Enjoy the goodness of pumpkin and pecan in this simple and delicious pumpkin loaf cake. Featuring the warm and inviting flavors of pumpkin and the crunch of pecans, this easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts. With just a few simple ingredients, you will have a delicious loaf of pumpkin pecan cake that will be the talk of the neighborhood. Enjoy this seasonal treat with a cup of hot cocoa or as a special dessert to end any meal.
Dive Right In
Ok, so it’s officially fall! The weather is starting to cool down and the store shelves are lined with pumpkin spice everything! Confession time, this is my absolute favorite season. Everything from the warming flavors to the cozy blankets I just can’t seem to get enough.
So in true spirit of the season I’m kicking things off with my simple pumpkin pecan loaf cake recipe. This loaf cake gives you all the feels of the season with the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and pumpkin.
If you’re looking for easy fall dessert recipes then I’ve got you covered with this pumpkin pecan loaf recipe. This loaf is moist, and tender and each bite leaves you wanting more.
More About The Ingredients
- Pumpkin: for this recipe I opted to use canned pumpkin purée to keep things quick and easy. However feel free to use homemade pumpkin purée. If you choose to use the canned pumpkin be sure not to substitute for pumpkin pie mixture.
- Unsalted Butter: is used in this recipe due to the flavor and the tender texture that it provides. In this recipe we aerate the butter during the mixing process. Aerating helps to incorporate air into the batter resulting in a lighter crumb.
- Spice: blend of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to bring the taste of fall into every bite of this pumpkin loaf
- Unbleached All Purpose Flour: I prefer unbleached however, bleached all purpose flour will work just fine in this recipe. I would advise against swapping out the all purpose flour for another type of flour. Flours such as cake flour or pastry flour are milled from a softer wheat. This means it will not create a strong enough structure for your pumpkin loaf
- Sour Cream: the addition this ingredient in this recipe helps to add moisture. Sour cream also makes for a tender, melt in your mouth forkful
Recipe Variations
- This classic pumpkin loaf recipe is meant to be used as a template of sorts. This recipe can be altered as you wish.
- Mix ins can be added to upgrade this simple recipe. Think pecans, chocolate chips, raisins, even a cream cheese filling.
- Another great way to spice up this recipe is with different toppings. A streusel topping would not only add another layer of flavor but texture as well.
- Topping this pumpkin loaf with a glaze would make this dessert a crowd pleaser at any function.
- Are you looking for a more handheld version of this recipe turn this loaf into pumpkin muffins. Divide the batter evenly into your greased muffin pan. Bake at 350 F until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 15 to 20 minutes
Classic Pumpkin Loaf
Equipment
- Stand Mixer A hand mixer can be used for this recipe if you do not have a stand mixer
- Paddle Attachment A paddle attachment is necessary to properly aerate the butter
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowls To measure out all ingredients before beginning
- 9” x 5” Loaf Pan A 8” x 4” loaf pan will work in with this recipe, however cooking time may need to be adjusted
- Silicone Spatula Use this spatula to scrape down sides of bowl during mixing process
- Fine Mesh Sieve Optional
Ingredients
- 3 Cups All Purpose Flour Unbleached
- 1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- ¼ Teaspoon Cloves Ground
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter Softened
- 1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar
- ½ Tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 2 Eggs Large
- 1 ¾ Cups Pumpkin Purée 15 ounce can
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Cup Pecans Chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Let butter sit at room temperature for 1 to 2 hours until soft to the touch
- Measure out all ingredients in recipe
- Preheat oven to 350 °F
- Grease pan evenly coating on all sides
Mixing
- Sift all purpose flour and baking soda (optional)
- Combine cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and cloves
- Cream butter and sugar in stand mixer with paddle attachment for 3 minutes on medium speed
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined
- Scrape sides of bowl to make sure all ingredients get thoroughly combined
- Add pumpkin purée, sour cream and vanilla extract in increments and mix until just combined
- Add flour, baking soda and spice mixture in increments on low speed, do not overmix
- (optional) Gently fold chopped pecans into batter
- Pour batter into greased loaf pan, use a spatula to smooth batter evenly in the pan
Bake
- Bake for 50 minutes at 350 °F or until cake tester inserted comes out clean 50
- Let cool in pan for 15 minutes then remove from pan and finish cooling on cooling rack 15
Slice and Enjoy
- This pumpkin loaf can be served warm or wrapped tightly in cling wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
Notes
- Butter should be soft to the touch but not melted
- Scrape down sides of bowl frequently during mixing process to ensure batter is mixed properly
- Do not overmix your batter, this will result in a tougher more dense cake
- Let your imagination run wild when it comes to mix ins: Pecans, chocolate chips, raisins
- Sifting the flour is optional but I highly recommend not skipping this step; sifting helps to incorporate air and helps to prevent densely textured baked goods
- This recipe makes enough batter for one 9”x5” loaf pan plus 4-6 muffins (depending on how large you like your muffins!)
-
Sparkling Strawberry Champagne Cheesecake
The creamy goodness of cheesecake perfectly complements the elegant combination of champagne and strawberries. With its velvety texture and rich flavor, this decadent dessert takes indulgence to a whole new level.
-
Budget-Friendly Homemade Treats: Delicious Savings After The Holidays
Get ready to discover budget-friendly ingredients, clever substitutions, and thrifty baking hacks that will save you money.
-
Orange Dream Pound Cake
Are you a citrus lover looking for the ultimate orange dream pound cake recipe? Look no further! Indulge in the tangy goodness of this irresistible dessert that boasts the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
