First, preheat your oven to 325℉. This ensures that the bread bakes evenly and rises well. A properly heated oven is key to achieving that perfect texture.
Next, grease a loaf pan with either cooking spray or a bit of butter. This step is vital as it prevents the bread from sticking and allows for easy removal once it’s baked.
In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, pumpkin, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk or a hand mixer to combine them until you have a smooth mixture. You’ll know it’s ready when the ingredients are fully blended and creamy.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Make sure to whisk them together thoroughly, ensuring the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently stir them together until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it to be light and fluffy.
Now, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to scrape every last bit from the bowl. It’s all about getting that delicious batter into the pan!
Transfer the loaf pan to the oven and bake for 70 to 80 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial as it helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
Finally, carefully take the bread out of the loaf pan and finish cooling it on a wire rack. This allows air to circulate around the bread, avoiding sogginess.
