Pumpkin is pretty versatile - it can be savory - tossed with spices and roasted, blended into curries or baked into deliciously sweet treats. It’s loaded with beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A), potassium, and soluble fiber, it promotes eye health, glowing skin, and strong cardiovascular function.
When fall rolls around so do the warming spice blends. Allspice, ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg form the backbone of cozy autumn flavor profiles. Our go-to fall treat is this spiced pumpkin bread. Its super easy and pairs perfectly with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
spiced pumpkin bread
Ingredients:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp ground Ceylon cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground ginger
¾ tsp salt
2 tbsp black strap molasses
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
½ cup melted coconut oil
¼ cup orange juice
Instructions:
Grease an 8 x 4” loaf pan with coconut oil and set aside. Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until combined then add the oil, pumpkin puree and orange juice. Stirring to combine.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together using a rubber spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Do not over-mix.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes, making sure to loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent the top from getting too brown.
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with only a few small moist crumbs. Time will vary depending on your oven, so begin checking every 5 minutes around the 50-minute mark.
Once finished, cover with aluminum foil and allow to cool completely.
autumn spice blend….
Cinnamon: Contains active compounds like cinnamaldehyde with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger: Stimulates blood circulation to help warm up cold hands, feet, and the body during chilly weather. Immune Defense: Offers natural anti-inflammatory and decongestant support for seasonal changes
Allspice: Rich in plant polyphenols and eugenol (the same compound found in cloves) that fight free radicals.
Nutmeg: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects, Oral Health, Metabolic and Heart Health Indicators