Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep and mix
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, then grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans and set them aside. Keep the pans ready so the batter can go in right after mixing.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Whisk until the spices are evenly distributed.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and Libby's pumpkin puree until smooth. Mix until no streaks of pumpkin remain.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix so the bread stays dense and moist.
Fill, top, and bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans and smooth the tops. Make the surface as level as possible for even baking.
- Sprinkle the raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) and turbinado sugar over the tops if using. Lightly press them in so they adhere as the loaf rises in the oven.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes at 350°F, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil during baking.
Cool and slice
- Let the loaves cool in the pans for 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the centers set before unmolding.
- Transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Wait for full cooling to get clean, tender slices.
Notes
Pro tip: stir the batter only until the dry ingredients disappear—overmixing can make the loaf tough. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freeze: yes, wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf for up to 2 months. For a dietary swap, use a neutral canola or avocado oil in place of vegetable oil (texture remains similar).
