This post has been sponsored by Mark T. Wendell. All opinions expressed are my own.
We kicked off the Autumn season with an October collection of herbal teas from our dear friends over at Mark T. Wendell. Today, we are pleased to introduce their second collection of the season for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a trio of specially crafted blends to evoke the warm and comforting flavors of November.
To pair, we have baked a delicate Pumpkin Caramel Loaf topped with a cinnamon streusel that perfectly compliments a hot cup of tea on a brisk Autumn afternoon (morning or evening too).
Flavors of Autumn
- Spiced Masala Chai Blend - This full-bodied blend of India black tea is flavored with warm spices like masala, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla and cardamom. It is especially delicious when served with hot milk to create a delicious, spicy Chai.
- Vanilla Bourbon Rooibos Herbal - This delicious blend features South African Rooibos and vanilla bean traces. It is delightful served hot or cold. Rooibos (aka red bush tea) is a flavorful, caffeine-free alternative to its counterparts, black and green tea. Traditional rooibos is created by fermenting the leaves, resulting in its red-brown colour. It also boasts of many health benefits which is why it has quickly become such a popular drink.
- Amaretto Cherry Black - Another blend of black tea, this Ceylon (Sri Lankan) black tea features sour cherry pieces, red cornflower petals, pink cornflower petals and natural cherry essence. It is visually as pleasing as it tastes. Delicately sweet tasting and fragrant, this Amaretto blend beautifully captures the spirit of the winter holiday.
The Art of the Brew
As I have shared in the past, loose leaf brewing is my preferred method. I think when you are handling high-quality tea leaves, this method ensures the richest result.
There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than with a bruncheon and that is exactly the theme of today's post. I wanted to keep the afternoon light yet festive for my guests.
In my Uwade Kyusu, I chose to brew the Spiced Masala Chai Tea which I think paired beautifully with today's recipe. You can taste the warm spices of the tea which played well into the flavors and spices of the pumpkin loaf.
Like with all teas, let your pot steep for 4-5 minutes before serving.
As mentioned above the Spiced Masala Chai Tea is also delicious when brewed with milk for an ultra comforting cup that will surely warm you up this season.
If you are looking to find the perfect gift for your holiday hosts or fellow tea lovers, I suggest browsing through the Mark T. Wendell Tea Company catalog. Their teas are a perfect addition to any gift basket. The quality is unmatched and right now for all LTG readers, when you use “LivingtheGourmet” at checkout, you’ll save 15% off an order of $50!
Low Tea (aka Afternoon Tea)
There is something incredibly comforting in the autumn/winter months about a hot cup of tea and a freshly baked delight. Be it scones, a sweet loaf, cookies, or even a pastry- it surely brings the holidays to life.
It is hard to believe we are nearly days away from Thanksgiving now, but once the baking begins, something in the air shifts for me.
This Pumpkin Caramel Loaf has been one of my favorite treats to make recently, and it is incredibly easy to make as well. The batter comes together in minutes and offers a couple of variations as well.
- Cream Cheese Swirl - If you like you can make this loaf with a cream cheese filling. To do so, blend 8 oz. of cream cheese with ½ cup confectioners sugar, 1 egg, and a splash of vanilla. Divide the batter, pouring half into the loaf pan, then pipe the cream cheese, and top with the remaining batter. Bake as directed in the recipe card.
- Cinnamon Sugar Swirl - Alternatively you can also make a cinnamon sugar swirl. Mix ½ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. Divide the batter, pouring half into the loaf pan, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar, and top with the remaining batter. Bake as directed in the recipe card.
- Caramel Swirl - Today's recipe features a homemade caramel filling. You can also use homemade caramel but make sure its sauce not syrup you are using. The directions remain the same, when dividing the batter, pour half into the loaf pan, then spoon a liberal amount of caramel sauce and drizzle throughout. Top with the remaining batter and bake as directed.
Pumpkin Caramel Loaf with Cinnamon Streusel
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Loaf:
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 1/4 cups AP flour
- 1 teaspoon Saigon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Homemade Caramel Sauce
For the Streusel:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons AP flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
- In a small oven proof bowl, combine ingredients for the streusel. While the oven is preheating, pop the bowl in there to melt the butter with the flour and sugar. Once melted, mix to combine with a fork and set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, mix all of the ingredients for the pumpkin loaf until smooth. The batter will be slightly thick.
- Divide the batter, pouring half into the loaf pan, then drizzle about 3 tablespoons of caramel sauce, and top with the remaining batter.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping and bake for about 50 minutes. If the cake tester comes out clean, the loaf is done. Remove and let cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, That pumpkin caramel loaf with the streusel topping is drool-worthy! My wife drinks a lot of tea but right now she's been focused on 'Bush Tea', something that apparently is popular in the south of Africa. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Ella English says
The pumpkin caramel loaf covered in streusel sounds so delicious and I am going to make this today.
Claudia Lamascolo says
Wow the colors are so beautiful in this loaf I just want to take a huge slice of this yummy pumpkin loaf!
Beth says
Everything about this is amazing! The streusel topping is really doing it for me. Om nom nom.
Samantha Donnelly says
You sold me at the streudel topping, I ddefinitely have to make this when I am baking next
Yaya says
I love all sorts of teas so it is so interesting to see more options that I may not have tried out before.
Marysa says
Sounds like a delicious bread, and the icing sounds like a great way to finish it. These flavors all sound wonderful together.
Yeah Lifestyle says
What a beautiful Autumn recipe to make and I bet the Pumpkin Caramel Loaf tastes amazing with the added Cinnamon Streusel
Rosey says
I like amaretto flavors in food and drinks. I think the tea sounds marvelous.
Khushboo says
It looks really so delicious. I love how it looks so tempting
LavandaMIchelle says
The flavor combinations sound wonderful together. I can't wait to try this delicious bread,
Annette, 3 Little Buttons says
Pumpkin Caramel Loaf is such a winner for a spot of afternoon tea, or an afterschool treat for the littles. Yummy!! And I love the finish on the top of yours. It looks fab.
Whitney Stewart says
I’ve never gone full in on the pumpkin trend because it was so over used. But this sounds absolutely scrumptious! I’ll have to add it to my ever growing ‘to be cooked/baked’ pile! Thank you for sharing this with us!
Gloria says
The flavours of Fall are so delicious. This is perfect for dessert and added to the brunch menu too. I love pumpkin everything.
Bernice says
Such a lovely post. The pumpkin caramel loaf looks like it would be perfect with a cup of creamy chai, which is how I make it! I'm going to make this for my fall book club meeting, the ladies will adore it.
Sean says
Pumpkin and caramel are two flavors that were made for each other. These loaf was the perfect Sunday brunch item for my family.
Carrie Robinson says
Wow! Now THIS is a pumpkin loaf! I am all about that streusel on top. 🙂 This would most definitely pair perfectly with my cup of afternoon tea.
Jenny says
Simply divine! One of the best pumpkin loaves I have ever tried. The streusel topping is delicious. Thanks so much!
Debbie says
This bread combines all of my favorite things ..Pumpkin caramel and a streusel. This was just delicious! I served this with afternoon coffee and there wasn't a crumb left .
Erin says
I adore all these flavors in this loaf! And that streusel looks just incredible. Can't wait to give this a try!
LaKita says
This pumpkin caramel loaf is so soft, fluffy, and loaded with the flavors of fall! I was hoping to have some left to enjoy throughout the week but it didn't make it through the weekend, everyone loved it!
Moop Brown says
This loaf seems tasty and perfect for fall and definitely like a treat that would pair perfectly with afternoon tea.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan says
That caramel swirl with the pumpkin is delicious! I love quick breads and this is the perfect autumn bake. And I went over the tea flavors and they sound delicious!