Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Streusel Topping

Pumpkin bread2

Halloween is over and Tom Turkey will soon be on our table. It’s the time of year when we crave pumpkin spice –  in lattes, pies, muffins and breads. This lighter version from Cooking Light, is spicy and moist, without being heavy with oil. Topped with  a delightfully sweet and crunchy pecan topping, all you need is a cup of coffee or tea for the perfect afternoon snack.

Pumpkin Bread with Pecan Streusel Topping
recipe from The Best of Cooking Light

Topping Ingredients:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons sugar
1- 1/2 tablespoons chilled butter cut into small pieces
1/4 teaspoon group cinnamon

Bread Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup canned pumpkin (not pie filling)
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Cooking Spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with a cooking spray such as Pam.

In a small mixing bowl, combine topping ingredients until crumbly. Set aside

To a large mixing bowl, add dry ingredients and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, mix pumpkin with yogurt, honey, oil, vanilla and eggs. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add wet ingredients. Stir just until well combined.

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle with pecan topping.

Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of bread comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and complete cooling on a wire rack.  Store tightly covered for up to 3 days.

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

This is an easy semi-homemade recipe that starts with a spice cake mix. Full of pumpkin flavor that screams fall, these cupcakes will be  ideal for your Halloween party or any fall get-together. The sweet cream cheese frosting is the perfect accompaniment to these spicy little cakes.

 

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes

adapted from My Baking Addiction

For the cupcakes you will need:

1 box spice cake mix (15-18.25 ounces)

1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup pure pumpkin puree

1/2 cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the frosting you will need:

2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 pounds (5 3/4 cups) confectioner’s sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare two 12 cup muffin tins with either paper liners or non stick cooking spray.

Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Add remaining ingredients and mix on medium speed until smooth.

Distribute batter evenly among muffin cups, 1/2 to 3/4 cups full.

Bake for 18-22 minutes. Test for doneness using a toothpick.

Leave cupcakes in baking pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely.

Prepare Frosting.

A stand mixer works best, but you can use a hand mixer. Beat softened cream cheese on medium high speed until smooth and creamy. Add butter and beat for 3 minutes more. Slowly add in confectioners sugar and beat on low until fully mixed in. Add vanilla and beat for another 3-4 minutes. Frosting should have a light and fluffy consistency.

Frost cupcakes generously when cooled completely. Decorate as you desire.