If you’ve ever craved something that perfectly captures the warm, cozy flavors of fall, this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is your golden ticket. Moist and fragrant, filled with just the right blend of spices, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser whether for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Every bite offers a tender crumb bursting with pumpkin’s subtle sweetness paired with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves and ginger. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to treats to bake and share with loved ones all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all you need to create this delicious pumpkin bread. Each one plays a special role: from the warm spices that create that signature cozy aroma to the pumpkin puree that keeps the bread perfectly moist and tender.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives the bread structure and holds everything together.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise to a fluffy, light texture.
- Salt: A tiny pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: These warm spices add depth and a signature fall flavor.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, providing moisture, richness, and that beautiful orange color.
- Granulated sugar and brown sugar: A combo that sweetens the bread and adds complexity with a hint of molasses from the brown sugar.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and give the bread a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
- Milk: Adds a touch of richness and helps balance the batter.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a lovely sweet aroma.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for an easy release. This prep sets the stage for a perfect bake, ensuring your pumpkin bread won’t stick and will brown evenly.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the warm spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisking these together ensures your pumpkin bread gets that even distribution of flavor and texture through every bite.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended. This rich, fragrant mixture is what makes your bread so moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Combine and Stir
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding them together gently to avoid overmixing. Stop once the flour disappears into the batter — overmixing can lead to a tougher texture, and we want this bread tender and soft.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice — it melts beautifully into the moist bread. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar or add a drizzle of honey to bring out the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For a hearty breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a bowl of yogurt topped with nuts and fruit to balance the sweetness with some protein and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into thicker slices and toast them lightly for an added crisp texture, then top with nut butter or pumpkin butter for an irresistible autumn treat. You can also use slices as a base for dessert sandwiches, filled with mascarpone and a smear of fig jam for an elegant spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap your pumpkin bread tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and delicious at room temperature for up to three days—perfect for enjoying over a few cozy mornings.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze. When properly stored, pumpkin bread freezes beautifully for up to three months without losing its texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen or leftover slices, thaw them at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly to bring back that fresh-baked softness and aroma. This quick step makes each slice taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, then drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy bread batter. Using canned pumpkin puree is just a handy shortcut that works perfectly every time.
Is this Pumpkin Bread Recipe gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment by substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, keeping in mind that texture and rise might vary slightly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?
Absolutely! Folding in about half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking adds wonderful texture and gives the bread a fun twist without changing the core recipe.
How long does pumpkin bread last after baking?
Stored properly at room temperature, pumpkin bread stays fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing helps maintain its moistness and flavor for longer enjoyment.
What is the best pan for baking this pumpkin bread?
A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best here, giving the bread its ideal shape and baking time. Using a different-sized pan might alter baking duration and texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking and sharing this Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Whether you’re welcoming the crisp days of fall or just longing for a little homemade comfort, this bread never fails to deliver warmth and joy with every slice. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it—get ready for endless compliments and requests for seconds!
Print
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for fall baking. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it combines the richness of canned pumpkin puree with a blend of sugars and vanilla for a sweet, aromatic loaf. Easy to prepare and wonderfully versatile, this spiced bread makes a delightful dessert or a cozy snack, topped with walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until all are combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked through.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Store pumpkin bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage to preserve freshness.
