Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for the fall season. Feel free to get creative with additional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.

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 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs:
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add Pumpkin and Dry Ingredients:
   • Mix in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Optional: Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips:
   • If desired, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
7. Pour into Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
8. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool:
   • Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Slice and Enjoy:

• Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Bread!