There is something undeniably comforting about a warm slice of pumpkin bread, especially when made from scratch using wholesome ingredients. This Pumpkin Bread Recipe captures the perfect balance of moist texture, cozy spices, and subtle sweetness that make it a year-round favorite. Whether you’re welcoming the crisp vibes of fall or simply craving a delightful treat, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for easy, flavorful baking that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is both simple and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role in creating that tender crumb, rich flavor, and inviting color of the finished loaf.
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing moisture, natural sweetness, and vibrant orange color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bread its structure and soft crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a hint of caramel notes when using brown sugar.
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread moist and tender with a subtle richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s fluffy texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly while keeping it light.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to lift the loaf to golden heights.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1–2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that gives the bread its warm, seasonal soul.
- Optional mix-ins (½ cup): Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries add delightful texture and bursts of flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your pumpkin bread will bake evenly and come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined. This combination creates the perfect base, infusing your loaf with just the right lift and cozy flavors.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth and well-mixed. This wet mixture is what brings moisture and natural sweetness to the bread, making it so wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, and we want it light and tender instead.
Step 5: Fold in Optional Mix-Ins
If you’re feeling adventurous, now’s the time to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries. Folding them in at this stage evenly distributes these tasty extras without overworking the batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling your pumpkin bread is beautifully baked through.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step lets the flavors settle and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of butter dramatically enhances each slice of this pumpkin bread. For an extra touch, drizzle cream cheese glaze or spread a bit of honey to elevate every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair your pumpkin bread with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea to complement the spicy-sweet flavors. A cozy bowl of warm soup or fresh fruit alongside also brings balance and makes for a delightful snack or light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the pumpkin bread into thick wedges and serve them toasted with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for breakfast or dessert. You can even turn it into mini sandwiches with nut butter or jam for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap before storing.
Freezing
Freeze slices or the whole loaf by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully for up to three months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge for an easy treat anytime.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to restore that freshly baked warmth and softness. Add a bit of butter or cream cheese to amplify its cozy appeal.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient option that delivers the same moist texture and flavor as fresh pumpkin.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can easily make your own blend by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger, and ¼ teaspoon cloves. This mix will give your bread that quintessential pumpkin spice flavor.
Can I substitute the oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil. It adds a lovely richness and slightly different flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just keep in mind that texture may vary slightly but the flavors will remain delicious.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a warm hug baked into a loaf. Sharing it with friends and family or savoring it by yourself with a cozy drink makes every bite special. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the simple joy it brings to any kitchen.
Print
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic pumpkin bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall baking. Made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and your choice of mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, it’s a comforting treat ideal for breakfast or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon + ½ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp ginger + ¼ tsp cloves)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves mixture) until well combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil or melted butter, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Mix-ins: If desired, fold in optional additions like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries evenly into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar for a richer taste.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- Adjust spices to preference for a milder or stronger pumpkin flavor.
- Store pumpkin bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
