Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 and 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.

1. Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

1. Add Wet Ingredients:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

1. Optional Add-ins:

• If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.

1. Pour into Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

1. Bake:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

1. Cool:

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Slice and Serve:
   • Once completely cooled, slice the pumpkin bread and serve. It’s delicious on its own or with a pat of butter.

Enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread! Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.