Ingredients (14)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick), at room temperature, plus more for coating the pan
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)
Tip
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There are several reasons Christmas is celebrated on Dec. 25. The date is nine months after March 25, a day recognized by Christians as Annunciation. It was the day Mary was told she would was having a baby. The nine months that follow are an approximation of Jesus’ birth. Dec. 25 also coincides with pagan Winter Solstice celebrations like Saturnalia' and Dies Natalis Solis Invicti. Since they were historically celebrated around that time of year there was precedent for holiday festivities during this time of year.
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Tip
What Does the Name 'Christmas' Mean and What Is the Meaning of Christmas?
Christmas is a shortened from the words “Christ’s mass.” It’s derived from the Middle English word "Cristemasse" which has Greek, Hebrew and Latin origins. Christmas is an annual holiday that honors the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by Christians around the world and is regarded as an important religious and cultural holiday.
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Christmas is traditionally celebrated in many ways and celebrations vary across cultures. In the days leading up to Christmas, people usually put up special decorations including colorful lights and evergreen trees. Gifts are often placed under the tree and exchanged on Christmas day among loved ones. Large meals are also typically served as part of the celebration as well.
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Pumpkin purée makes for an aromatic, moist pumpkin bread, but it can also give the bread a soggy texture, so we use paper towels to blot away the moisture before baking. Gild the pumpkin-bread lily with Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting or Pumpkin Frosting.
Instructions
- 1Heat the oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the middle. Coat a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter; set aside.
- 2Place the flour, cinnamon, ginger, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, and nutmeg in a medium bowl and whisk to combine and aerate; set aside.
- 3Spread the pumpkin purée into a thin, even layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Cover with a triple layer of paper towels and press until the towels are saturated with moisture (don’t worry—they won’t stick to the purée). Peel back the paper towels and discard; set aside the baking sheet with the pumpkin.
- 4Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and beat on medium high until light in color, about 3 minutes. Add the sugar and continue beating on medium high until the mixture is light in color and large clumps have formed, about 3 minutes.
- 5On medium speed, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the reserved pumpkin purée and vanilla and mix on low speed until just combined, about 1 minute.
- 6With the mixer on low, slowly add the reserved flour mixture in three additions and mix until just combined, about 2 minutes total.
- 7Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using a rubber spatula, fold in any loose flour and the nuts, if using. (Do not overmix.) Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- 8Bake until the bread is puffed and golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on the wire rack, about 30 to 40 minutes.
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