Pumpkin Bread

I find myself in the mood to bake, now that the weather has gotten cold. I also find myself with a pile of winter squash. Baking pumpkin bread is just the thing to do.

I often use pumpkin, but will also use butternut or Hubbard squash, instead of the pumpkin in the recipe. They all work just fine.

I like to make several batches at a time, and freeze the extra. Of course, if word gets out that I have fresh baked pumpkin bread it never makes it to the freezer. Every year I get a lot of requests for my pumpkin bread.  Everyone seems to love it.

It is versatile, served plain, it is a great breakfast. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or sweetened fruit and whipped cream, it becomes dessert. I also often bake smaller loaves for gift giving.

I do find myself adding more spices, sometimes. Play around to find the combination of flavors you like. I often add cloves, allspice or mace.

Pumpkin Bread

1 ¾ c. flour

1 ½ c. sugar

1 t. baking soda

¾ t. salt

1 t. each cinnamon and nutmeg

½ c. softened butter

2 eggs, beaten

1 c. pumpkin

1/3 c. water

Mix dry ingredients and set aside. Beat together butter and eggs until fluffy. Beat in pumpkin and water until smooth. Stir in dry ingredients until smooth. Pour into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 60-65 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes before removing from pan and placing on cooling rack.  Wrap in plastic, best served the next day. Freezes well. Makes 1 loaf.

As with other quick bread you can make this recipe and bake it in smaller pans for gift-size loaves. Baking temperature is the same. Time will vary, so check after 30 minutes and test for doneness as usual.