As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf filling your kitchen. This delightful bread captures the essence of autumn with its rich pumpkin flavor, warm maple sweetness, and crunchy walnut texture. It’s the perfect addition to your fall baking recipes collection, whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a slice with your morning coffee.
This pumpkin loaf combines seasonal ingredients to create a treat that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. The natural sweetness of maple syrup pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of pumpkin, while walnuts add a delightful crunch in every bite. If you’re searching for fall comfort food that’s easy to make and loved by all, this recipe is your go-to choice for the season.
Join me as we dive into crafting this irresistible loaf, exploring every step from gathering ingredients to savoring the final slice. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this pumpkin bread recipe is designed to bring warmth and joy to your home this autumn.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dessert / Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
What You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component matters:
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of this loaf, providing moisture and a rich, earthy flavor that defines pumpkin desserts.
- Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that enhances the autumnal vibe, adding depth to the flavor profile in maple recipes.
- Walnuts: These bring a nutty crunch, balancing the soft texture of the bread and adding healthy fats.
- Flour: The foundation of the loaf, giving structure and body to hold all the delicious flavors together.
- Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evoke that classic fall baking warmth.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
- Baking Soda & Powder: Leavening agents to ensure the loaf rises beautifully.
Discover the autumnal flavors in this Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf
INGREDIENTS
- – 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- – 1 tsp baking soda
- – 1/2 tsp baking powder
- – 1/2 tsp salt
- – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- – 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- – 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- – 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- – 2/3 cup pure maple syrup
- – 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- – 2 large eggs
- – 1 tsp vanilla extract
- – 3/4 cup chopped walnuts
PREPARATION
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 40 minutes.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 280 per slice
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
*Nutritional values are approximate and based on 10 servings.
Why Use Pure Maple Syrup?
Using pure maple syrup in this Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf elevates the flavor with its natural, caramel-like sweetness. Unlike artificial syrups, pure maple contains no additives and pairs seamlessly with fall baking recipes, enhancing the pumpkin’s earthy tones.
Can I Substitute Walnuts?
If walnuts aren’t your favorite, you can easily swap them for pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option. Each alternative adds a unique texture to this pumpkin loaf, keeping it just as delightful.
How to Store Your Loaf
To keep your pumpkin bread recipe fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months.
Adding a Glaze
For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle your loaf with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup. This addition transforms it into a standout among fall cakes for special occasions.
Pairing Suggestions
This loaf shines when paired with a hot cup of chai tea or apple cider, making it a quintessential piece of fall comfort food. Serve it as a dessert or a breakfast treat alongside whipped butter or cream cheese.
Making It Vegan
For a vegan-friendly version of this pumpkin dessert, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and ensure your maple syrup is vegan-certified. The result is just as moist and flavorful.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf. Simply roast or steam pumpkin chunks, then blend until smooth. Ensure it’s not too watery by straining excess liquid to maintain the loaf’s texture.
How Do I Know When the Loaf Is Done?
The best way to check if your pumpkin loaf is ready is the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center after about 55 minutes of baking. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If there’s wet batter, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to This Recipe?
Yes, chocolate chips are a fantastic addition to this pumpkin bread recipe. Fold in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips along with the walnuts for a decadent twist that complements the maple and pumpkin flavors.
Is This Loaf Freezer-Friendly?
Definitely! This fall baking gem freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Savor the flavors of fall with this delightful pumpkin loaf
Conclusion
The Maple Walnut Pumpkin Harvest Loaf is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors. With its tender crumb, sweet maple notes, and hearty walnuts, this loaf is a must-try for anyone craving fall comfort food. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a quiet weekend at home, this treat will warm your heart and home with every slice.
Ready to fill your kitchen with the scents of fall baking recipes? Grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let’s create something magical together. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with me—I’d love to hear how your loaf turned out! For more seasonal inspiration, check out other pumpkin desserts on the blog.
