Dreamy Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Orange Mascarpone Swirl Recipe

Baking a delightful pumpkin pecan bread with an unexpected orange mascarpone swirl brings pure autumn comfort to your kitchen.

Crisp leaves and cozy sweater weather call for something special that warms both heart and soul.

Nutty pecans add delightful crunch while soft pumpkin creates a rich, tender crumb.

Sweet orange notes dance through the mascarpone, creating an unexpected layer of complexity.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of grandmother’s cherished recipes.

Seasonal ingredients transform simple ingredients into something magical and memorable.

You will absolutely fall in love with this stunning bread that celebrates autumn’s most delicious moments.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Mascarpone Swirl Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Canned Pumpkin: Provides rich, smooth pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture in the bread.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread.
• All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure for the bread.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and texture.

• Cream Cheese: Creates creamy base for the swirl.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Adds rich, smooth texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheese mixture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps stabilize the cheese mixture.
• Orange Peel: Provides bright citrus notes.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic spice.
• Baking Soda: Helps bread rise and become fluffy.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Orange Mascarpone Swirl Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm up your oven to 325°F. Grab two 7″x3″ loaf pans and coat them generously with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Pumpkin Batter Base

• Canned pumpkin
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

• Sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Flour
• Baking soda
• Chopped pecans

Mix everything until the batter looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Mascarpone Filling

• Softened cream cheese
• Mascarpone
• Sugar
• Flour
• Orange peel

Add one egg and mix gently until just combined.

Step 4: Layer the Bread

Pour 1/4 of the pumpkin batter into each loaf pan. Spread 1/3 of the mascarpone mixture over the pumpkin layer. Add remaining pumpkin batter and top with remaining mascarpone mixture.

Step 5: Create Beautiful Swirl Pattern

Take a butter knife and gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pans for 10 minutes. Remove and serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

Baking Notes for Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Swirl

• Select Quality Pecans: Choose fresh, crisp pecans without any bitter or rancid smell to enhance the bread's nutty flavor and texture.
• Prevent Mascarpone Curdling: Ensure all mascarpone ingredients are at room temperature and mix gently to maintain a smooth, creamy swirl without separation.
• Master the Swirl Technique: Create beautiful marble patterns by using a butter knife and making gentle figure-eight movements through the batter without overmixing.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat dry canned pumpkin with paper towels to remove excess liquid and prevent dense, soggy bread texture.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick at multiple spots since mascarpone swirl can make standard doneness testing tricky, ensuring complete baking without drying out.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread With Orange Swirl Storage Ideas

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the bread chilled to maintain its moisture and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Grab and reheat individual portions as needed for up to 2 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed bread in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its freshly baked texture and warmth.

Pumpkin Bread with Orange Swirl Pairings

• Savor Complementary Coffee Companions: Rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee perfectly balances the bread's warm spices and nutty pecan undertones, creating a harmonious morning or afternoon treat.
• Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the bread to enhance its moist texture and complement the orange mascarpone swirl with cool, sweet contrast.
• Elevate with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a fragrant chai latte with its blend of cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to mirror the bread's autumnal spices and provide a luxurious drinking experience.
• Match with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the bread to accentuate its rich pumpkin flavor and add a decadent layer of sweetness that plays beautifully with the pecans.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Swirl Twists

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pecan Bread: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Autumn Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace mascarpone with cashew cream cheese for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Spice Bread: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the bread's rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Omit pecans and replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, creating a safe option for those with nut allergies while keeping the bread's crunchy texture.

FAQs

• Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?

Yes, you can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds. For the mascarpone, cream cheese can work as an alternative. Use gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture might slightly change.

• Is this bread considered a dessert or breakfast item?

This pumpkin pecan bread works perfectly as both! It’s versatile enough to serve as a morning breakfast treat or an afternoon sweet snack. The orange mascarpone swirl makes it feel extra special.

• How difficult is this recipe for beginner bakers?

This recipe is moderately easy. The key steps are mixing batters separately and creating the swirl technique. Even if you’re new to baking, follow the instructions carefully and you’ll succeed. Just take your time and don’t rush the process.

• What makes the orange mascarpone swirl unique?

The orange peel in the mascarpone mixture adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the warm pumpkin and nutty pecan flavors. This unexpected flavor combination elevates the bread from ordinary to extraordinary.

Swirls of Pumpkin and Orange Cream in Every Slice

• Bake with Ease: Super simple recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners who want to impress family and friends with a delicious homemade treat.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: Combines the warm, comforting taste of pumpkin with crunchy pecans and a tangy orange mascarpone swirl, creating a unique and irresistible dessert bread.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a delightful breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that works for casual gatherings, holiday parties, or quiet weekend mornings.
• Stress-Free Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique make this recipe a stress-free baking experience, allowing you to create a gourmet-style bread without complicated steps.

Pumpkin Pecan Bread With Orange Mascarpone Swirl Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal warmth meets sweet indulgence in this Pumpkin Pecan Bread with Orange Mascarpone Swirl, blending autumn’s rich flavors with creamy citrus notes. Nutty pecans and spiced pumpkin create a delightful harmony you’ll crave from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin filling
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Spices and Leavening:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325°F and generously coating two 7″x3″ loaf pans with non-stick spray.
2. Create the pumpkin batter by whisking together canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, and eggs until thoroughly incorporated.
3. Gradually fold in granulated sugar, salt, ground cinnamon, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and roughly chopped pecans, mixing until a uniform consistency develops.
4. Simultaneously craft the mascarpone swirl by blending softened cream cheese, mascarpone, sugar, flour, and fragrant orange zest until silky smooth.
5. Incorporate a single egg into the mascarpone mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a delicate texture.
6. Distribute approximately one-quarter of the pumpkin batter into each prepared loaf pan, creating an initial base layer.
7. Carefully spread one-third of the mascarpone mixture over the initial pumpkin layer in each pan.
8. Add the remaining pumpkin batter atop the mascarpone layer, ensuring even distribution.
9. Crown each loaf with the remaining mascarpone mixture.
10. Use a butter knife to delicately marble and intertwine the two batters, creating elegant swirled patterns.
11. Transfer the pans to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
12. Allow the bread to rest in the pans for 10 minutes, facilitating easier removal and preventing structural breakdown.
13. Serve either warm or at ambient temperature for optimal enjoyment of the complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality pumpkin puree to enhance the bread’s natural flavor and ensure a rich, moist texture.
• Toast pecans briefly before chopping to intensify their nutty essence and add a delightful crunch to each slice.
• Gently swirl the mascarpone mixture to create beautiful marbled patterns without overmixing, which can disrupt the bread’s delicate structure.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond and coconut flour, keeping the same measurement proportions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg