Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin bread is a delightful treat, especially during the fall season. It's a perfect blend of warm spices and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Here's a classic pumpkin bread recipe that's both easy to follow and incredibly delicious:

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup water

For the Topping (optional):

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger). Set this dry mixture aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.

5. Stir in the canned pumpkin. The mixture might appear a bit curdled at this stage, but don't worry.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with water. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.

8. If you'd like to add a cinnamon-sugar topping, mix the 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10. Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread! It's perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.