This Chunky Apple Pumpkin Bread is the epitome of cozy autumn baking. Combining the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin with the crisp sweetness of apples, this bread is a perfect treat for cool fall mornings or festive gatherings. The moist, tender crumb is studded with chunks of fresh apple and seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting and hearty loaf that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a delightful addition to your holiday spread, this bread offers a delicious way to embrace the flavors of the season.
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
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into small chunks
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs and Pumpkin: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well combined. Mix in the pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apple and nuts, if using.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
This Chunky Apple Pumpkin Bread is a delightful and flavorful way to celebrate fall. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter or a cup of tea for a truly comforting treat.