Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of Pumpkin Bread baking in the oven, especially when you know that every bite will be perfectly moist and bursting with cozy spices. This recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors, with a tender crumb and a richness reminiscent of family gatherings and lazy Sunday afternoons. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or just as a snack with coffee, this Pumpkin Bread is a timeless favorite that’s incredibly easy to whip up, yet always impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how this list of simple ingredients comes together to create the best Pumpkin Bread. Each element plays a key role in building the bread’s irresistible flavor and texture—let’s take a closer look!

All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone of our loaf, ensuring it’s tender but not crumbly.
Baking soda: Just the right amount to give the bread a lovely lift and soft interior.
Baking powder: Adds a little extra rise, contributing to that perfect dome on top.
Salt: A small amount brightens all the flavors beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: Essential for warmth and that classic pumpkin spice appeal!
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, nutty complexity that deepens the flavor.
Ground cloves: Just enough to give the bread a whisper of spice without overwhelming the pumpkin.
Ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing and rounds out the spice mix perfectly.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a tender, moist crumb.
Packed brown sugar: Infuses rich molasses notes for extra depth and color.
Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding a touch of richness.
Vegetable oil: Makes each slice unbelievably moist—choose a neutral oil for best flavor.
Milk: Helps create a soft, supple crumb and lightens the batter.
Vanilla extract: All about sweet aroma and rounding out the spices.
Canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient for classic flavor and gorgeous color.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are. Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this simple step ensures your Pumpkin Bread pops out perfectly and maintains that beautiful crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Give everything a gentle whisk to distribute those fragrant spices evenly—this way, every bite carries the magic of fall!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate, larger bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything looks smooth and creamy, with no streaks of egg or lumps of sugar.

Step 4: Add the Pumpkin Purée

Now for the best part: stir in the canned pumpkin purée. Take a moment to enjoy that gorgeous orange color and the subtle earthiness it brings to the mix.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Take care not to overmix—the batter should be thick but cohesive, ensuring a soft, tender bread.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your rich Pumpkin Bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and lightly smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting scent!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely—though we know it’s tempting to dig in right away—so you can slice your Pumpkin Bread without it crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but you can also top slices with a slather of cinnamon butter or cream cheese for a decadent treat. If you love a little crunch, try scattering roasted pepitas or chopped walnuts on top before baking.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Bread is wonderful on its own, but it makes a cozy breakfast alongside a cup of chai or strong black coffee. For brunch, pair it with a fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a balanced start to your day.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin Bread into an autumn-inspired dessert by layering slices with whipped cream and caramel sauce, or use thick toasts as the base for a bread pudding. Mini loaves or muffin tins transform this recipe into adorable, giftable treats for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pumpkin Bread tasting fresh by storing it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, so you can enjoy a slice anytime.

Freezing

Pumpkin Bread freezes beautifully, making it perfect for prepping ahead. Once cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) securely in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to two months. Defrost overnight at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. This makes the Pumpkin Bread wonderfully soft and brings out its aromatic spices all over again.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade purée is well-drained and smooth for the best texture. Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains sweeteners and spices that will alter the flavor.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, you can stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. Add them with the dry ingredients to ensure even distribution.

What makes this Pumpkin Bread so moist?

A generous amount of pumpkin purée and vegetable oil guarantee a super moist loaf. The balance of sugar and eggs also locks in moisture, so every slice is soft and tender.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is ready. Keep an eye on the bread after 55 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and divide the batter equally between two loaf pans. Baking time should be about the same, but check both loaves for doneness just as you would with a single batch.

Final Thoughts

Once you make this Pumpkin Bread, it’s sure to become a star in your baking rotation. The rich spice, tender crumb, and sweet pumpkin flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try and share the joy—after one bite, you’ll understand why it’s a classic.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Bread recipe. Perfectly spiced and moist, this easy-to-make bread is a must-have for your autumn baking repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in pumpkin purée.
Combine and Bake: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour batter into pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes. Cool before slicing.