Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cozy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Fall’s Sweet Comfort

Nothing says autumn comfort quite like a warm slice of homemade pumpkin bread that brings cozy spices dancing across your kitchen.

The classic pumpkin bread recipe weaves together simple ingredients into a magical seasonal treat.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with soft, tender pumpkin creating an irresistible aroma.

Baking this bread fills your home with warmth and nostalgia, transporting you to crisp fall afternoons.

Each bite promises a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth with layers of deep, earthy flavors.

This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary experience that celebrates the heart of autumn.

Pumpkin Bread Ingredient Must-Haves

Main Ingredients:
  • Flour: The foundation of the pumpkin bread that provides structure and texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and the signature pumpkin taste to the bread.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread stays moist and soft throughout baking.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's rich texture.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: These warm spices create a classic autumn flavor profile for the pumpkin bread.
Leavening and Binding Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Salt: These ingredients help the bread rise and develop a light, airy texture.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Nuts, Chocolate Chips: Add extra crunch and flavor to the pumpkin bread for those who want additional texture.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Water: Helps to create the right consistency in the bread batter.

Steps for Moist, Flavorful Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Pour in pumpkin puree and water, stirring until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients into wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture.

Step 5: Transfer Batter

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring an even surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 60-70 minutes.

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

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before slicing and enjoying.

Bread Baking Tips for Pumpkin Perfection

  • Use level measuring cups and spoons for accurate flour, spices, and sugar quantities to ensure consistent texture and flavor.
  • Pat pumpkin puree with paper towels to remove excess liquid, preventing a soggy or dense bread texture.
  • Gently fold dry and wet ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender, light crumb and prevent tough bread.
  • Insert a toothpick at multiple spots in the center to confirm complete baking, as pumpkin bread can have moist spots.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

Pumpkin Bread Variations to Explore

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and choose plant-based milk for liquid.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread: Substitute sugar with applesauce, honey, or monk fruit sweetener to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Keto Pumpkin Bread: Use coconut flour, almond flour, and replace sugar with erythritol or stevia to create a low-carb alternative.

Slicing and Serving Pumpkin Bread

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Slice warm pumpkin bread and serve alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Autumn Dessert Delight: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of cinnamon, or drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner sweet.
  • Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade gift that spreads seasonal cheer to friends and neighbors.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the bread just before serving to add extra texture and rich, buttery flavor.

Best Methods for Storing Pumpkin Bread

  • Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and flavor.
  • Slice the bread, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum freshness and taste.
  • Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore its soft, delicious texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can! Simply roast, peel, and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Just ensure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bread.

  • Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Use a 1:1 ratio and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum for better texture.

  • How can I tell if the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly cracked.

Fresh Pumpkin Bread Straight from the Oven

  • Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with this delightful pumpkin bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible spices and homemade goodness.
  • Customize with Ease: Personalize the recipe by adding nuts or chocolate chips, making it a versatile treat that caters to different tastes and preferences.
  • Master Baking Basics: Perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this straightforward recipe requires simple ingredients and minimal technical skills to create a delicious homemade bread.
  • Share the Love: An ideal treat for potlucks, family gatherings, or gifting, this pumpkin bread brings people together with its comforting and nostalgic flavors.
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm autumn memories flood back with classic Pumpkin Bread, a comforting slice of seasonal nostalgia. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this homemade treat brings rich flavors that connect you to cozy kitchen traditions.


Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) pumpkin puree

Sweeteners

  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar

Flour and Leavening Agents

  • 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Eggs and Liquids

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters / 2 fluid ounces) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
  3. In a separate bowl, create a smooth emulsion of sugar, oil, and eggs, blending until the mixture appears uniform and glossy.
  4. Incorporate pumpkin puree and water into the wet mixture, stirring until completely integrated and achieving a consistent texture.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using gentle strokes to prevent overmixing and maintain the bread’s tender crumb.
  6. If desired, gently fold in nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture and flavor complexity.
  7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread evenly and create a smooth surface.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
  9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and makes removal easier.
  10. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack, letting it cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter consistency and better mixing.
  • Toast nuts before adding to enhance their rich, nutty flavor and prevent sogginess in the bread.
  • Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a healthier, lower-fat version that maintains moisture.
  • Check bread doneness early to prevent over-baking, which can lead to dry texture – start testing at 55 minutes with a toothpick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 232 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 181 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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