Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Perfect Fall Treat

Fall is here, and with it comes the delightful aroma of pumpkin bread baking in the oven. This Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread is a twist on the classic recipe, offering a moist and fluffy texture with the added benefit of cottage cheese, which makes it extra delicious. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving a slice of autumn, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

For the Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger.
3. Combine the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add nuts (optional): If you’re adding walnuts or any other nuts, fold them into the batter now.
6. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!

Recipe Notes

• Pumpkin puree vs. pumpkin pie filling: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and flavored.
• Cottage cheese consistency: The cottage cheese adds moisture to the bread. For a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese with a little bit of milk to make it creamy.
• Spice level: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you like a spicier bread.

Time and Serving

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 60–65 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Serving size: This recipe makes 12 slices of delicious bread.

Storage

To store your cottage cheese pumpkin bread, follow these tips:

• Room temperature: Keep the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you’d like to store it for longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a zip-top bag. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one slice of Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread:

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Use fresh pumpkin: If you prefer, you can make your own pumpkin puree from a fresh pumpkin. Just roast it and blend it until smooth.
• Add chocolate chips: For a sweeter twist, you can add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter. It’s a great fall treat!
• Top with cream cheese frosting: For an indulgent finish, spread a little cream cheese frosting on top of each slice.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread with a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy experience. It’s also perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. You can even serve it at your next fall gathering as a tasty, homemade dessert!

Kitchen Tools Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Toothpick for testing doneness

Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread

While this bread is a treat, it also offers a few health benefits:

• Rich in protein: The cottage cheese adds protein to the bread, helping to keep you fuller for longer.
• Pumpkin’s nutrition: Pumpkin is loaded with vitamin A, which is great for eye health. It’s also a good source of fiber and antioxidants.
• Low in fat: By using cottage cheese instead of butter or other fatty ingredients, this bread is relatively low in fat compared to traditional pumpkin bread recipes.

FAQs

1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, you can swap Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that Greek yogurt might result in a slightly tangier flavor.

2. Can I make this recipe without eggs?

You can use a flaxseed egg substitute (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for each egg. This will make the bread vegan-friendly.

3. How can I make the bread sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar to 1 ½ cups or add a handful of chocolate chips for a richer taste.

4. Can I add other fruits to this bread?

Yes, you can add small pieces of apples or even dried cranberries for an extra burst of flavor.

5. Can I make mini loaves with this recipe?

Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans. The baking time will be shorter, so check after 40 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread is not only a delicious and comforting fall treat, but it’s also a great way to incorporate the health benefits of pumpkin and cottage cheese into your baking. The addition of cottage cheese makes the bread moist and rich, while the pumpkin spices give it that perfect autumn flavor. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!