So now that we are past Thanksgiving, it’s time for me to truly
get into holiday baking mode. I am determined to get all
of my holiday baking done and to get treat baskets to everyone on my list.
Somehow the baking always gets pushed back and I end up not making
everything that I intended to and then don’t have goodies for all the people
that I want to share them with! Not acceptable.
I wanted to test this recipe before I added it to gift baskets because I just
wasn’t sure if the ginger it would be overpowering, the pumpkin too subtle or
strong. I just wasn’t convinced but it sounded interesting so I thought
I’d give it a try. And I wanted to use my mini loaf pans that have been
sitting in a cabinet for almost a year! For shame.
I’m so glad that I tried these because this treat is by far one of the BEST
quick breads that I have ever made or tasted. It is definitely
gingerbread-y but in the best of ways with just a slight hint of pumpkin.
The bread is moist and tender but sturdy enough to add butter to a slice,
if you are so inclined. 😉
I gave away most of the test loaves and we ate the rest while my in-laws were
here. It made for a great addition to our breakfast!
Pumpkin Gingerbread
3 cups granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
4 eggs
⅔ cup water
1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree
2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
3½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. baking powder
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease two 9×5 or 4 mini loaf pans; set aside.
2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine sugar, oil, applesauce, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended.
3. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice, and cinnamon.
4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt, and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Do not over-mix.
5. Divide batter between prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about 1 hour for 9×5 pans, 30-45 minutes for mini loaf pans (begin checking around 25 minutes for mini pans).
Adapted from Eat. Drink. Smile.