One of my all-time favorite recipes is making a pumpkin loaf. My mom would start making them in October growing up, so no wonder I associate pumpkin loaves with fall.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer or by hand, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Pumpkin: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the canned pumpkin puree (or puree from a pie pumpkin) and mix until well combined.
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Water: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until the batter is smooth.
Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in chopped nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the pumpkin loaf batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it.
Cool and Serve: Allow the Pumpkin Loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice the loaf and serve. Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Loaf with your favorite beverage or as a delicious snack.
Optional Toppings: A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of icing glaze can add a touch of sweetness and elegance to your Pumpkin Loaf.
Note:Store any leftover Pumpkin Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.This Pumpkin Loaf is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of autumn. It's a versatile and comforting treat that's sure to be a hit with friends and family. From my homestead kitchen to yours, enjoy!