PUMPKIN BREAD RECIPE

Kids love it, grown-ups love it…this pumpkin bread is hard to beat!

Prep Time    : 20 mins

Cook Time   : 1 hour 5 mins

Total Time    : 1 hour 30 mins

Servings      : 2 loaves

INGREDIENTS

·         2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off

·         1/2 teaspoon salt

·         1 teaspoon baking soda

·         1/2 teaspoon baking powder

·         1 teaspoon ground cloves

·         1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

·         1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

·         1-1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened

·         2 cups sugar

·         2 large eggs

·         1 15-oz can 100% pure pumpkin (I use Libby's)

INSTRUCTIONS

1.   Preheat the oven to 325°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Generously grease two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with butter and dust with flour (alternatively, use a baking spray with flour in it, such as Pam with Flour or Baker's Joy).

2.   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until well combined; set aside.

3.   In a large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until very light and fluffy, a few minutes. Beat in the pumpkin. The mixture might look grainy and curdled at this point -- that's okay.

4.   Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until combined.

5.   Turn the batter into the prepared pans, dividing evenly, and bake for 65 – 75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

6.   Fresh out of the oven,the loaves have a deliciously crisp crust. If they last beyond a day, you can toast individual slices to get the same fresh-baked effect.

Freezer-Friendly Instructions: The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. After it is completely cooled, wrap it securely in aluminum foil, freezer wrap or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe from onceuponachef.com