This rich loaf is closer to being cake than it is to being bread, but either way, it’s the perfect treat to share with friends on an autumn evening. As a bonus for all of the dorm room chefs out there, it’s also incredibly easy to make — it only requires basic equipment and will make your whole apartment smell amazing. For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can even be made gluten-free and/or vegan, without affecting the final product.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Gluten-free flour will also work 
• 1 cup pumpkin puree OR mashed sweet potato
• 1 cup 100% pure maple syrup OR brown sugar
• ¼ cup oil (4 tablespoons)
• 2 eggs
  • Egg substitute should work fine as well — and nobody can stop you from eating the batter!
• 2 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • This can be store-bought or made at home with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Equipment Needed:

• Oven
• Cooking spray
• Mixing spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Two bowls large enough for mixing
• 9” x 5” loaf pan
  • If you can’t find a proper loaf pan, the foil containers you get at the halal cart or the deli are often the perfect size for this — you’ll just need to bend the edges up to make it deep enough.

Directions:

1. Apply cooking spray to your loaf pan and preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. Measure out the dry ingredients into one bowl and the wet ingredients into another.
3. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir to combine. Continue stirring until it reaches a smooth, uniform consistency. 

If you’re concerned that the mixture is too runny, you can stir in flour a tablespoon at a time until you’re satisfied with it. 

1. Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and place in the oven for 50-55 minutes. 

You can check if it’s done by poking the loaf with a toothpick — if the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

1. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Slice and serve!

It doesn’t last long — particularly if you have roommates — so make this the same day if you’re planning an event.