Warm, soft, and full of cozy spices, pumpkin bread is the perfect fall treat. Made with real pumpkin puree, it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to bake. Enjoy it plain or add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of glaze. Whether for breakfast or a snack, this homemade favorite is one you’ll love baking again and again.
Key Benefits
Pumpkin bread is a warm, comforting classic that’s perfect for any time of year, but especially in the fall. It’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, making it a go-to for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, and warm spices, this recipe comes together quickly.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla gives it that signature cozy taste.
- Perfect Texture: Soft, tender, and just the right amount of dense—never dry or crumbly.
- Versatile & Customizable: Enjoy it plain, with nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of cream cheese for extra indulgence.
- Great for Any Occasion: Serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, and it’s always a hit during holiday gatherings.
With its deliciously spiced aroma and melt-in-your-mouth texture, this homemade pumpkin bread will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour – The main ingredient for structure. Avoid substituting with cake flour, as it would alter the bread’s texture.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture, essential for the classic texture and flavor. Other sugars may change the texture.
Brown sugar – Complements granulated sugar with a deeper sweetness and moisture, enhancing the bread’s color.
Baking powder – Works with baking soda for a light texture. Omitting it may result in denser bread.
Cinnamon – Provides the classic spiced flavor, essential for pumpkin bread’s comforting taste.
Nutmeg – Complements cinnamon and enhances the bread’s spiced flavor.
Cloves – Adds warmth and aromatic notes, deepening the flavor of the bread.
Pumpkin puree – The key ingredient for moisture and the signature pumpkin flavor. Use pure pumpkin puree.
Vegetable oil – This keeps the bread moist and tender, creating a softer texture than butter would.
Milk – Adds moisture and helps achieve a smooth batter. Buttermilk can be used for extra tang.
Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the pumpkin and spices, adding depth.
Instructions
Preheat & Prepare – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Blend the Batter – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
Bake to Perfection – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature—it’s perfect with a spread of butter or a drizzle of honey!
Pro Tips
Use Pure Pumpkin Puree – For the best flavor and texture, use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid a dense loaf.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Stir just until combined to keep the bread soft and tender. Overmixing can make it tough.
Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the wet batter sticks, bake for a few more minutes.
Let It Cool Before Slicing – Pumpkin bread continues to set as it cools. Wait at least 30 minutes before slicing for the best texture.
Enhance the Flavor – For extra depth, add a teaspoon of maple syrup or a pinch of cardamom to the batter.
Make It Extra Moist – Swap milk for buttermilk or add a dollop of Greek yogurt for an even richer texture.
With these simple tips, your homemade pumpkin bread will turn out perfectly moist, flavorful, and irresistible every time!
Variations
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – Fold ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter for a sweet, indulgent twist.
Nutty Crunch – Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and extra flavor.
Spiced Pumpkin Bread – Boost the warm spices by adding a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a deeper, cozier taste.
Healthier Version – Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Enjoy it warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. Pair it with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy treat. For a fun twist, toast a slice and drizzle it with honey or maple syrup. If serving as dessert, top it with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. This bread also makes a great gift—wrap a loaf in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon for a homemade touch.
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FAQs
Can you add pumpkin puree to pumpkin bread mix?
Yes! Adding pumpkin puree enhances moisture and flavor. If using a store-bought mix, replace some of the liquid ingredients with ½ to 1 cup of pumpkin puree for a richer, homemade taste.
How long to wait to cut pumpkin bread?
Let the bread cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and prevents crumbling, ensuring clean and even slices.
Why is pumpkin bread gummy?
A gummy texture usually results from overmixing the batter or underbaking. To fix this, mix until just combined and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
pumpkin bread
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Blend the Batter – Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
- Bake to Perfection – Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.