Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall-Loving Bakers

Autumn’s warmth fills my kitchen with an irresistible pumpkin bread aroma that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Crisp leaves dance outside while spices swirl through the air, promising delectable moments ahead.

Memories of grandmother’s baking inspire this simple yet magical recipe.

Cinnamon and nutmeg blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of seasonal flavors that beckon you closer.

Soft, moist crumbs promise pure indulgence with every single slice.

Rich, earthy pumpkin transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

When you take that first bite, magic happens – pure, unexpected joy awaits.

Why Pumpkin Bread Recipe Feels Like A Hug

  • Craft Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spiced pumpkin bread that captures the essence of cozy autumn moments with its rich, comforting flavors.
  • Master Simple Baking: Easily create a delectable treat using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques that even novice bakers can confidently execute.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Enjoy a flexible recipe that welcomes creative mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, making it perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or afternoon snacking.
  • Quick Meal Companion: Pack this bread as a delightful breakfast option, afternoon pick-me-up, or sweet companion to coffee and tea, ensuring a satisfying culinary experience.

Must-Have Ingredients For Cozy Pumpkin Bread

Primary Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Fresh and smooth puree that provides moisture and rich autumn flavor to the bread.
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundational ingredient that creates the bread's structure and texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the bread together and provides richness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread remains moist and tender throughout baking.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Add sweetness and help create a soft, caramelized exterior of the bread.
Spices and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Classic warm spices that complement the pumpkin and create a traditional autumn flavor profile.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the overall taste of the bread.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Walnuts, Chocolate Chips: Provide additional texture and optional flavor variations to the pumpkin bread.
Leavening and Binding Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the bread.

How To Bake Pumpkin Bread Without The Guesswork

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring every nook and cranny is protected.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, baking powder, and salt, creating a fragrant and well-combined dry mixture.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden-orange concoction.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients, stirring with a light touch until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft.

Step 5: Add Optional Extras

If desired, fold in:
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla extract

Distribute these delightful additions evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Remove from the oven and let the bread relax in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Serve and Store

Slice the bread and serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to preserve its moist, delectable texture.

Smart Tips For Moist Pumpkin Bread Perfection

  • Optimize Pumpkin Puree: Use canned 100% pure pumpkin puree for consistent moisture and rich flavor, avoiding watery homemade versions.
  • Prevent Sinking Mix-Ins: Toss chocolate chips or nuts in a tablespoon of flour before adding to batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Test bread with a toothpick inserted near the center, looking for minimal moist crumbs to ensure perfect texture without overbaking.
  • Store Smart: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
  • Enhance Spice Profile: Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to deepen the traditional pumpkin bread flavor complexity.

Tasty Twists On Your Go-To Pumpkin Bread

  • Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup, add chopped pecans for crunch, and sprinkle maple glaze on top after baking for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then swirl into the pumpkin batter before baking for a tangy, creamy addition.
  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips and sprinkle extra on top before baking, creating a decadent chocolate-pumpkin combination that's perfect for chocolate lovers.

Best Things To Serve With Pumpkin Bread

  • Savor Smooth Espresso Pairing: Rich, bold espresso cuts through the pumpkin bread's sweetness, creating a perfect morning or afternoon treat with its complementary warm spices.
  • Complement with Cream Cheese Spread: Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and cinnamon to enhance the bread's autumnal flavors, adding a luxurious creamy texture.
  • Match with Maple Pecan Butter: Blend softened butter with pure maple syrup and chopped pecans for a decadent spread that elevates the pumpkin bread's nutty undertones and seasonal charm.
  • Enjoy with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic chai tea mirrors the bread's cozy spices, creating a harmonious blend of comforting fall flavors that dance on your palate.

Store Pumpkin Bread Without Losing That Softness

  • Keep pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and soft texture.
  • Store bread in an airtight container or sealed plastic bag inside the refrigerator for up to 1 week, preserving moisture and preventing staleness.
  • Wrap individual slices or entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bag, storing for up to 3 months without losing flavor or quality.
  • Remove frozen pumpkin bread from freezer, let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours or gently warm in microwave for quick defrosting before serving.

FAQs On Pumpkin Bread You’ll Want To Know

  • Is pumpkin bread healthy?

Pumpkin bread offers some nutritional benefits from pumpkin, which contains vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. However, it’s still a sweet bread with sugar and calories, so enjoy in moderation.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Use a 1:1 replacement ratio to maintain the recipe’s texture.

  • Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and create a dense texture. Stir the wet and dry ingredients just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.

  • How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread.

Print
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm spices dance through homemade pumpkin bread, creating a comforting autumn treat that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen. Fragrant crumbs promise cozy moments when you savor each rich slice with a steaming mug of coffee.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 15-oz can pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Optional Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Sift together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform spice-infused flour mixture.
  3. Whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
  4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined without overmixing.
  5. If using, fold in optional walnuts, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
  7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Once cooled, slice and serve, or wrap tightly in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and freshness.

Notes

  • Swap vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version that keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Add a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to boost the warm, cozy flavor profile of the bread.
  • Toast chopped walnuts before adding to intensify their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch throughout the loaf.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for quick breakfast or snack options later.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 65 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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