Pumpkin Coconut Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Coconut Bread Recipe

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe yields 24 servings. The ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • cup water
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • cup chopped walnuts

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour two 9 x 5 inch loaf pans.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs.

Step 3: Stir in the pumpkin puree until fully combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients.

Step 5: Slowly pour in the water and stir the batter until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Gently fold in the flaked coconut and chopped walnuts.

Step 7: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the two greased loaf pans.

Step 8: Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

  • Calories: 296
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Protein: 4g

Nutrition Breakdown (per 24 servings)

Nutrition Amount % Daily Value
Total Fat 13g 16%
Saturated Fat 3g 13%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 365mg 16%
Total Carbohydrates 43g 16%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 28g -
Protein 4g 7%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 25mg 2%
Iron 2mg 8%
Potassium 104mg 2%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. The values provided are based on available data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

This Pumpkin Coconut Bread is a delightful combination of two beloved ingredients: pumpkin and coconut. Its moist texture, rich flavor, and warmth from the spices make it an ideal dish to serve during the fall season, particularly around holidays like Thanksgiving and Halloween. With a generous helping of coconut flakes and a perfect balance of spices, its a bread that offers comfort and flavor in every bite.

History of Pumpkin Coconut Bread

The origin of pumpkin bread dates back to the early American colonial period, when pumpkins were a staple in the diet of early settlers. The pumpkins versatility made it a favorite for both savory and sweet dishes. Coconut, on the other hand, has tropical origins and became popular in American kitchens as trade routes opened between the East and the West. The combination of pumpkin and coconut in bread is likely a modern twist that reflects the growing popularity of experimenting with new ingredients and flavors in baking.

Regional Features and Variations

Though pumpkin bread is popular across the United States, it has different variations depending on the region. In the Southern U.S., the addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg is a defining characteristic of pumpkin breads. Meanwhile, in tropical areas where coconut is abundant, the ingredient is often incorporated into baked goods, creating a sweet and slightly chewy texture. The inclusion of coconut in pumpkin bread is most common in regions where coconut is widely used in cooking and baking, such as in the Caribbean and parts of Southeast Asia.

How It Differs from Similar Breads

While pumpkin bread is widely adored for its moist texture and fragrant spices, what sets Pumpkin Coconut Bread apart is the addition of coconut. This not only enhances the breads texture, making it slightly chewier, but also adds a subtle tropical flavor. Traditional pumpkin bread typically uses only a blend of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, while the coconut elevates this bread to something richer and more aromatic. The nuts (like walnuts) often added to the recipe also contribute to its unique texture, offering a crunchy contrast to the soft crumb of the bread.

Where Its Commonly Served

Pumpkin Coconut Bread is often served as a dessert or snack, especially during the fall and winter months. It's a popular treat for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. This bread is also commonly enjoyed for breakfast or with afternoon tea. In many households, it is baked as a gift for friends and family, wrapped up with a pretty ribbon, making it a perfect homemade present. You can find this bread in cafes and bakeries during pumpkin season, where its often paired with a hot beverage like coffee or chai tea.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Coconut Bread

  • The combination of pumpkin and coconut in a loaf is a nod to the fusion of flavors from different cultures: North American and tropical regions.
  • Many people enjoy making this bread as a fall tradition, often serving it at Thanksgiving or gifting it to friends as part of holiday celebrations.
  • The addition of coconut not only adds flavor but also makes the bread more moist and tender. Coconut's natural oils work wonders in enhancing the texture of the bread.
  • Variations of the recipe often include adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even a cream cheese glaze to elevate the bread even further.
  • While its traditionally baked as a loaf, this recipe can also be adapted to make muffins or mini loaves, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Whether served for breakfast, as a snack, or as a gift, Pumpkin Coconut Bread remains a beloved treat with a rich history and an undeniable appeal. Its a delightful blend of sweet and savory thats sure to bring comfort and joy to your fall table!

FAQ about Pumpkin Coconut Bread Recipe

Store Pumpkin Coconut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin properly before using it in the recipe. You may need to adjust the water content slightly if the fresh puree is more watery.

Yes, you can substitute the vegetable oil with applesauce, melted butter, or yogurt. Each substitution will affect the texture and flavor slightly, but they will all work well in the recipe.

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If the tester comes out with wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.

Yes, you can turn this recipe into muffins. Just divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe. Many people have substituted part of the white sugar with applesauce or used less sugar overall without affecting the final outcome too much.

You can substitute allspice with a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. If you don’t have nutmeg, simply use more cinnamon or use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice mix to replace all the individual spices.

Yes, you can increase the amount of coconut if you like. Some reviewers have added up to 1.5 cups of coconut to enhance the flavor and texture.

To freeze the bread, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Yes, you can use other nuts such as pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts in place of walnuts. Choose the nut you prefer based on your taste.

Comments

Samantha White

06/08/2023 07:07:49 PM

Great! I substituted applesauce for vegetable oil and reduced the number of egg yolks to just one without sacrificing any taste, texture, or consistency. The bread is full of flavor and looks beautiful when served.

Patrick Carter

07/14/2023 07:17:52 AM

This was delicious! The recipe yielded enough batter to fill two loaf pans. The first time I tried it, I poured all the batter into one pan, which made it too dense and resulted in overly dark and tough outer edges due to the extended cooking time. The next time I made it, I used two loaf pans, and it came out perfectly!

Angela Nelson

07/24/2024 05:07:52 AM

Fantastic recipe!!! The aroma while baking is heavenly. I swapped out the oil for applesauce and reduced the eggs to just 2. I divided the mixture, baking half in a mini-muffin tin and the other half in a loaf pan. Outstanding results! I will definitely be making this again!!

Carol Wright

08/22/2022 09:16:37 PM

I absolutely loved this bread! I baked one loaf and 12 muffins and served them as a delightful dessert for a cozy fall dinner. Following a helpful tip, I reduced the sugar to 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of unpacked brown sugar. I also swapped out 1 cup of vegetable oil for 1 1/2 cups of yogurt and 4 tablespoons of oil. The bread paired perfectly with whipped cream, and my husband is already looking forward to me making it again.

Joseph Jones

09/11/2023 03:41:52 PM

Delicious! I reduced the white sugar by half and also cut down on the brown sugar. I baked them in small foil loaf pans, perfect for gifting. My son absolutely loved them!

Benjamin Cruz

08/23/2024 04:59:55 PM

I tried making it and it turned out amazing! It stayed moist all week despite living in a very dry climate. I'm planning to make it again tomorrow to give as gifts.

Mark Allen

04/30/2025 08:51:24 AM

I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly. It was incredibly moist, and the coconut added a nice texture, although it wasn't overpowering in terms of flavor. I loved it so much that I ended up making it twice this week!

Anna Harris

07/31/2024 12:20:29 AM

I followed the recipe exactly and baked it in a bundt pan, then topped it with a basic glaze and chopped walnuts. It turned out absolutely delicious.

Kelly Wilson

01/23/2025 09:51:15 PM

This recipe was a real hit! The texture was consistently smooth and the flavor was delightful. I decided to add chia seeds for a nice crunch. Since I used freshly made pumpkin puree instead of canned, I skipped adding the water.

Jose Garcia

06/03/2023 03:56:34 AM

Great product! I have made it 9 or 10 times already and I like to add a touch of vanilla to enhance the flavor.