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Pumpkin Bread Recipe – Moist, Spiced & Cozy

Few things smell as inviting as pumpkin bread baking in the oven. With its warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and moist crumb, pumpkin bread is a true seasonal classic. It’s easy to make, requires just a few simple ingredients, and is endlessly versatile—you can enjoy it plain, glazed, or with mix-ins like nuts and chocolate chips. Unlike some desserts that are overly sweet, pumpkin bread strikes a balance between cozy spice and natural pumpkin goodness. It’s a perfect companion to coffee or tea and makes a wonderful homemade gift during the fall and holiday season. This recipe keeps things simple while delivering a soft, flavorful loaf that stays moist for days. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a regular in your fall baking lineup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree unsweetened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup milk dairy or plant-based
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional Mix-Ins
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • Streusel topping brown sugar, flour, butter crumble

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

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    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooling rack
  • Oven
  • Optional:
  • Hand mixer (to blend batter smoothly)
  • Parchment paper (for easier loaf removal)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Pan
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
  1. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined.
  2. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
  1. Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 6 days.
Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste.
🥄 Variations
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread: Swirl cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.
Pumpkin Streusel Bread: Top with a brown sugar crumble before baking.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread: Swap half the flour for whole wheat and use coconut sugar or honey.
Glazed Pumpkin Bread: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
Spiced Up Version: Add extra nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin pie spice for stronger flavor.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pie filling is sweetened and spiced—use only plain puree.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can make it heavy—stir just until combined.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, cook and puree fresh pumpkin, then drain excess liquid.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely—divide batter into a muffin tin and bake 20–22 minutes.
What kind of nuts work best?
Pecans and walnuts are the classic choice.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans.
Can I make it vegan?
Yes, use flax eggs and plant-based milk.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce by ¼–½ cup, though texture may be slightly different.
How do I know when it’s done?
A toothpick should come out clean from the center.
What can I serve pumpkin bread with?
Coffee, tea, or spread with cream cheese, butter, or nut butter.
🏁 Conclusion
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is everything fall should taste like—spiced, moist, and comforting. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to share during holidays. Whether enjoyed plain, with a glaze, or filled with chocolate chips, every slice feels like a cozy autumn hug.
Bake a loaf for your family, bring one to a fall gathering, or freeze extra slices for quick breakfasts. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a seasonal tradition in your kitchen.