Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

The Coziest Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe for Fall Mornings

Autumn whispers bring a delightful pumpkin spice bread that fills kitchens with warmth and nostalgia.

Cozy aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg drift through home spaces, promising comfort in every slice.

Baking this treat connects us to memories of crisp mornings and gentle breezes.

Soft, moist textures blend perfectly with rich spice notes that dance across taste buds.

Home bakers can craft this simple recipe with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Each bite tells a story of seasonal joy and culinary creativity.

You’ll want to share this delectable creation with everyone around your table.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Core Ingredients:
  • Flour: Provides the structural base for the pumpkin spice bread.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and signature pumpkin flavor to the bread.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender texture of the bread.
Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Create the classic warm and aromatic pumpkin spice flavor profile.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste of the bread.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the bread's soft texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the flavor of the bread.
Leavening and Binding:
  • Baking Soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.

How to Bake Pumpkin Spice Bread

How to Bake Pumpkin Spice Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab your 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray or brush with oil, then dust it with a light coating of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together these delightful dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cloves
  • Salt

Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, create a smooth mixture by whisking:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture looks silky and well combined.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.

Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour – overmixing can make the bread tough.

Step 5: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing into delicious pieces.

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Spice Bread

  • Replace vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat version of the bread that still maintains moisture.
  • Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin spice perfectly.
  • Prevent dry edges by checking the bread early and covering with aluminum foil if browning too quickly during baking.
  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation of freshness.
  • Enhance the bread's spice profile by adding a pinch of cardamom or increasing the existing spice measurements for more intense flavor.

Flavor Variations for Pumpkin Spice Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Spice Loaf: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and choose plant-based sugar for a dairy-free option.
  • Low-Sugar Autumn Bread: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nut-Infused Pumpkin Bread: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional boost.

Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

  • Autumn Breakfast Delight: Slice the warm pumpkin spice bread and serve with a dollop of maple butter for a cozy morning treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair thin slices with a steaming cup of chai tea, creating a perfect balance of spices and warmth for a delightful afternoon break.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform the bread into an elegant dessert by topping with cream cheese frosting, candied pecans, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads autumn cheer to friends and family.

Storage Tips for Pumpkin Spice Bread

  • Store leftover pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Refrigerate the bread for extended storage up to 5-7 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in a sealed container.
  • Freeze individual slices or the whole loaf by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated or frozen bread by warming in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm briefly in a 300F oven for 5-10 minutes to restore its soft texture.

FAQs

  • What gives pumpkin spice bread its distinctive flavor?

The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates the signature pumpkin spice flavor profile, reminiscent of autumn and holiday baking.

  • Is pumpkin puree different from pumpkin pie filling?

Yes, pumpkin puree is pure cooked and mashed pumpkin without added sugars or spices, while pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced. Always use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe.

  • Can I make this bread healthier?

You can substitute part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, reduce sugar slightly, or add nuts for extra nutrition and texture.

Why Pumpkin Spice Bread Is A Seasonal Favorite

  • Breeze Through Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Comfort in Every Slice: Warm, aromatic spices create a cozy autumn mood that hugs your senses and brings instant comfort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile recipe works brilliantly for breakfast, snacks, potlucks, and casual gatherings with friends and family.
  • Zero Complicated Techniques: Straightforward mixing method means anyone can successfully create this delicious pumpkin spice bread without advanced baking experience.
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Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Spiced pumpkin bread delivers autumn’s warmth in a single slice. Homemade comfort emerges from simple ingredients, inviting you to savor seasonal richness with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Spices:

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

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly coating with grease and a dusting of flour.
  2. Create a dry mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate container, vigorously blend pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing, which can result in a dense texture.
  5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth surface.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean.
  7. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully slide onto a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature before slicing.

Notes

  • Prevent dense texture by carefully mixing ingredients, stopping as soon as they combine to avoid developing gluten.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower-fat version that keeps the bread moist.
  • Use gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly alternative, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for better binding.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutritional boost, folding them gently into the batter just before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 263 kcal
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 145 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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