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:
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
-
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.
-
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
-
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next.
-
Stir in the canned pumpkin. The mixture might appear a bit curdled at this stage, but don't worry.
-
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.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
-
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.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
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.