Recipe: Perfect Pumpkin Bread

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I love winter squashes and pumpkin, so I'm one of the many who is thrilled when all things turn to pumpkin in October! 

Pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin smoothies, pumpkin juice - I can't get enough! 

Whether you have an extra can of pumpkin in your pantry and don't want to go the usual pumpkin pie route (or if pies are a Thanksgiving tradition for you, and you're trying not to get ahead of yourself with your holiday spirit), or you have a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch awaiting a fate other than becoming a soup or a decoration, this recipe for pumpkin bread is an autumn delight. 

For quick and easy, use canned pumpkin puree. I've tried with homemade pumpkin puree from a fresh pumpkin, as well! It's certainly more of a process (and a mess) but can be a lot of fun! Read on for the no-fail recipe (listed with canned pumpkin puree, but an equivalent amount of fresh works wonderfully, as well).

Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Makes two 9x5 loaves

* 15oz can of pumpkin puree (or equivalent amount of fresh pumpkin puree)

* 4 eggs

* 1 tsp. vanilla extract

* 0.754 c. vegetable oil

* 0.667 c. water

* 1 c. brown sugar

* 1.5 c. white sugar

* 3.5 c. all-purpose flour

* 2 tsp. baking soda

* 1.5 tsp. salt

* 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

* 1 tsp. ground nutmeg

* 0.5 tsp. ground cloves

* 0.25 tsp. ground ginger

* 0.25 tsp. pumpkin spice

1) Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour two 9x5" loaf pans.

2) In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin eggs, vanilla, oil, water, and sugars until well blended.

3) In a separate medium sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and pumpkin spice until well combined.

4) Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Don't overmix!

5) Pour the batter into the two prepared pans.

6) Bake in the preheated oven for ~1hr, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

It's a beautiful loaf!

Best of all, it makes the entire apartment smell amazing.

Okay, no - that's only second best of all.

Best of all, it tastes amazing! It's a great treat for fall and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or an indulgent french toast in the spirit of the season.

It makes a great gift loaf, too! I recommend baking in a decorative paper loaf pan (see above) available from bakery supply specialty stores, to make it look extra special!

Love pumpkin? Tweet it!