Before I moved to Bozeman, I never really understood why people liked fall. September through November are typically the wettest months of the year in Juneau, even by Juneau’s standards. Constant drizzle, drippy leaves, and annual flooding are really the only things Juneauites have to look forward to, other than possibly freezing nights resulting in ridiculously icy roads.

However, going to college in Bozeman introduced me to the crisp air, crunchy leaves, and brilliant colors of the ideal fall day. I now understand the appeal of the season and all the baking flavors that come with it. The smell of something baking is just as much a part of fall, and if it fits the weather then so much the better.

So just in case you aren’t tired of pumpkin yet (as if that’s even possible), this bread is amazing. Moist, pumpkiny, the perfect amount of spices. I’ve baked it twice this month already and I’m sure a third is not far off. It’s so good I have a hard time not eating all three loaves in one day.

If you are baking at or around sea level ignore the red text as there’s no need to make any changes. But if you’re baking at 4500 feet (like I am), follow the red modifications I’ve made in the recipe.

Otherwise, this happens.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
2 scant tsp. baking soda
1 scant tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. ground allspice
1 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves

4 eggs
1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup water

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F for 50-60 (375°F) and grease three  8”x4”x2” loaf pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center.
3. In another bowl, combine the eggs, pumpkin, oil and water; mix well.
4. Stir into dry ingredients (I find a rubber scraper is easiest) just until moistened.
5. Divide evenly into greased loaf pans.
6. Bake for 50-60 (40-45) minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.

Note: I find it easiest to use the disposable loaf pans (don’t have to worry about getting them back from people) and place all three on a baking sheet. You know your oven best, but I’ve never had to rotate them during baking.