If you’re craving a cozy, autumnal treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of warm spices and sweet pumpkin, this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is just the thing. It’s moist, tender, and has the perfect balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that make every slice feel like a comforting hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a brunch gathering, or simply because you love pumpkin, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential to creating the perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the pumpkin puree for moisture and flavor, the spices that bring warmth, or the leavening agents that give the bread its lovely rise.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the bread’s tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread to rise and keeps it light.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a little extra lift, balancing the texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors in the bread.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with that classic warm, fragrant spice.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, nutty depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle kick of spice that is beautifully complementary.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a robust, aromatic touch to the spice mix.
- 1 ½ cups sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the pumpkin.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread wonderfully moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the rich texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Brings authentic pumpkin flavor and moisture to every bite.
- ¼ cup water: Lightens the batter for an ideal consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet aroma and subtle depth.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is perfectly ready for baking your bread evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well to prevent sticking, making the final bread easy to remove.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures even distribution of the spices and the leavening agents, which is key to the texture and flavor of your pumpkin bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This step makes sure your wet ingredients are harmoniously combined, which will help the batter come together effortlessly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here because overworking the batter can create a denser bread instead of a light, soft loaf. A few small lumps are perfectly okay.
Step 5: Bake Your Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Pour the luscious batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing out the surface for an even bake. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted right in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period helps the bread set properly so slicing produces clean, beautiful pieces every time.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for an extra touch of indulgence. Chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey can also add an appealing texture and a delightful contrast to the soft bread.
Side Dishes
Pair this pumpkin bread with a cup of spiced chai tea, hot coffee, or even a creamy latte. For brunch, it goes wonderfully alongside fresh fruit or a small serving of scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pumpkin bread sliced and layered with mascarpone or ricotta cheese and a smear of fig jam for a gourmet snack or dessert. It also makes an excellent base for a breakfast trifle or a snack plate filled with nuts, cheeses, and fruit spreads.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It keeps fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy your Pumpkin Bread Recipe over a few cozy mornings.
Freezing
You can freeze pumpkin bread either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen pumpkin bread stays delicious for up to 3 months, perfect for making well ahead of time.
Reheating
For the best experience, warm slices of pumpkin bread in a toaster oven or microwave just until they’re soft and fragrant. A light toast brings back the fresh-baked texture and enhances the spices beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient option. Just make sure it’s 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter or coconut oil in the same amount. Both will add a bit of richness and keep the bread moist while offering slightly different flavor notes.
Is it possible to make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Just be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, which results in a tougher, denser loaf rather than the soft, tender crumb you want in pumpkin bread. Mixing until just combined is key.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely, feel free to mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. About ½ to 1 cup folded in will complement the spices beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a kitchen treasure that brings warmth and happiness to any occasion. It’s simple to make yet packed with flavor and texture that everyone will adore. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that perfect slice of pumpkin-spiced goodness—happy baking!
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This classic homemade pumpkin bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for the fall season. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, it combines pumpkin puree with a tender crumb to create a comforting treat ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside to prepare for the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender bread texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense and tough bread.
- Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree for best results.
- Check the bread’s doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture if desired.
- Store pumpkin bread wrapped tightly or in an airtight container to keep it moist for several days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
