (baking soda and powder) to ensure proper rising.
Finally, be sure to cool your bread on a wire rack after baking. This keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 cup rolled oats, plus extra for topping
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (optional)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or pumpkin seeds for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55-65 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need around 1 hour and 15 minutes in total from start to finish. After baking, you’ll want to allow for some cooling time as well—so maybe set aside a couple of hours to truly enjoy making this cozy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper—a little extra assurance that your bread won’t stick!
2. Prepare the Oats:
Next, grab a medium bowl and pour the rolled oats into it. Cover them with boiling water and give them a good stir. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to soften—this helps the oats blend nicely into your bread.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In another large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, and eggs until everything is nice and smooth. This mix is going to be the flavorful base of your bread!
4. Combine the Oats:
After the oats have soaked, add them to the pumpkin mixture—make sure to include any water left! Stir until everything is evenly combined. It should look beautifully orange and inviting.
5. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, optional whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. This gives your bread the perfect rise and flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix! Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until they come together. You want to avoid overmixing, so just mix until you see no flour clumps—leave some lumps for a nice texture!
7. Fold in Nuts (if using):
If you’d like to add some nuts, this is the perfect time. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans to add some crunch to your bread.
8. Pour into the Pan:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top for a nice finish.
9. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle some extra rolled oats and pumpkin seeds over the top of the batter for a decorative touch and yummy crunch!
10. Bake:
Slide your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go!
11. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Patience is key here—it will be worth the wait!
Now, slice up your wonderfully spiced Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread, and enjoy it warm or toasted with a bit of butter. Happy baking! 🍞
Can I Use Quick Oats Instead of Rolled Oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats, but they will create a different texture. Rolled oats provide more chewiness, while quick oats will blend in more smoothly. If using quick oats, reduce the soaking time to about 5 minutes.
Can I Substitute the Oil with Applesauce?
Absolutely! You can replace oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, but will still keep the bread moist.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Oatmeal Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can wrap it well and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
What Toppings Can I Use for Extra Flavor?
Besides pumpkin seeds and rolled oats, you can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped dried fruit can also enhance the flavor and texture nicely!
