Pumpkin Beer Bread Recipe | Gimme Some Oven (2024)

FAQs

Why won t my pumpkin bread cook in the middle? ›

Setting the Oven Temperature Is Too Hot

If your oven runs hot, your bread is likely to brown and bake up on the outside before the center has a chance to fully cook.

If the skewer doesn't come out cleanly, cover the top of the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and return the pan to the oven to continue baking. This 10-second step isn't included in most recipes but it's a foolproof way to prevent your pumpkin bread from being overly soft, and underbaked on top.

Luckily, bread can be re-baked, and put back in the oven if it is underdone.

The crack develops because there is a large mass of batter in the loaf pan that heats slowly. Smoother crusts develop when there is a longer time for the leavening agent to react.

Insert a kitchen thermometer an inch or two into the middle of your bread and read the internal temperature. 190°F is typically the recommended temperature, but this will vary based on your type of bread. If you use an instant-read thermometer, do this step carefully with the bread still in the oven.

So, to know when pumpkin bread is done, look for the crack on the top of the bread, which is a tell-tale sign it's either done or close to being done. Then stick a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it's ready to come out of the oven.

The oven temperature is off: Usually it's running too hot, and the outside looks brown before the center is baked through. But a low oven temperature can fool you too– you think you've baked long enough, but it's actually running 50 degrees too cool.

Using parchment paper is always a good idea when baking bread at home. It makes handling the dough effortless and adds a protective layer that helps the bottom crust from becoming overbaked or sticking to your pan.

You might think you could overcome the lack of flavor by adding more pumpkin purée to your recipe, but you'd be mistaken: By the time you've added enough purée to taste it, your baked good would have a soggy texture on account of all that moisture.

Your pumpkin bread is underdone when you find the middle is still uncooked. The exterior may look fully baked, but unless you check the middle by using a toothpick or cake tester, there's no way to know if the interior is done.

What temperature should bread be baked at? ›

If you can, aim to bake your bread at 230°C (450°F).

Quick bread doneness temps: 200°F

Pumpkin bread, zucchini bread, muffins, even cornbread and Irish soda bread—these are what the baking world calls quick breads.

HOW DO I STORE PUMPKIN BREAD AND FOR HOW LONG? Place in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap and then place in a tightly sealed container or heavy-duty resealable freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

For example, if your homemade bread keeps turning out gummy, it may be a problem with your baking temperature. It should come as no surprise that the outside of a loaf of bread cooks faster than the inside, seeing as the heat touches the exterior first before it is able to penetrate the interior.

Check the middle of the loaf by inserting a toothpick into a couple of spots. Pumpkin bread typically develops a crack across the top, and it's that crack where I like to check for doneness. When the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, bake 5-10 minutes longer and recheck.

Air circulating around the loaf allows the steam built up inside the bread to evaporate. If the bread is kept in its baking pan, it will become soggy and look and taste doughy. If the bread has not finished baking by the maximum time indicated in the recipe, the oven thermostat may be off.

Part of the challenge of baking this iconic holiday dessert is determining how to tell if your pumpkin pie is done. You have to get it right: If it's underdone, you have raw crust and gooey filling; if it's overdone, you have a cracked top and rubbery texture.

So, to know when pumpkin bread is done, look for the crack on the top of the bread, which is a tell-tale sign it's either done or close to being done. Then stick a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it's ready to come out of the oven.