Pumpkin Loaf (with Caramelized Walnut Topping)
In a similar fashion as last year, I am not ready for autumn to be over, and yet it's forecasted to snow in three days! I love the season of fall, but it's far too short in my opinion.
One of the great things about fall is definitely pumpkin and spice (although, I did read an article about how the nostalgia of pumpkin spice makes it taste better than it actually is). At any rate, this pumpkin bread takes advantage of both the goodness of pumpkins and spice. Iconic.
My mum and I whipped up a batch of this a few weeks ago, but we neglected to use two pans, pouring the batter into one poor, measly little pan. The result was a grisly mess in my oven (thankfully I witnessed disaster striking and was able to slide a baking sheet underneath to contain most of the exploding pumpkin mess). So when you make this, be sure to divide the batter into two baking pans to avert a crisis :)
Pumpkin Loaf (with Caramelized Walnut Topping)
Makes 2 loaves | Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Loaf Ingredients:
- 1 2/3 cups of flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
-1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp cardamom (optional)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1/2 cup water
Caramelized Walnut Topping:
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Combine all dry ingredients and stir together.
2. In a Pyrex glass measuring cup, blend the wet ingredients together. Add to the dry mix and stir until just blended. Don't overmix.
3. Pour into greased loaf pans. I recommend two pans for the reasons cited above.
4. Melt butter and combine topping ingredients in a separate bowl. Distribute the topping evenly over the loaf.
5. Bake for 60-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let loaf cool fully before removing from pan.
6. Share with all your friends. They will think you are a great baker and an even greater friend. Enjoy!
