Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your kitchen, especially when it’s swirled with a delicious cinnamon sugar mixture. This Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread recipe is perfect for those cozy moments when you crave a taste of fall without making a large loaf. Moist, tender, and bursting with warm spices, this pumpkin bread is easy to whip up in a flash, making it ideal for a quick treat or an intimate gathering. Let’s dive into the recipe and see why this bread deserves a spot in your baking rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is packed with flavor, thanks to the perfect blend of pumpkin pie spice and a generous swirl of cinnamon sugar. It’s a small-batch recipe, meaning it’s perfect for when you want just enough to satisfy your cravings without having too many leftovers. The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, the combination of pumpkin and cinnamon makes it a quintessential fall treat that pairs beautifully with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients Needed

To create this delightful pumpkin bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin
• 1/4 cup canola oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 to 3 tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar (mix 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon for every 1 tablespoon of sugar)

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fine mesh strainer or sifter
• Mini loaf pans or brownie pan
• Parchment paper
• Toothpick or knife
• Wire cooling rack

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. If using mini loaf pans, lightly grease them and line with parchment paper, ensuring the paper is long enough to hang over the sides to help lift the bread out of the pans. If using a brownie pan, line 5 of the wells with 1-inch strips of parchment paper that hang over the sides.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, add the egg, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, canned pumpkin, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Using a fine mesh strainer or sifter, sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt over the wet mixture. Gently whisk until no dry streaks remain, ensuring that the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Fill the Baking Pans
Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared baking pans. Spoon a generous amount of cinnamon sugar over the top of the batter, then gently swirl it using a toothpick or knife. This will create a beautiful, marbled effect on the surface of your bread.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
Place the pans in the preheated oven. If using a brownie pan, bake for 20 to 23 minutes; for mini loaf pans, bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 6: Cool the Bread
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pans for 10 to 15 minutes on a wire cooling rack. Once slightly cooled, use the parchment paper sling to lift the bread out of the pans and let it cool completely on the wire rack.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Measure Accurately: Be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour, to avoid a dense or dry bread.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a tough texture.
• Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your pumpkin pie spice is fresh for the best flavor. Spices lose potency over time, so replace them regularly.
• Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. Oven temperatures can vary, and you don’t want to overbake your bread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Parchment Paper: The parchment paper sling makes it easy to lift the bread out of the pans without sticking. Don’t skip this step!
• Swirling Too Much: When adding the cinnamon sugar swirl, be careful not to over-swirl. You want distinct cinnamon ribbons, not a completely mixed batter.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your egg is at room temperature for better mixing and a smoother batter.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Use Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Try a Different Spice Blend: Swap out the pumpkin pie spice for chai spice or a simple blend of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Serve your pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top or serve with a dollop of whipped cream. Arrange slices on a wooden board with some cinnamon sticks and small pumpkins for a festive presentation.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I double this recipe to make a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a standard-size loaf or more mini loaves. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, fresh pumpkin puree can be used, but make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery.

What’s the best way to reheat pumpkin bread?
To enjoy warm pumpkin bread, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.

Conclusion

This Small Batch Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread is perfect for those cozy moments when you want a delicious, homemade treat without a lot of leftovers. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with a friend or enjoying all by yourself. Give it a try and see why it’s destined to become a fall favorite!

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