This moist, lightly spiced pumpkin-maple hazelnut bread has a delightful hint of maple and is generously dotted with crunchy, nutty hazelnuts. It’s the perfect treat for the fall season!

The Ultimate Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread: A Cozy Fall Delicacy

There’s a unique joy that comes with the autumn season – the crisp air, the vibrant colors, and of course, the comforting aroma of pumpkin and warm spices wafting from the kitchen. While I adore spending time baking, I must confess, there’s an undeniable pleasure in having someone else prepare a delicious homemade treat for me! Yes, I sometimes indulge in a bit of delightful laziness, and I admit it without shame.

The inspiration for this truly exceptional Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread came from my sister-in-law, Kylie. She discovered this tempting recipe on Pinterest and, knowing my love for all things pumpkin, asked if she could bake it during her stay at our home before moving into her new place. My response? I pondered it for a fleeting half-second, then let out a theatrical sigh and quipped, “I suppose, if you really insist.”

The more honest version of events is that I probably begged and pleaded until she simply couldn’t refuse any longer. Whatever the true narrative, the outcome was glorious: this delectable bread disappeared in a flash. Its rich, homey flavor perfectly captures the essence of fall, making it an instant classic for any seasonal gathering or quiet moment.

Why This Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread Will Become Your New Fall Favorite

This isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a celebration of autumnal flavors and textures. Every bite is an experience, from the incredibly moist crumb to the delightful crunch of the hazelnuts. Here’s a closer look at what makes this Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread an absolute must-bake this season:

• Irresistibly Moist Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and oil ensures a bread that is exceptionally moist and tender. It melts in your mouth and stays fresh for days, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
• Perfectly Balanced Spices: Infused with just the right amount of ground cinnamon, this bread offers a comforting warmth that evokes cozy fall evenings. The spices enhance the pumpkin without overpowering its natural sweetness.
• Subtle Maple Sweetness: Pure maple syrup is the star sweetener here, lending a distinctive, natural sweetness and a delicate depth of flavor that complements both the pumpkin and the nutty hazelnuts beautifully. It also contributes to the bread’s incredible moisture.
• Delightful Nutty Crunch: Generous amounts of toasted, chopped hazelnuts (also known as filberts!) are folded into the batter, providing a satisfying crunch in every slice. Toasting them beforehand truly unlocks their rich, buttery flavor.
• Simple & Straightforward: Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. With clear instructions and common pantry ingredients, it’s accessible for bakers of all skill levels, delivering impressive results every time.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you serve it as a hearty breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack with coffee or tea, or a comforting dessert, this pumpkin bread fits seamlessly into any part of your day.

The Ultimate Indulgence: Pair it with Nutella!

While this bread is undeniably delicious on its own, I have a special recommendation that will elevate your taste experience to pure bliss: spread a healthy, generous amount of Nutella on each slice. Trust me on this one!

Most of the pieces of this bread disappeared from my kitchen with a thick layer of Nutella. We justified it by claiming to be “true foodies,” expertly pairing the subtle nuttiness of the hazelnuts baked into the bread with the decadent, chocolatey hazelnut flavor of the spread. The combination is absolutely divine – a symphony of sweet, nutty, and subtly spiced notes that will send you straight to dessert heaven. If you happen to be one of the rare individuals who doesn’t enjoy Nutella, well, let’s just say our friendship might need an immediate re-evaluation! (Kidding, mostly. It just means more Nutella for me!)

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Perfect Loaf

The magic of this Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving its signature moist texture and rich, comforting flavor. Understanding each component helps ensure baking success:

• Flour Blend (Whole Wheat & All-Purpose): This recipe cleverly uses a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. The whole wheat flour contributes a lovely, earthy depth and adds a wholesome chewiness, while the all-purpose flour keeps the crumb light and tender. This balance is key to the bread’s satisfying texture.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Forget granulated sugar for this one! Pure maple syrup is not just a sweetener; it’s a flavor enhancer. Its distinct, rich, and slightly earthy notes pair exquisitely with pumpkin and hazelnuts, bringing that authentic autumnal taste. Plus, it’s a natural liquid sweetener that helps maintain the bread’s incredible moisture. If pure maple syrup is hard to find, good quality honey, agave nectar, or a mild molasses can be used, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
• Solid Pack Unsweetened Pumpkin Puree: This is crucial! Always ensure you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that will disrupt the carefully balanced flavors of this recipe. The pumpkin provides natural sweetness, a beautiful orange hue, and a significant boost to the bread’s moistness.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice, cinnamon brings warmth, a fragrant aroma, and a gentle kick that perfectly complements the sweetness of pumpkin and maple. For an even more complex spice profile, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or a hint of allspice.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work in harmony to give the bread its perfect rise and airy structure. Always ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal leavening power.
• Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt is essential for balancing the sweetness, enhancing the other flavors, and ensuring the bread doesn’t taste flat.
• Vegetable or Canola Oil: Oil is chosen over butter in this recipe for its ability to create a consistently moist and tender crumb that stays soft for longer. It provides richness without making the bread heavy.
• Large Eggs: Eggs are binders that provide structure, moisture, and richness to the bread, contributing to its overall tender texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract rounds out all the flavors, adding a subtle warmth and sweetness that enhances the entire loaf.
• Chopped Hazelnuts (Filberts), Toasted: These are non-negotiable! Hazelnuts add an incredible textural contrast and a rich, buttery flavor. Toasting them briefly before chopping and adding them to the batter is a critical step that intensifies their nutty essence, making them truly shine in this bread.

Baking Tips for a Flawless Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Loaf

To ensure your Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured every time, keep these simple yet effective tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for quick breads. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir only until they are just moistened. A few lumps are perfectly acceptable. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense, and less tender bread.
2. Properly Prepare Your Loaf Pan: To prevent your delicious bread from sticking, generously grease and lightly flour your 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the longer sides, to create “handles” for easy removal after baking.
3. Toast Your Hazelnuts: For maximum flavor and aroma, take a few extra minutes to toast your hazelnuts before chopping them. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven (or in a dry pan on the stovetop) for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool slightly before chopping. This step truly enhances their natural oils and nutty taste.
4. Ensure Your Pumpkin Puree is Unsweetened: Double-check the can label to confirm you are using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The latter contains added spices and sugars that will throw off the recipe’s balance.
5. Check for Doneness Accurately: Every oven can vary, so the baking time is a guideline. To test if your bread is thoroughly baked, insert a toothpick or a thin wooden skewer into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter), the bread is ready.
6. Cool Completely Before Slicing: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm loaf, resist the urge! Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 5-10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the internal structure to set, preventing the bread from crumbling when sliced and ensuring the best texture.
7. Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more evenly mixed batter, ensure your eggs and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the oil and maple syrup.

Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread Recipe

Yield:
10 Slices (1 large loaf)

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
45 mins

Total Time:
1 hr

Average: 4.86 stars (from 7 ratings)

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Ingredients

• 1 cup (142 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (142 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pure maple syrup, or honey, agave, or mild molasses
• 1 cup solid pack unsweetened pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped hazelnuts, toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. Set this prepared pan aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are well combined.
3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the pure maple syrup, solid pack unsweetened pumpkin puree, vegetable or canola oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients until they are smoothly blended.
4. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or rubber spatula until the ingredients are just blended. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and will contribute to a tender loaf.
5. Gently fold the toasted, chopped hazelnuts into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
6. Spread the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured loaf pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the very center of the loaf comes out clean (without wet batter). Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it.
8. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for five minutes. This allows the bread to set. After five minutes, carefully turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Slicing too early may cause it to crumble.

Author:
Mel

Course:
Bread, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine:
American

Method:
Bake

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 Slice,
Calories: 334kcal,
Carbohydrates: 44g,
Protein: 5g,
Fat: 16g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 33mg,
Sodium: 252mg,
Fiber: 3g,
Sugar: 21g

Recommended Products

9×5-inch Loaf Pan

Mixing Bowl

Wooden Spoon

Recipe Source: Adapted with love from Enlightened Cooking via Pinterest

Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread

This versatile quick bread is much more than just a breakfast item! Its rich flavors and satisfying texture make it a delightful addition to almost any meal or snacktime. Here are a few creative ideas to enjoy your freshly baked loaf, beyond the beloved Nutella:

• Classic with Butter: A simple spread of softened, unsalted butter allows the bread’s natural flavors of pumpkin, maple, and hazelnut to truly shine through. A pinch of flaky sea salt on top can add an extra layer of flavor.
• Luxurious with Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more decadent dessert or a special brunch treat, whip up a light, tangy cream cheese frosting and generously spread it over cooled slices. The creaminess beautifully complements the bread’s moist crumb.
• The Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair a slice with your morning coffee, a pumpkin spice latte, or a soothing herbal tea. The bread’s flavors are perfectly harmonized with warm beverages.
• Toasted with Jam or Fruit Preserves: Lightly toast a slice until golden, then spread with your favorite berry jam, apple butter, or fig preserves for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
• Part of a Fall Brunch Spread: Arrange slices alongside fresh seasonal fruits, yogurt parfaits, and other brunch favorites for a festive and comforting autumn spread.
• Elegant Dessert Option: Gently warm a slice in the microwave or oven, then serve it with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of warm caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for an elevated dessert experience.

Storage Tips for Maintaining Peak Freshness

To ensure your Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread remains wonderfully moist and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is essential. Follow these guidelines to maximize its freshness:

• At Room Temperature (Short-Term): Once your loaf has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it will stay fresh and moist for up to 3-4 days on your counter. For individual slices, an airtight container is ideal to prevent them from drying out.
• Refrigeration (Extended Freshness): While not strictly necessary due to its excellent keeping qualities at room temperature, you can refrigerate the bread to extend its freshness for up to a full week. Be sure to wrap it thoroughly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container to protect it from drying out and absorbing refrigerator odors. For the best experience, allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature or gently warm them before serving.
• Freezing (Long-Term Storage): This bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying a taste of fall long after the season ends. Wrap the completely cooled whole loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply let it come to room temperature on the counter, or warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick treat.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Delightful Recipe

Can I use other nuts instead of hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts provide a unique flavor, this bread would also be delicious with other nuts. Toasted walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would make excellent substitutes. Remember to toast them lightly before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor.

Can I adapt this recipe to make muffins?

Yes, this recipe is very versatile and works wonderfully as muffins! To make muffins, line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease it well. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Keep an eye on the baking time as ovens vary.

Is this pumpkin bread a healthy option?

With ingredients like whole wheat flour, fiber-rich pumpkin puree, and healthy fats from hazelnuts and oil, this bread offers some nutritional benefits compared to traditional quick breads made with only all-purpose flour and refined sugar. While it contains pure maple syrup, a more natural sweetener, it is still a treat. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Can I reduce the amount of maple syrup for a less sweet bread?

You can try reducing the maple syrup by about ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet bread. However, keep in mind that maple syrup also contributes significantly to the bread’s moisture content. A substantial reduction might slightly alter the texture, making it a bit drier.

What if I don’t have pure maple syrup on hand?

If pure maple syrup isn’t available, you can substitute it with other liquid sweeteners such as honey or agave nectar. For a deeper, richer flavor, you could also use a mild molasses. Be aware that each substitute will impart its own unique flavor profile, so the final taste will differ from the maple version, but it will still be a delicious quick bread.

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Embrace the Flavors of Fall with This Delightful Bread

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of homemade baked goods to fill your home with warmth and delicious aromas. This Pumpkin-Maple Hazelnut Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the season, share moments of warmth and joy with loved ones, and create cherished memories in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a festive family gathering, a cozy weekend breakfast, or simply to treat yourself to a moment of autumnal bliss, its incredibly moist texture, aromatic spices, and delightful nutty crunch will surely bring a smile to your face.

So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the very best of autumn’s bounty. And don’t forget that secret ingredient for ultimate enjoyment: a generous, indulgent spread of Nutella! Happy baking, and may your fall be filled with delicious moments!