Indulge in the Ultimate Fall Treat: Easy One-Bowl Pumpkin Blueberry Bread

Step into the cozy flavors of autumn with this incredible One-Bowl Pumpkin Blueberry Bread! It’s a delightful twist on classic pumpkin bread, bursting with sweet, jammy blueberries and aromatic fall spices. Best of all, this remarkably moist and flavorful quick bread comes together effortlessly in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze.

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. While pumpkin bread is a beloved fall staple, this Pumpkin Blueberry Bread takes that classic comfort to a whole new level. The sweet, slightly tart blueberries create an enchanting contrast with the earthy pumpkin and warm spices, resulting in a quick bread that is truly unforgettable. It’s so simple to make, yet yields a gourmet-quality treat that will impress everyone.

This recipe builds upon the foundation of my popular Easy Pumpkin Bread, known for its stellar flavor and moist texture. By introducing vibrant blueberries, we’ve created a new fall favorite that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast item, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a warm dessert, this bread delivers. If you’re a fan of fruit-filled baked goods, you might also adore our Blueberry Banana Muffins or these wholesome Raisin Bran Muffins – both equally simple and delicious!

Why This Pumpkin Blueberry Bread Will Become Your New Fall Favorite

This isn’t just another pumpkin bread recipe; it’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s why this Pumpkin Blueberry Bread truly stands out:

• Fresh or Frozen Blueberries Welcome: Whether you have a bounty of fresh blueberries from the summer or a bag of frozen ones stashed away, this recipe works beautifully with both. No need to thaw frozen berries – just toss them in!
• Effortlessly Freezer-Friendly: Planning ahead is easy! Make a double batch and freeze one (or both!) for later. It’s perfect for meal prep, unexpected guests, or simply having a homemade treat on hand.
• Perfect for Gifting: Share the joy of fall baking! This beautiful and delicious bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, or hosts. Wrap it in pretty parchment paper and a ribbon for a lovely presentation.
• Made in One Bowl: Say goodbye to a mountain of dirty dishes! This recipe streamlines the baking process by requiring just one mixing bowl, making cleanup incredibly quick and easy.
• Simple, Everyday Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure items. This recipe uses common pantry staples and fresh ingredients that are readily available at any grocery store.
• Irresistible Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil, this quick bread boasts an incredibly moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days. The blueberries add delightful pockets of juicy sweetness.
• Cozy Fall Flavors: The harmonious blend of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice creates that quintessential warm, inviting taste of autumn, perfectly complemented by the bright berries.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Pumpkin Blueberry Bread

Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the moist texture and rich flavor of this pumpkin blueberry quick bread. Here’s a closer look:

• PUMPKIN PUREE: This is the star of the show! Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners, which would throw off the balance of this recipe. Pumpkin puree provides incredible moisture and that signature fall flavor.
• ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR, BAKING SODA, AND BAKING POWDER: These dry ingredients form the essential structure of our quick bread. The all-purpose flour provides the body, while baking soda and baking powder are crucial leavening agents. They work together to create the lift and airy texture, preventing a dense loaf. Always measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.
• SUGAR: Granulated sugar not only sweetens the bread but also contributes to its moistness and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
• VANILLA EXTRACT AND SALT: Don’t underestimate the power of these two! Vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth. A pinch of salt is vital in baked goods to balance sweetness and bring out the full spectrum of flavors. It makes everything taste better!
• CINNAMON AND PUMPKIN PIE SPICE: These warm, aromatic spices are what give our pumpkin bread its quintessential fall taste. Cinnamon offers a sweet and woody note, while pumpkin pie spice (a blend typically including cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves) provides a complex, cozy flavor profile. For an extra kick, you can even make your own pumpkin pie spice blend!
• OIL: For quick breads, neutral oil (like vegetable oil, canola oil, or light olive oil) is often preferred over butter. Oil keeps the crumb incredibly moist and tender, producing a lighter texture than butter, which can sometimes result in a denser loaf.
• EGGS: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the bread together and providing additional structure. They also add richness and contribute to the overall texture.
• BLUEBERRIES: The delightful addition! You can use either fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them – simply fold them in directly from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding their color into the batter and sinking to the bottom.

How To Masterfully Make Pumpkin Blueberry Bread in One Bowl

This recipe is designed for simplicity without compromising on flavor. Follow these straightforward steps to bake your perfect pumpkin blueberry loaf:

1. PREP YOUR PANS AND OVEN: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Lightly grease the bottoms only of two 9×5-inch loaf pans, or for easy removal, line them with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Set them aside.

2. MIX THE BATTER TO PERFECTION: In a large mixing bowl – yes, just one! – combine all your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. Next, add the wet ingredients: the oil, large eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together with a spoon or spatula just until all the ingredients are moistened and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.

3. GENTLY FOLD IN THE BLUEBERRIES: Now for the star fruit! Add your fresh or frozen blueberries to the batter. Using a spatula, gently fold them in until they are just evenly distributed. Overmixing here can crush the berries, causing their juices to bleed into the batter and potentially making your bread purple. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first.

4. BAKE TO GOLDEN PERFECTION: Divide the prepared batter evenly between your two greased or parchment-lined loaf pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter.

5. COOL COMPLETELY FOR BEST RESULTS: Once baked, remove the pans from the oven. Let the loaves cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly before handling. If you used parchment paper, you can remove the loaves from the pans immediately by lifting the paper. Otherwise, after 10 minutes, carefully invert the pans to release the loaves onto the wire rack. It’s crucial to let the bread cool completely before slicing. Slicing warm quick bread, especially one with fruit, can cause it to crumble and fall apart due to the fruit’s moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Blueberry Bread

Expert Tips and Customization Suggestions

Elevate your Pumpkin Blueberry Bread with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Add a Delicious Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, add a streusel topping before baking! Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 6 tablespoons packed light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the batter in the loaf pans before they go into the oven.
• Always Cool Completely Before Slicing: This cannot be stressed enough! As mentioned in the instructions, resist the urge to slice into hot bread. The heat and moisture from the blueberries can cause the bread to fall apart. Patience will be rewarded with neat, intact slices.
• Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice your bread is browning too quickly on top while baking, especially towards the end of the baking time, simply tent the loaf pans loosely with aluminum foil. This will shield the top from direct heat and allow the inside to cook through without burning the crust.
• To Prevent Blueberries from Sinking: While generally not a major issue in quick bread batters, if you want to ensure your blueberries are perfectly suspended, you can lightly toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them adhere to the batter and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
• Serve it Warm with a Glaze: A simple cream cheese glaze can take this bread from delicious to divine! Whisk together 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
• Mix-in Variations: Get creative with additional mix-ins! Consider adding a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch, a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or the zest of one orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy note that complements both pumpkin and blueberry.
• Perfect Pairing: This Pumpkin Blueberry Bread is fantastic on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. For a more indulgent dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream!

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