This pumpkin bread is a warm, cozy treat that’s perfect for fall. Made with sweet pumpkin and warming spices, it smells just like autumn when you bake it!
I love how it’s moist and fluffy, making it hard to resist having a slice (or two). A little butter on top? Yes, please! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your pumpkin bread. If you want a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that it might change the texture slightly.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient! If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it yourself. Just remove the skin and seeds, then bake until soft. It adds a lovely fresh flavor!
Spices: The classic pumpkin spice mix is essential for that warm flavor. If you don’t have all the individual spices, you can use a pumpkin pie spice blend instead. It usually has everything you need!
Oils and Sugars: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist, but you can also use melted coconut oil for a different flavor. For a healthier version, try reducing the sugar or using honey or maple syrup.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure My Pumpkin Bread is Moist?
Moisture is key in pumpkin bread, and there are a few important tips to keep it soft and delicious:
- Measure flour correctly — too much can make your bread dry. Spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off without packing it.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until combined. This keeps the bread tender.
- Check for doneness using a toothpick — it should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs.
- Let it cool properly in the pan before transferring it to a rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (245g) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pumpkin bread recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 60 to 70 minutes to bake, and then some time to cool. Overall, you’ll spend about an hour and a half before you can enjoy this delicious fall treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that heats up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or, for easy removal, line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This helps to evenly distribute the spices and baking soda.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in the eggs one at a time until everything is well mixed and creamy. This will create a nice base for your bread!
4. Add Pumpkin and Vanilla:
Next, stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is smooth and well combined. You’ll love that beautiful orange color!
5. Combine Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. It’s important not to overmix — that’s the secret to keeping your bread fluffy!
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Put the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
8. Cool and Slice:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice and serve!
Enjoy a moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread that’s perfect for fall! Top it with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, just roast it until soft, scoop it out, and puree it. It may have a slightly different texture and flavor, but it’s a great option!
How Do I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bread?
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. It’s a delicious way to customize your bread!
What Should I Do If My Bread Is Too Dense?
If your pumpkin bread turns out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing or too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined next time to keep it light and fluffy!
