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Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Cardamom and Star Anise

This pumpkin bread combines classic fall flavors with a sophisticated twist by adding aromatic spices like cardamom and star anise. The batter comes together quickly, baked into a moist, tender loaf with a golden crust and a fragrant, spicy aroma. Each slice offers layers of warming spice and rich pumpkin flavor, making it a cozy treat for autumn mornings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree smooth and well-blended
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar dark for richer caramel flavor
  • 1/4 cup neutral oil such as vegetable or light olive oil
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon freshly toasted and ground for aroma
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
  • 1/4 tsp star anise ground finely
  • 1/4 tsp ground cardamom toast before grinding for more fragrance
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda ensure fresh for proper rise
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper
  • Toothpick or cake tester

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, star anise, and ground cardamom until evenly combined. This helps distribute the spices and leavening agents evenly.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, fragrant, and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes. The aroma of spices should start to fill the air.
  4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and help keep the bread tender.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Gently tap the pan on the counter to settle the batter and release any air bubbles.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf will smell warm and spicy as it bakes.
  7. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the loaf with foil and continue baking. Check for doneness around the 55-minute mark.
  8. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the crumb set and prevents sogginess.
  9. Once cooled, slice the bread with a serrated knife. The slices should be moist, fragrant, and slightly spongy, with a beautiful golden crust.
  10. Serve the pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, toast your spices lightly before grinding. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins to the batter before baking for added texture.