Bread-In-A-Jar(Great For Gift Giving)
A moist, flavorful pumpkin bread in a jar that's perfect for gift-giving, combining warm spices, nuts, and rich pumpkin for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the canned pumpkin and water until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
- Fold in the nuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra moist bread, consider adding 1/2 cup of applesauce in place of half the shortening. You can also substitute the nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruits for a different flavor. If you prefer a spicier profile, increase the cinnamon and cloves slightly. Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for the best rise.
Serving Suggestions
This Bread-In-A-Jar is perfect for gift giving, especially when paired with a spread like cream cheese or butter. Serve slices alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea. It also goes well with a side of Cranberry-Sour Cream Jello for a festive touch, making it an excellent addition to holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven until just heated through to maintain its moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread-In-A-Jar(Great For Gift Giving) contains roughly 946 calories, with 9g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2205mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. To do this, roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Ensure you measure the same amount as the canned version, and adjust the moisture if needed by reducing the water slightly.
What can I use if I don't have shortening?
If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. Both options will provide a similar texture and flavor, although butter will add a richer taste to the bread.
How can I adjust this recipe for a gluten-free option?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better structure. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly since gluten-free flours can absorb more moisture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).