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Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread

The scent of baking spice bread always takes me back to autumn weekends spent at my grandmother’s. Her kitchen, perpetually warm and inviting, would be filled with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking pumpkin. While she had her own secret recipe, this Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread comes remarkably close, capturing that same comforting, homey essence in every slice. It’s more than just bread; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yields: 2 Loaves
Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 (13 1/2 ounce) jar pumpkin butter (Muirhead, or your favorite brand)
3/4 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
2 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup raisins (optional)

Equipment Needed

Two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (optional, but recommended)
Measuring cups and spoons
Rubber spatula
Toothpick

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven is fully heated when the bread goes in, promoting even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin butter, canned pumpkin, sugar, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well combined. An electric mixer will make this step easier, but you can also achieve good results with a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease.
In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Ensure that all the dry ingredients are properly incorporated to prevent clumps and ensure even distribution of the spices throughout the bread.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread. Mix only until the flour disappears and the batter is smooth.
Gently fold in the chopped pecans and raisins (if using). Distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
Grease and flour two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from sticking to the pans. You can use cooking spray, butter, or shortening to grease the pans, followed by a dusting of flour. Tap out any excess flour.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for 65-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 15 minutes. This allows the bread to set slightly and makes it easier to remove from the pans.
After 15 minutes, carefully remove the bread from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve slices of the Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread. It’s delicious on its own, or with a dollop of cream cheese (honey nut flavor is particularly good).

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding it to the wet ingredients. Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using.
To prevent the nuts and raisins from sinking to the bottom of the bread, toss them lightly with a tablespoon or two of flour before adding them to the batter.
If you don’t have pumpkin butter on hand, you can make your own by combining canned pumpkin puree with brown sugar, spices, and a touch of maple syrup. Simmer until thickened and fragrant.
If you want a more intense spice flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special treat, serve it with a generous spread of cream cheese, a drizzle of honey, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

To store, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, wrap a slice in foil and warm it in the oven or toaster oven. You can also microwave it for a few seconds until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Estimated nutritional information per slice (assuming 16 slices per recipe, 8 per loaf):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	217 kcal	11%
Total Fat	12g	18%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	23mg	8%
Sodium	187mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	30g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Sugars	19g	N/A
Protein	3g	6%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Dairy-Free: While this recipe isn’t inherently dairy-heavy, ensure your pumpkin butter is dairy-free. You can also use a plant-based cream cheese for serving.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pepitas.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
Chocolate Chip Version: Fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips along with the pecans and raisins.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of canned pumpkin?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which will alter the recipe’s flavor and sweetness levels. Canned pumpkin puree is the best choice.

Q: Can I make this bread in a bundt pan?
A: Yes, you can bake this bread in a bundt pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 55 minutes.

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: My bread is sinking in the middle. What did I do wrong?
A: This could be due to several factors, including overmixing the batter, using old baking soda or baking powder, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and follow the instructions carefully.

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
A: While you can reduce the sugar slightly, keep in mind that sugar contributes to the bread’s moisture and texture. Reducing it too much may result in a dry or dense bread.

Final Thoughts

This Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in your own kitchen. The simple act of baking this bread fills the house with the comforting aromas of autumn, making it the perfect treat to share with friends and family. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the joy of homemade goodness. And remember, baking is as much about the process as it is about the final product, so relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey! Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to your preferences and make it your own. Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Pecan Pumpkin Butter Spice Bread Recipe