Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cozy Autumn Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Slice of Fall Magic

Autumn whispers its rustic charm through every slice of homemade pumpkin bread, a comforting treat that captures seasonal magic.

Crisp leaves dance outside while warm spices fill your kitchen with nostalgic aromas.

Cinnamon and nutmeg weave their enchantment into soft, tender crumbs that melt on your tongue.

Rich orange hues promise a delightful experience waiting to unfold.

Memories of cozy sweaters and countryside walks inspire this delectable creation.

Baking becomes an art form when you infuse love into every carefully measured ingredient.

Let this recipe guide you toward a delicious adventure that celebrates fall’s most beloved flavors.

Pumpkin Bread That Feels Like Fall

  • Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: Discover why this pumpkin bread recipe is a total game-changer for home bakers everywhere.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee delicious results every single time.
  • Quick Autumn Delight: Requires just one hour from start to finish, making it an ideal weekend treat or last-minute dessert for unexpected guests.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully as a breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert that appeals to both kids and adults with its warm, comforting spices and moist texture.
  • Ingredient Accessibility: Uses common pantry staples and easily found ingredients, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or expensive components.

What You’ll Use in Pumpkin Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and volume to the pumpkin bread.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create classic fall flavor profile.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, rich pumpkin taste, and natural sweetness.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • White Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
Optional Topping:
  • Pepitas: Crunchy pumpkin seeds that add texture and visual appeal.

Pumpkin Bread Mixing and Baking Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground cloves
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground nutmeg

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine and mix thoroughly:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar

Step 4: Merge Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything is just combined.

Be careful not to overmix the batter – this keeps the bread tender.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan.

If you want extra crunch, sprinkle pepitas across the top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Slice and Savor

Cut into beautiful slices and enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread!

Pumpkin Bread Baking Advice

  • Use exact measurements for flour and spices to ensure consistent texture and flavor every time.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent dense, tough bread; stir just until ingredients are combined for a light, tender crumb.
  • Experiment with pepitas, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to add extra crunch and visual appeal.
  • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the pumpkin bread is perfectly baked.
  • Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Pumpkin Bread That’s Still Soft the Next Morning

  • Wrap cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Slice the bread before freezing for easier portioning. Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
  • Remove frozen bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed bread in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft texture and bring out the warm spices.

Cozy Additions For Pumpkin Bread

  • Savor Creamy Coffee Companion: Pair this rich pumpkin bread with a velvety latte or cappuccino, letting the warm spices in the bread dance with the smooth, robust coffee flavors.
  • Enhance with Maple Butter Spread: Create a decadent topping by mixing softened butter with pure maple syrup, which complements the bread's autumnal spices and adds luxurious moisture.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Tea: Brew a fragrant chai tea that echoes the bread's warm cinnamon, clove, and ginger notes, creating a harmonious flavor experience that feels like a cozy autumn embrace.
  • Elevate with Cream Cheese Drizzle: Whip cream cheese with a touch of honey and vanilla, then drizzle over slices to add a tangy, sweet dimension that balances the bread's deep, earthy pumpkin taste.

Pumpkin Bread Spice Swaps

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Substitute eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) and use coconut oil instead of regular oil. Replace sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content. Add extra spices like cardamom or allspice to enhance flavor without adding calories.
  • Nutty Protein Pumpkin Bread: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. Add a scoop of protein powder to increase protein content and create a more nutritious breakfast or snack option.

FAQs

  • Is pumpkin bread healthy?

While delicious, pumpkin bread contains sugar and oil, making it more of a treat. Pumpkin itself offers nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, but the bread should be enjoyed in moderation.

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can! Simply roast and puree fresh pumpkin, ensuring it’s smooth and has similar consistency to canned puree. Just drain excess liquid to prevent a soggy bread.

  • Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dry?

Overmixing the batter or overbaking can cause dryness. Mix ingredients just until combined and check your bread a few minutes early to prevent overcooking.

  • How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Avoid wet batter on the toothpick.

Print
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Seasonal warmth fills kitchens with pumpkin bread’s comforting embrace, blending aromatic spices and rich harvest flavors. Moist crumbs and delicate sweetness invite companions to savor autumn’s most beloved quick bread, promising pure culinary delight in each delectable slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Spices and Optional Topping:

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup pepitas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and equipment, ensuring oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
  2. Thoroughly combine all dry ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a fragrant spice-infused flour mixture.
  3. Whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, and liquid fats in a separate container until smooth and uniform in texture.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, using minimal stirring to maintain a tender bread consistency.
  5. Transfer batter into a generously greased loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for even distribution.
  6. Optionally scatter pepitas across the top of the unbaked bread for added crunch and visual appeal.
  7. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F oven, positioning it centrally for consistent heat circulation.
  8. Monitor bread during baking, checking for a deep golden-brown color and inserting a toothpick to test doneness.
  9. Remove from oven and allow bread to rest inside the pan for approximately 10 minutes, allowing structural setting.
  10. Carefully transfer bread to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete cooling before slicing to preserve moisture and texture.
  11. Slice into thick, rustic pieces and serve at room temperature, enjoying the aromatic autumn-inspired treat.

Notes

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly and create a more uniform texture.
  • Consider swapping out oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version that maintains moisture and adds natural sweetness.
  • Toast pepitas before sprinkling on top to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the bread’s surface.
  • Experiment with gluten-free flour blends to make this recipe celiac-friendly without compromising the rich, warm spice profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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