It may look like pie but it's definitely bread.(pumpkin bread) Perfect for the holidays. When I think of the holidays,I think of pumpkin pie.But just plain pumpkin pie can get a little boring year after year. So I try to think of ways to spice it up. This year came up with a fun way to serve Pumpkin bread and so... Pumpkin Pie Bread was created. Do you want to learn how to make it? It's as easy as pie ;)

BAKING TIPS (I have learned a few tips over the years)

*For pies,cover the edge of the crust with strips of foil for about half of the baking time.
* Check what your baking a few min. before the time it says on the recipe. I find that most of the time it's ready and this way ,I don't over bake.
*Fluff your flour a little so you can get a more consistent measurement each time.
*I was told by a cake baker to lower the suggested baking heat by 25 degrees. I have had good results. (but don't do that with this recipe, I already did it. Lol )
*If you are worried about the bottom burning you can put a piece of foil or a cookie sheet on the rack below for half of the baking time.
*When you have leftover freshly made whipped cream , you can make dollops on a wax paper and freeze for later use.

Step 1: Ingredients

3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 16-ounce can solid pack pumpkin
3 cups all purpose flour
3 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)
pie crust
whipped cream or heavy whipping cream (optional)

Step 2: Getting Started

I found this recipe online years ago and I changed it a little to suit my taste.Let's get started. Preheat oven to 325° degrees. Beat sugar and oil in large bowl to blend. Mix in eggs and pumpkin. Take out your frozen pie shell to soften. or make your own if you prefer.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, salt and baking powder into another large bowl. Stir into pumpkin mixture half at first , then the other half. Stir in walnuts, if desired.

Pour into a pie shell about 2/3 full. Cover the edge of the crust with strips of foil for about half of the baking time.

Step 4: Time to Get Baking :)

Bake at 325 degrees for about 1 hour. Check with a toothpick. When it comes out clean your delicious Pumpkin Pie Bread is done.

Step 5: Make Glaze and Whipped Cream

I made a simple glaze for the top of the bread to make it have a shiny look like real pumpkin pie does. I just sifted a little powdered sugar into a small bowl, added a tiny bit of water at a time. Then I added a tiny bit of leftover pumpkin puree, just to add color and a little flavor.Then I just brushed it on. (it's not that noticeable in the pic but it is a nice touch)

When you are ready to serve, make whipped cream or you could buy cool whip if you want. It is very simple just sift powdered sugar into your kitchenaid, add a little vanilla and whip well until stiff peaks. For a more detailed description ,I suggest checking out Forkable's instructable ... Making fresh whipped cream.

With your leftover whipped cream , you can make dollops on a wax paper and freeze for later use. And/or make some hot chocolate like i did. ;)