Ingredients
Scale
Gathering around the kitchen table to prepare these ingredients reminds me of the times spent in Nonna Rosa’s garden, picking fresh herbs and learning the importance of quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Feel free to experiment with substitutions, like using whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or swapping in applesauce for the oil to lighten things up.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the process of creating this warm, spiced loaf. Each step is a dance with tradition, much like the ones I learned while watching my grandmother cook with such effortless grace.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until well blended, then stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remember, patience is key—let the bread bake fully to develop its flavors.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
