Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup molasses
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar/lemon juice)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, molasses, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate Dry and Buttermilk: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, stirring gently after each addition. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined to keep the loaf tender.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, drizzle the cooled loaf with a cream cheese glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
- The loaf keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze the loaf for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
