Spiced Pumpkin Beer Bread is an incredibly easy side dish! No yeast or kneading required. Perfect for Thanksgiving or alongside your favorite fall meals.
I never thought this day would come. The manuscript for my cookbook has been turned in, and it will be published by Simon & Schuster sometime next year.
It has been a mentally grueling 13 months, which is why this blog turned into a dead zone. And it’s not like I was so busy… I just couldn’t handle the pressure. All of us are unique, and we have different ways of working, processing, scheduling, planning, etc.
What I learned over the past year is that I do NOT do well with one long deadline. I need structure. Otherwise I fall victim to procrastination and panic.
There were so many times when I just completely fell apart. When the process began, I had all of these grand ideas about what the book would be, how I would get everything done, when things would happen…
All of that went to hell. I’m a perfectionist, and I had to let go of a lot of expectations I had set for myself. I struggled with a lot of anxiety. I found myself feeling incredibly grateful to have a supportive network of friends and family.
There are a few friends in particular who I would have been lost without. They kept me sane during an insane year.
And now here we are. 130+ recipes and 190+ color photos, a 318 page manuscript, 63389 word count. I’m keeping the title to myself just a little bit longer. It’s NOT The Savory Simple Cookbook.
I felt that would be confusing since there are many recipes included that are neither sweet nor savory. The second I turned in the manuscript, I felt like this huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I exhaled.
I was able to start doing other things again. Thinking about other things. Feeling excited about other things. I’m ready to get back to life.
This spiced pumpkin beer bread is easy to prepare. There’s no yeast, no kneading, and no stand mixers. It’s ready in under an hour. Serve it at Thanksgiving, or as a side dish with any of your favorite fall recipes (think soups, chilis, stews…)
Looking for more bread recipes?
Be sure to check out my whole wheat english muffins, pretzel buns, and cheddar brioche buns! I also love this tangy sourdough bread recipe from King Arthur Flour.
Spiced Pumpkin Beer Bread
Ingredients
- 16 ounces all-purpose flour (approximately 3 1/4 cups)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (see notes)
- 1 12-ounce bottle pumpkin ale beer (I used Sam Adams)
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place a rack on the center shelf. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and place on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Slowly pour the beer into the dry ingredients, allowing it to settle for a moment. Gently stir the ingredients with a spatula until a dough forms and the flour has incorporated. The dough will be thick and sticky.
- Transfer the dough to the prepared loaf pan, lightly pressing it down. Pour the butter evenly over the top and then bake until golden on top, approximately 50 minutes.
- Cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
(yields more than needed for this recipe)
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Jenn, I am so beyond thrilled for this cookbook adventure, and more relieved that it’s done so hopefully you can look on all this hard work and now take some much needed time to relax. Maybe with about five slices of this beer bread. And a giant glass of wine!
Thank you so much, Megan! It is like one long wine and bread party over here, haha.
Um, totally need this in my life. And the book – yay! You made it and I know it’s going to be awesome. Can’t wait to to see it.
Thanks, Naomi! You and Matt have both been so supportive to me this year. I can wait to show it off :)
Jen, congrats on your manuscript!! Thanks for sharing what you went through. . and for being so honest. . I can’t wait to see and read it! I’m so happy for you! and love this pumpkin beer bread! fabulous!
Thank you so much, Alice! I have missed being part of the blogger universe.
Congratulations on your book – what a weight off your shoulders!!! Welcome back – and thanks for the great recipe!!
Thank you so much, Susan!
So glad for you that the manuscript process is behind you! This bread is a must make!
Thank you :) I’ve missed blogging, and am excited to get back in the game!
Congratulations on the cookbook, Jen! I can only imagine not only the pressure but also the feeling of accomplishment. Pressure also gets to me a lot, so I relate to how you were feeling. I can’t wait to check out the book, but for now this pumpkin beer bread will certainly tide me over.
Thank you for the kind comments on both new posts! The blog is such a dead zone right now, hehehe. The anxiety demons always make things so complicated, don’t they?
I come from a graphic design background and if I don’t have a strict deadline or someone says yeah do it whenever, I don’t do well with that AT ALL. I guess though falling apart and coming together again must be at least a little special. This will be a labour of love I am sure. Can’t wait for your book because I know it will be amazing! A beautiful bread this and the pictures as usual are awesome. Congratulations! :)
Congratulations on the book! Can’t wait to see it as ALL your recipes are amazing and I love your photos! May need to switch out our usual Thanksgiving bread for this one! Sounds delicious!
I can’t wait to see the book! I’m glad you’re back. :)
Your name is in the acknowledgements! I can’t wait for you to see it :)
That looks like the most gorgeous beer bread I’ve ever seen!
I want a slice of this right now!
Pumpkin and beer!? What is NOT to love?!
Epic Bread!!
I made this bread for an Oktoberfest party and it was a hit! Lovely flavor and great texture. I used Dogfish Head’s Punkin Ale. Thanks for the recipe!
Can I substitute light ale for pumpkin beer in this recipe.
Sure!