Though I like the outcome, I don't particularly enjoy the process of baking. I think it's the amount of bowls and utensils and the clean-up. I do love a good one-bowl recipe. You can throw this together while you're making or serving breakfast—very little clean-up and a perfectly pumpkin-y loaf, totally ready in less than an hour. I eyeball the spices and add extra pumpkin pie spice to really amp up the pumpkin-y-ness! You can also add a 1/2 cup of nuts (like walnuts) if you so desire.

It's a great option for a hostess gift or as something to have on-hand for unexpected drop-ins at the holidays. Plus, it makes the whole house smell delicious. Just don't forget: It takes almost an hour for this baby to bake!

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup olive oil
2 eggs
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Generously spray a loaf pan with baking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. (This is my trick for avoiding the step of sifting!) Add pumpkin, oil, eggs, water, and spices. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon, but do not over-mix.

Pour into prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Turn out of pan onto a rack to let cool. You can also pour batter into muffin cups, just decrease bake time to 20-25 minutes.

This recipe doubles easily, but be sure to use an extra large bowl! Of course, you can use your electric mixer, but a free-standing bowl works just as great.

DETAILS:
Super fast prep time. Cook time ~an hour. Yields enough for a crowd.