Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin-spiced everything, and of course, days filled with the warm aroma of freshly baked goodies wafting through the kitchen. Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes: **Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread**. This delightful treat is not only bursting with the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices, but it also has this incredible texture, thanks to the instant vanilla pudding mix. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be transported to a happy place filled with crunchy leaves, crisp air, and perhaps the warm glow of a fireplace.
This recipe carries a special place in my heart because it’s one I’ve been making with my family for years. Growing up, my grandma always had a loaf of this delicious bread waiting for us after school, slathered with a bit of butter. We’d sit around the kitchen table, savoring every crumb and sharing stories about our day. Now, every time I whip up a batch, it brings back those lovely memories and fills my home with an inviting warmth that’s just unbeatable.
What’s in Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread?
So, let’s break down the magic that goes into this scrumptious loaf!
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! Use either canned or fresh pumpkin puree—both work just great. I usually opt for canned for ease, but if you have fresh pumpkins lying around, definitely give them a go!
Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar: A mix of these two types of sugar not only sweetens our bread but also adds depth of flavor. The brown sugar gives it that rich, caramel-like touch which I absolutely adore.
Vegetable Oil: This adds moisture and helps create that soft, fluffy texture that makes each slice irresistible.
Vanilla Pudding Mix: Here’s our secret ingredient! The instant vanilla pudding mix makes the bread incredibly moist and gives it a beautiful flavor. Make sure it’s the instant kind because we want that silky texture.
Eggs: These act as a binder, helping the bread rise beautifully and keeping it tender.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base that gives structure to our loaf.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: A double-agent duo to ensure our bread rises perfectly!
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger): These warm spices add warmth and depth—think of them as the hug your bread gives you with every bite.
Salt: Just a pinch! It heightens all those delicious flavors, trust me.
Powdered Sugar: Optional, but let’s be honest—a dusting of powdered sugar on top makes everything a little more festive and perfect for brunch!
Is Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health factor. While no one would say this bread is exactly a health food, it does bring some lovely elements to the table.
Pumpkin: This powerhouse is loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, particularly vitamin A, which is great for your skin and eyes. Plus, it adds moisture without a lot of fat.
Sugars: The sugars do add up, so just a little reminder that indulging occasionally is perfectly fine—as long as it’s in moderation!
Spices: The spices not only bring flavor but also have some health benefits. For example, cinnamon has been noted for its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels.
So while this isn’t a health-conscious loaf, it’s definitely a joyful treat that celebrates the season!
Ingredients List
This recipe serves about 8-10 slices. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla pudding mix (instant)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1/4 tsp salt
– Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread?
Ready to get baking? Let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier release.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well until everything is super smooth.
3. Add the vanilla pudding mix and eggs to the pumpkin mixture. Beat until thoroughly combined, and don’t be afraid to get a little whisk action in there!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger), and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leaveners and spices.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a soft, tender loaf!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7. Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly at this point!
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Once cooled, if you feel fancy, dust the top with powdered sugar, slice, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Get Creative With Your Bread!
One of the lovely things about this recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Want to add some chocolate chips for a sweet twist? Go for it! Maybe toss in some nuts for a little crunch? Yum! You could also substitute half of the flour for whole wheat flour to sneak in some extra fiber.
And if you’re feeling extra festive, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze on top instead of powdered sugar. Just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or water and drizzle away!
I can’t wait for you to try my Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread. Each slice is like a warm embrace of fall nostalgia, and I hope it brings the same joy to your kitchen as it has to mine! So go ahead and whip up a loaf, and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!
