Allspice Pumpkin Bread

Allspice Pumpkin Bread Recipe from Trinidad and Tobago

Region / culture: Trinidad and Tobago | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 70 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Allspice Pumpkin Bread is a delightful and aromatic baked good that perfectly encapsulates the essence of fall. This recipe combines the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with the warm, comforting notes of allspice, ginger, and brown sugar, creating a moist and tender loaf that's ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and promises to fill your home with its enticing aroma.

History

The tradition of pumpkin bread dates back to the early American settlers who utilized the native pumpkin in various dishes. Over time, incorporating spices such as allspice and ginger became popular, adding depth and warmth to the bread. This Allspice Pumpkin Bread recipe is a modern take on those early recipes, balancing the flavors to create a bread that is both nostalgic and suited to contemporary palates.

Ingredients

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
0.5 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cooked butternut squash or canned pumpkin
0.5 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
2 cups sifted flour
1 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
2 tsp ground allspice
0.25 tsp ground ginger
1 cup raisins
0.5 cup chopped unsalted cashews or walnuts
0.25 cup water

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine the sugars, squash, oil, and eggs.
Beat until well blended.
In another large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, allspice, and ginger.
Add the squash mixture to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Stir in the raisins, nuts, and water until well blended.
Pour the batter into a well-greased 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan.
Bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until a cake tester comes out clean, about 70 minutes.
Turn the loaf out onto a wire rack to cool before serving.

Variations

Consider adding chocolate chips or swapping the raisins for dried cranberries for a different flavor profile. For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, ensure your baking soda is fresh to help the bread rise properly. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, do so gently to avoid overworking the batter, which can result in a dense loaf. Additionally, soaking the raisins in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the batter can prevent them from absorbing moisture from the bread, keeping the loaf moist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Allspice Pumpkin Bread warm with a spread of cream cheese or butter. For a special treat, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the bread at a consistent temperature and not opening the oven door frequently ensures even cooking. Using a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness is a reliable technique.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Applesauce can be used as a substitute for vegetable oil to reduce fat content.

Make Ahead Tips

This bread can be made ahead and freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the bread and arrange it on a wooden board for a rustic look. Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole walnuts for an elegant touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Allspice Pumpkin Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a dessert option, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A slice of Allspice Pumpkin Bread contains approximately 250 calories. This makes it a hearty option for a snack or part of a balanced breakfast.

Carbohydrates

A single serving of Allspice Pumpkin Bread contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The sugars from the brown and granulated sugar contribute to the sweetness and tender texture of the bread.

Fats

This recipe yields a bread with about 10 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the vegetable oil and walnuts. These fats contribute to the moistness and rich flavor of the bread.

Proteins

Each serving of Allspice Pumpkin Bread provides around 4 grams of protein, coming from the eggs and flour. Protein adds to the structural integrity of the bread, helping it to rise and maintain its shape.

Vitamins and minerals

Pumpkin is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and iron. These nutrients are preserved in the bread, contributing to its nutritional profile.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (gluten), and tree nuts (walnuts). Those with allergies should take caution or make appropriate substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Allspice Pumpkin Bread is a delicious treat that offers a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, it is calorie-dense and contains allergens, so consumption should be moderated accordingly.

Summary

Allspice Pumpkin Bread is a versatile and delicious baked good that embodies the flavors of fall. With its rich history and the ability to adapt to various dietary needs and preferences, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether enjoyed on a crisp morning or as a comforting snack, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are both satisfying and nourishing.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I discovered this recipe is a cherished memory that I hold dear in my heart. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside. My grandmother, a sweet and gentle woman with a passion for cooking, had always been my inspiration and mentor in the kitchen.

One crisp autumn day, as the leaves were beginning to turn shades of red and gold, my grandmother invited me to help her bake a special treat for our family. As we gathered the ingredients and set to work in the warm and cozy kitchen, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe we were about to create.

The recipe for Allspice Pumpkin Bread had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a dear friend who had traveled to distant lands and brought back the exotic spice of allspice. It was said that the combination of allspice and pumpkin created a magical blend of flavors that was both comforting and delicious.

As my grandmother shared her memories of learning how to make this bread from her own mother, I could sense the love and tradition that was infused into every step of the process. From the careful selection of the ripest pumpkins to the meticulous measuring of the spices, each ingredient was chosen with care and attention to detail.

As we mixed the batter and poured it into the baking pans, the fragrant aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice filled the air, creating a sense of warmth and nostalgia that I would never forget. As the bread baked in the oven, the scent grew stronger, beckoning us to eagerly await the finished product.

When the bread was finally done, we let it cool on the counter before slicing into thick, moist slices that were bursting with flavor. The allspice added a subtle warmth and depth to the pumpkin, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that left us craving more.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, my grandmother smiled at me with pride, knowing that she had passed down not just a recipe, but a piece of our family's history and heritage. The Allspice Pumpkin Bread became a staple in our household, a beloved treat that we shared with friends and neighbors on special occasions.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe, adding my own personal touch and creating new memories with my own family. Each time I bake a loaf of Allspice Pumpkin Bread, I am reminded of that special day in my grandmother's kitchen, when I learned the importance of tradition, love, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.

And so, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will carry on the tradition and make it your own. May the Allspice Pumpkin Bread bring you as much joy and warmth as it has brought to me, and may it always remind you of the love and legacy that is woven into every bite.