Spiced Beer Bread with Pumpkin Ale and Pepitas

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Coat a 10- x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray. In a medium bowl, toss the pepitas with the olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Spread the seeds in a pie plate and bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour with the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, baking powder, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and pepper. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the beer along with 3 tablespoons of the melted butter. Using a rubber spatula, stir until only a few streaks of flour remain. Fold in the toasted pepitas until just combined. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Pour the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the top.

3. Bake for about 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 15 minutes. Carefully remove the bread from the loaf pan and let cool completely on the rack before slicing. Serve with softened butter for spreading.

Make Ahead

The beer bread can be wrapped in foil and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.