Coconut-Scented Pumpkin Bread

In case you haven’t noticed there is a slight obsession with pumpkin in the U.S. when the fall months roll around. PSL’s, an entire aisle of pumpkin cookies, spiced cakes, coffees, even breakfast cereals. I just saw Pumpkin Spiced Cheerios at my local supermarket. Honestly, I’m not sure about all that. I love fall weather, the changing leaves, the color orange… but I don't need EVERYTHING to taste like winter squashes. That all being said, I freaking love Pumpkin bread. And those cream cheese filled Pumpkin muffins at Starbucks right now, I could live on those.

So, I guess I’m saying, I am a picky pumpkin eater, but I love when it is good. So, here is a delicious one I made this week and would like to share with you!

This recipe is adapted from a fun book my mom discovered for me full of vegetarian Texan recipes called ‘Meatless in Cow Town’, more to come from them soon!

Coconut-Scented Pumpkin Bread

Makes 1 loaf

1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon baking powder
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch ground cloves
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup dark brown sugar
7 ½ ounces (½ of a 15 oz can) pumpkin puree
⅓ cup coconut milk
¼ cup canola oil
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon toasted pepitas
1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and a little cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, combine both flours and the baking soda, salt, and spices, and whisk to blend.
In a large bowl, combine the sugars, pumpkin puree, coconut milk, and both oils. Using an electric mixer or wooden spoon, beat to combine and blend well.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat until just incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and sprinkle evenly with pepitas and coconut.
Bake until a tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 50-60 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Adapted from Meatless in Cow Town by Laura Samuel Meyn and Anthony Head