Grandma Wilhelm’s pumpkin bread is the perfect classic pumpkin bread. You can savor the flavors of fall without all of the fuss!

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Sifting through each handwritten recipe transports me to a different, more simple era in time. Each notecard with grease spots and flour dust bears witness to a lifestyle of using one’s hands to lovingly prepare food.

It’s a brief glimpse into the history of family, seeing the dishes that were shared around the table and the recipes that were passed between friends.

It’s a collection of memories, really.

My husband’s Grandma Wilhelm was such a special lady. I only knew her for a short while before she passed away, but she left a lasting impression on me in that brief time. She was kind, gracious, and revered by her family.

After her passing, my mother-in-law, who knows how much I enjoy baking and cooking, gifted me a couple of Grandma Wilhelm’s cookbooks and also a recipe box chock-full of her handwritten recipes.

I could spend hours reading through each and every one.

Among the curated treasure trove of recipes was this gem, which has become a fall tradition in our own home now.

Now, I realize that there are a lot of decadent and complicated pumpkin spice recipes floating around the internet this time of year. And there is absolutely a time and a place for those show-stopping creations.

Not only are there a ton of recipes, but you can buy SO MANY pumpkin spice goodies! We all know that pumpkin spice treats are pretty abundant during this time of year, but I recently read this post about so treats that I didn’t even know about! The Talenti Pumpkin Pie Gelato and Mrs. Thinster’s Cookie Thins are going on my list of items to try!

But here’s the thing. Nine times out of ten, if I’m honest, simplicity wins in my book. I don’t need fancy concoctions or storebought treats.

I just need a slice of Grandma Wilhelm’s pumpkin bread.

This heavenly pumpkin bread is very much a classic, no frills pumpkin bread, but it is such a treat! It is so tender and has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Warm up a slice for breakfast or enjoy it as an afternoon snack. You can also top it with some mascarpone whipped cream for an absolutely delightful dessert with minimal effort (seriously, that cream takes things to a whole new level. Just trust me.).

I’m all about keeping things simple and savoring the flavors of fall without a lot of fuss, and this pumpkin bread fits the bill superbly.

As a bonus, since this recipe makes two loaves, you can give one away to brighten someone’s day, or save it for later. It freezes beautifully if you wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Enjoy! I’m sure Grandma Wilhelm’s pumpkin bread will become a beloved fall tradition in your family, too!

Recommended Equipment:

Grandma Wilhelm’s Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1 cup shortening
4 eggs
2/3 cup water
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp baking soda
1 15-oz can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling!)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Grease two 8.5”x4” or 9”x5” loaf pans.
Combine sugar and shortening in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
Add water and mix well to combine.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
While mixer is running on low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients and pumpkin puree, in 3 additions.
Once dry ingredients and pumpkin puree are incorporated, divide batter between prepared pans.
Bake for about 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

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