If there’s one cozy treat guaranteed to fill your kitchen with warmth and autumn cheer, it’s this Pumpkin Bread Recipe. With its tender crumb, delightful spices, and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s the kind of slice you reach for whether you’re gathering with friends or savoring a quiet moment with a mug of coffee. Each bite tastes like a celebration of fall, but you’ll want to make this year-round. Let’s dive into what makes this classic so irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this Pumpkin Bread Recipe to life. Each ingredient plays an important part, from adding comforting spice to creating that perfectly moist texture everyone loves.

All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy base of the loaf, giving it structure without being heavy.
Baking soda: Key for the rise, ensuring your bread is beautifully domed and not flat.
Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra lift and a fluffier crumb.
Salt: Balances all the sweet, earthy, and spicy flavors in every bite.
Ground cinnamon: The essential spice for that authentic autumn aroma and warmth.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a mellow, comforting background note that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Ground cloves: Just a little brings a deep, spicy edge that’s so classic in pumpkin bread.
Ground ginger: For a touch of brightness and zing in the spice blend.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens while also helping to lock in moisture and tenderness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf extra moist (and makes it deliciously soft, even after a few days).
Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving structure while keeping the crumb fluffy.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show, delivering incredible color, flavor, and moisture.
Water: Loosens the batter just enough so your bread bakes up perfectly—not too dense, not too airy.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet depth that complements all the spices and pumpkin.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the batter starts baking immediately, creating that signature golden crust. Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan well, or line it with parchment, so you can remove the loaf easily once it’s cooled. Set it aside while you prep your ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisking here ensures all those warm spices and leavening agents are spread evenly throughout the flour, so every bite of your Pumpkin Bread Recipe tastes balanced and fragrant.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the sugar and vegetable oil until smooth and glossy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to help the batter emulsify. Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract—these ingredients are what give the loaf its signature moisture and delicious flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until there are no streaks of flour visible. Be careful not to overmix—just enough to combine—so your bread stays tender and doesn’t turn tough. If you’d like, fold in half a cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra fun and texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing (trust me—it’s worth the wait!).

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle the top of the cooled loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze. Chopped toasted pecans or a handful of mini chocolate chips pressed into the warm loaf add both flavor and flair. These extra touches make the Pumpkin Bread Recipe feel extra special for guests and family alike.

Side Dishes

This bread shines at breakfast or brunch alongside creamy Greek yogurt, a bowl of berries, or scrambled eggs. You can also pair a thick slice with a hot mug of coffee or chai latte for a perfect afternoon treat. The subtle spices in the bread complement just about anything you’d want to serve with it.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider cutting the bread into mini slices and serving with cream cheese or spiced butter for a charming breakfast platter. For gatherings, cube the Pumpkin Bread Recipe and present on a tray with toothpicks and a sweet dip (like caramel sauce or cinnamon whipped cream). Or simply wrap up slices in parchment and twine for an adorable, edible gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the loaf to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. Your Pumpkin Bread Recipe will stay moist at room temperature for up to 3 days—which means you can bake ahead for weekend breakfasts or midweek snacking.

Freezing

If you want to extend the life of your bread, freezing is a fantastic option. Simply wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) in a double layer of plastic or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or toast lightly in a skillet. This brings out the aroma of the spices and revives the bread’s softness—delicious for breakfast or a cozy snack.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly! Just make sure it’s thick (not watery), and strain off any excess moisture before using, so your Pumpkin Bread Recipe bakes up just right.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely—you can substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get delicious results and all that cozy flavor.

What’s the best way to tell when Pumpkin Bread is done?

The trusty toothpick test works every time: insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your loaf is good to go. Try not to overbake, or the bread could dry out.

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

Definitely! Stir in about a half cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), dried cranberries, or chocolate chips for fun twists on the classic. Just fold them into the batter before pouring into the pan.

Does this Pumpkin Bread Recipe freeze well?

It sure does. Wrap cooled slices or the whole loaf well and stash in the freezer for up to three months. When ready, thaw and gently warm for the best flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Pumpkin Bread Recipe as I am to share it with you! It’s beautifully spiced, perfectly moist, and easy enough for bakers of all levels. However you serve it, there’s a good chance it’ll become a new favorite tradition in your kitchen. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Bread recipe. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this moist and flavorful loaf is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

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 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin, water, and vanilla.
Combine ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before baking.
This bread freezes well—wrap tightly once cooled and store for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American