Dan's Pumpkin Bread

The best pumpkin bread is slightly dense, moist and packed full of that delicious pumpkin-cinnamon-clove flavor. Spread some creamy butter on top and you will have a heavenly snack for kids and adults alike.

This has been my favorite pumpkin bread recipe for several years, and lucky you, I'm sharing it with you! I can't take the credit. This is my brother, Dan's, recipe. Not many girls can say that their brother is an awesome baker…but I can! Dan used to work in the bakery with my Grandma, many years ago. He has always had a knack for baking. He bakes a lot of this pumpkin bread, usually in mini loaves or in vegetable cans, around Christmas time and gives as gifts; however, it’s not just for Christmas time.

I like to find other reasons to make it, as well:

• It’s a great after school snack for my kids.

• Making this bread into small loaves is perfect to gift to a friend…or a stranger or for no reason at all. I love random acts of kindness!

• Teachers love it too!

• The mini loaves make a cute addition to a fall bridal shower.

• How about inviting some friends over for morning coffee or afternoon tea?

Whatever reason you have for baking this quick bread, you will not be disappointed!

Dan's Pumpkin Bread

SERVINGS: 2 - 9" x 5" x 3" loaves

INGREDIENTS

• 2/3 cup Crisco shortening

• 2 2/3 cup sugar

• 4 eggs

• 1 16 oz. can pumpkin

• 2/3 cup water

• 3 1/3 cup flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp ground cloves

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the pans with Pam cooking spray.

2. Cream shortening and sugar.

3. Stir in eggs, pumpkin and water.

4. Blend in flour, soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and cloves.

5. Divide batter between the two pans. Fill about half full.

6. Bake about 60-80 minutes or until tooth pick comes out clean.

NOTES: You can use clean vegetable cans or small loaf pans to bake. It will vary how many small pans this recipe will make, as it depends on the size of each loaf or can baked. My small loaf pan takes about 45 minutes. If using cans, it may be easier to grease them with vegetable oil and flour.