1974 Pumpkin Bread Recipe Yields Two Loaves in Under an Hour

A pumpkin bread recipe from 1974 offers a simple baking project that requires no yeast and takes less than 10 minutes to mix.

The recipe, published in the April 1974 edition of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, yields two loaves. It relies on standard pantry staples rather than fresh produce, making it an accessible option for home bakers who want to avoid kneading or proofing dough.

The instructions call for 1 cup of corn oil, four beaten eggs, and 2 cups of pumpkin puree. Sweetness comes from 1 cup of white sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar. The dry ingredients include 3.5 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of salt.

Spices define the flavor profile. The batter includes 1/2 teaspoon of cloves, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger. Bakers can add up to 2/3 cup of water to reach the correct consistency.

To prepare the batter, combine the sugars, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add water gradually until the batter resembles thick, pourable pancake batter.

Pour the mixture into two 9-by-5-inch loaf pans that have been greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 55 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of each loaf to check for doneness. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute intervals.

The recipe notes that brown sugar provides a moist, longer-lasting result compared to white sugar alone. Optional add-ins include chocolate chips, which should be stirred in before the batter goes into the pans. The archive notes that the original 1974 version did not include chocolate chips.

Once baked, the bread can be stored at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly. The bread keeps for up to three weeks in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.