Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 60 mins – 75 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
340 | 10g | 6g | 57g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
33g | 2g | 5g | 0.3g |
Why I Love Danish Pumpkin Bread with Fresh Herbs
Fall is synonymous with enveloping warmth and heartening flavors, and the spirit of the season finds its artistic expression in our Danish recipe, Pumpkin Bread with Fresh Herbs. As someone heavily inspired by the bounty of Montana, I am always in pursuit of bringing that wholesomeness to the plate. While Bison burgers and huckleberry pies might hold a special place in my heart, there’s something endearingly familiar and comforting about a slice of subtly-spiced, warm pumpkin bread.
Distilling the Essence of Autumn in Every Slice
Underneath the golden-brown crust of the bread lies the soul-soothing amalgamation of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It’s reminiscent of the spice-infused air that hangs over Montana’s kitchens during fall. The rich pumpkin puree brings an earthy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spices, filling every bite with the heartiness that Montana cuisine is known for.
Highlighting Local Herbs
Mirroring my own culinary journey that’s rooted in tradition yet inspired by the new, I’ve given this Danish recipe a special twist by incorporating locally-sourced fresh herbs, like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. This notably aligns with the philosophy of Jamie Oliver, a chef known for his emphasis on fresh ingredients. These herbs add a refreshingly zesty undertone, elevating the humility of the pumpkin bread into something simply magical.
This pumpkin bread with fresh herbs shares similarities with Montana’s beloved huckleberry pies, both in its heartwarming familiarity and lush sweetness. Serve it slightly warm with a generous smear of butter and it’s bound to transport you to the vast landscapes of our ranches. Or, for a dinner main, it’d pair delightfully with a venison steak. Making it both versatile and flavorful, it’s a new flame lit from an age-old spark.
So whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, I invite you to try baking this comforting pumpkin bread with fresh herbs and experience a slice of Montana from the comfort of your own home.
What You’ll Need
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a loaf pan and set aside.
Step Two
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Stir these dry ingredients until they’re mixed well.
Step Three
In a separate larger bowl, mix together the sugar and softened unsalted butter. Beat the mixture until it is light and fluffy. Now, beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step Four
Blend in the canned pumpkin, water, and vanilla extract into the sugar-butter mixture. Stir this wet ingredient mixture until it’s well combined.
Step Five
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredient mixture. Stir everything together until it’s just combined, but be careful not to overmix.
Step Six
Now, fold in the chopped fresh herbs until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step Seven
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top of the batter with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
Step Eight
Bake the pumpkin bread in the preheated oven for around 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once it’s done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step Nine
Once the bread has completely cooled, it’s ready to be sliced and served. Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Bread with Fresh Herbs!