Kay's Irresistible Pumpkin Bread 🎃🍞

Get ready for fall with this delightful Pumpkin Bread recipe! It’s moist, spiced, and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for cozy mornings or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. The aromatic spices and rich pumpkin make this bread a seasonal favorite! Pair it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate autumn experience. ☕🍂

Ingredients

For the bread

• 3½ cups all-purpose flour (reserve 1 tablespoon for nuts)
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup buttery vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 cups cooked pumpkin (fresh or canned)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great!)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans by greasing them lightly.

🔥 Preheating the oven ensures that your bread rises properly and has a nice, even bake.

2. In a large mixing bowl, blend the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well mixed!

🥄 Consider using a whisk for a lighter, aerated mixture – it helps improve the texture of your bread.

3. In another bowl, combine the oil, eggs, water, and cooked pumpkin. Beat until well blended.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

⚠️ Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to dense bread. It’s perfectly okay if a few lumps remain!

5. Dust the chopped nuts with the reserved tablespoon of flour and fold them gently into the batter.

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops.

7. Bake for about 15 minutes, then check for doneness. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

⏰ If your bread isn’t finished after 15 minutes, continue baking and check every few minutes to avoid overcooking.

8. Let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Variations

• Add-Ins: Throw in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet twist! 🍫🍒
• Spices: Feel free to experiment by adding a pinch of cloves or ginger for an extra kick.
• Dairy-Free: Replace the vegetable oil with coconut oil and ensure your nuts are unsalted and dairy-free for a clean version!
• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans for quick gifts or a fun twist on portion sizes.

Enjoy your baking adventure with this luscious Pumpkin Bread! 🎉💛