1CupBrown SugarLight or Dark, packed down into measuring cup
2TeaspoonsBaking Soda
1/2TeaspoonBaking Powder
3/4TeaspoonSalt
Spice Mixture
1TeaspoonCinnamon
3/4TeaspoonGround Nutmeg
1/4TeaspoonGround Cloves
2TeaspoonsGround Ginger
1/4Teaspoon Allspice optional
1/4TeaspoonMaceoptional
Wet Ingredients
4EggsBeaten
1CupOlive Oil
2TbspMolasses Light or Dark
1Zest of one Orange
1/4CupFresh Orange Juice
2TbspBourbonoptional
1/3CupPlus 1 Tbsp. Water
1CanPumkin Purée 15 ounces, or about 2 Cups
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional)
8OuncesCream Cheese
4TbspButterSoftened
1TeaspoonVanilla
3 1/2CupsPowdered Sugar
Orange-Bourbon Glaze (Optional)
2TbspOrange Marmalade
1TbspBourbonCan also use Orange Juice or a little water
Instructions
Pumpkin Bread
Preheat the Oven to 350°Prepare your Loaf Pans: Two 9”x5” Loaf Pans - or Four Mini Loaf Pans of (5 3/4”x3 1/4”), or a combinationSpray with nonstick spray, line with parchment paper and spray the paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and whisk to combine. Make a large hole in the center of the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients except the Pumpkin. Use a whisk or handheld mixer to combine. Add the Pumpkin Purée and mix again until everything is combined and the batter is smooth.
Divide the batter into your prepared pans and bake. 1) The 9”x5” Pans: 60-70 Minutes2) The Mini Loaf Pans: 45-55 Minutes**Bake until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. **Sometimes is easier to place the pans on a sheet pan in the oven to create an even surface.
Allow the loaves to cool for 15-30 minutes before removing them from the pan. Cool Completely and frost or glaze. **If you plan to freeze the loaves, do not frost or glaze before freezing. Thaw the loaves completely and then frost or glaze.
Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl combine the Cream Cheese, softened Butter, and Vanilla. Using a mixer, blend until smooth.Keeping the mixer at a low speed, gradually add the Powdered Sugar. Blend until very smooth. Frost the loaves by using a pastry bag and a zig-zag pattern, or spread the frosting all over the top.
Orange-Bourbon Glaze
Combine the marmalade and Bourbon, (or liquid of choice), to make a thick glaze consistency. Spoon the glaze over the tops of the loaves to coat evenly.
Notes
OTHER OPTIONS:1. Sugars:
I’ve substituted the regular sugar with the same amount of maple syrup. (Because I like the taste of maple, and it also has a lower glycemic index.) If you do this, just reduce the amount of water to a total of 1/4 Cup.
If you wish to use honey, use half the amount listed for the sugar. For this recipe, if you’re substituting honey for the white sugar, use 1/2 Cup. Also, reduce the water to 1/4 Cup total.
2. Flours:
You can use Gluten Free flour in this recipe. Also, you can use a mixture of white flour with whole wheat or oat flour for added nutrition. Convert approximately 1/3 of the flour mixture to the alternative flour, to mix with the white. In this recipe, it would be 1 Cup of whole wheat, oat, or another flour with 2 1/2 Cups of white flour.
3. Spice Combo: If you don’t have all the spices listed here, don’t worry. If I had to choose two must-haves, it would be cinnamon and nutmeg. My third choice would be Allspice or Mace, as they inherently have hints of other spices within them. I personally love the taste of clove, so I usually have it in my pantry. 4. Other Pan Options:
You can also use a mini Bundt pan or cupcake pan for this bread. Bake them for 15-20 minutes, checking them with a toothpick, as you would the loaf bread.