½cupunsalted butter1/2 cup = 1 stick; get it to room temperature
1cupsugar
2eggs
1teaspoonlemon zestgrated with microplane
1cupcanned pumpkin pureemake sure it is 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling
1 ½ouncesAmaretto
3 ½tablespoonsmilkI used 2%
½cupwalnuts or pecansplus a handful to sprinkle on top
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and lightly dust with flour. (Alternatively, use 2 small aluminum disposal loaf pans). Bring butter to room temperature.
In medium bowl, mix together the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt). Set aside.
2 cups all purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt
In the bowl of a stand mixer, with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add lemon zest and pumpkin puree and beat until combined.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
Remove mixer bowl and add the dry ingredient mixture to the mixer bowl. Stir in until just incorporated (don't overmix). Stir in Amaretto and milk. Fold in the nuts, reserving a handful for the topping.
1 1/2 ounces Amaretto, 3 1/2 tablespoons milk, 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in the center of the oven until a knife inserted into center of bread comes out clean, about 45-60 minutes.
Cool the bread in the pan for 20 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack, turn right side up and sprinkle with reserved nuts. Then let it cool completely.
If you are shipping this, wrap it securly in plastic wrap after it has cooled. Then wrap the whole thing in aluminum foil. It freezes well if not sending right away.
Notes
** I have also made this with Grand Marnier, which adds an orange background rather than almond. If you use Grand Marnier, change the lemon zest to orange zest.** Interchange the nuts as you wish (almonds might be good), or leave them out all together.