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Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread Recipe 81.png

Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread Recipe


  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 loaves (20 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

🎃 Moist cranberry pecan pumpkin bread packs fall spices, tart berries, and crunchy nuts – healthier comfort with applesauce swap.
🍂 Quick-mix batter bakes two loaves in 1 hour; perfect for breakfast, gifts, or holiday brunches.


Ingredients

– 3 cups all-purpose flour – Gives the bread structure and helps the loaf rise properly.

– 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and makes the flavors pop.

– 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and stay light.

– 1 teaspoon baking soda – Works with the pumpkin and sugar for a tender crumb.

– 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – Brings in that cozy fall flavor everyone loves.

– 2 cups canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling – Adds moisture, color, and classic pumpkin flavor.

– 2/3 cup brown sugar – Adds deeper sweetness and helps keep the bread soft.

– 2/3 cup granulated sugar – Balances the brown sugar and gives the loaf a nice sweetness.

– 1 cup applesauce or canola oil – Adds moisture; either option works well depending on preference.

– 3 eggs at room temperature – Bind the batter together and help the loaf set properly.

– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Boosts the warm flavor and rounds everything out.

– 1 cup dried cranberries – Adds chewy tart bites throughout the loaf.

– 1 cup chopped toasted pecans – Brings crunch and a nutty finish.


Instructions

1-First Step: Get the pans and oven readyPreheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans, then line them with parchment paper. This helps the cranberry pumpkin bread release easily once baked, which makes your life much easier later. If you only have one pan, bake in batches, but two pans are ideal for this recipe.

2-Second Step: Mix the dry ingredientsIn a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening and spice evenly through the batter. That way, every slice of this pecan pumpkin bread tastes just right instead of having one random bite loaded with spice.

3-Third Step: Mix the wet ingredientsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce or canola oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and well combined. If your eggs are at room temperature, they will blend more smoothly into the batter and help the loaf bake evenly.

4-Fourth Step: Bring the batter togetherStir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until moistened and combined. Try not to overmix, because that can make the bread dense. A few streaks of flour disappearing into the batter is fine. The goal is a soft, tender cranberry pecan pumpkin bread recipe, not a tough loaf that fights back when you slice it.

5-Fifth Step: Fold in the cranberries and pecansGently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped toasted pecans, saving a small amount of pecans for the top if you want a pretty finish. This step gives the loaf its signature cranberry pecan bread flavor and texture. If you prefer a slightly different mix, you can swap dried cranberries for fresh ones, but toss them in a little flour first so they do not sink.

6-Sixth Step: Fill the pans and bakePour half of the batter into each prepared loaf pan. Smooth the tops lightly with a spatula, then sprinkle the reserved pecans over the surface if desired. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you are using very moist pumpkin puree, start checking around the 50-minute mark.

7-Seventh Step: Cool before slicingLet the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step matters because it lets the crumb set and keeps the slices neat. If you cut too early, the bread can crumble and lose that lovely soft texture.

Notes

🎃 Pack pumpkin into measuring cup for accuracy due to moisture.
🥄 Applesauce keeps it moist and lowers fat vs. oil.
❄️ Wrap cooled loaves airtight; freezes up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breads
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: cranberry pecan pumpkin bread, fall pumpkin loaf, spiced cranberry bread, pecan pumpkin quick bread