Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Fluffy Fall Magic: The Coziest Pumpkin Bread Recipe Ever

Fall’s crisp whispers bring delightful pumpkin bread aromas that dance through kitchens like warm memories.

Cozy moments emerge when spices mingle with sweet, soft textures.

Comfort wraps around each slice, promising pure satisfaction.

Seasonal magic transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Autumn’s golden light seems to sparkle through this classic treat.

Bakers of all skill levels can create this delectable experience with confidence.

Let’s bake something that feels like a heartfelt hug.

Classic Pumpkin Bread Everyone Will Love

  • Surprise Inside Delight: Discover a hidden cream cheese layer that transforms this pumpkin bread from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a delightful taste experience with every slice.
  • Seasonal Baking Magic: Capture the essence of autumn with this warm, spiced pumpkin bread that brings cozy comfort and nostalgic flavors to your kitchen.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or family breakfasts, this recipe impresses everyone with its bakery-style look and irresistible combination of pumpkin and cream cheese.
  • Beginner-Friendly Baking: Achievable for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and delivers professional-looking results with minimal technical expertise.

Ingredients Needed For Classic Pumpkin Bread

For the Base:
  • Flour: Essential dry ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin bread.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Key ingredient that gives the bread its signature flavor and moist consistency.
  • Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender and soft.
For the Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and contribute to the bread's golden-brown color and caramel-like flavor.
For the Binders and Spices:
  • Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Ginger: Enhance the overall flavor profile and add warmth to the pumpkin bread.
  • Milk, Vanilla Extract: Add moisture and depth to the bread's flavor.

How To Bake Classic Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Generously coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Ensure all spices are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor profile.

Step 3: Craft Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate large bowl, blend until smooth:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Whip the ingredients until they form a creamy, uniform consistency.

Step 4: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender bread texture.

Step 5: Ready for Baking

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Spread evenly with a spatula to create a smooth 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 with minimal crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove bread from oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Helpful Tips For Classic Pumpkin Bread Success

  • Choose high-quality pumpkin puree for the richest, most authentic flavor in your bread.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce to reduce fat content while maintaining moisture and softness.
  • Enhance texture by folding in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty depth.
  • Test bread doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 4 days to preserve freshness.

Flavorful Twists For Classic Pumpkin Bread

  • Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold 1 cup of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a sweet, indulgent variation that adds rich chocolate flavor to the classic pumpkin bread.
  • Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a crunchy texture and nutty undertone that complements the warm spices in the bread.
  • Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Create a cream cheese mixture with softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla, then swirl it through the batter before baking for a tangy, creamy layer.

Delicious Pairings For Classic Pumpkin Bread

  • Cozy Autumn Breakfast Delight: Slice the warm pumpkin bread and serve with a dollop of whipped maple butter. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
  • Afternoon Tea Companion: Cut thin slices and pair with a steaming cup of chai or cinnamon tea. Spread a light layer of cream cheese for a delightful afternoon treat.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform the bread into a decadent dessert by topping with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Crumble additional bread pieces around the scoop for texture and visual appeal.
  • Gifting Inspiration: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine. Add a handwritten note for a personal touch perfect for holiday sharing or neighborly kindness.

Proper Storage For Classic Pumpkin Bread

  • Store the cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
  • Wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container, storing it for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
  • Cut the bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and freeze in a sealed freezer bag for convenient single-serving portions up to 2 months.
  • Keep the bread at room temperature in a sealed container or wrapped in plastic for 2-3 days, ensuring it stays soft and delicious for quick snacking.

FAQs

  • What gives this pumpkin bread its moist texture?

The combination of pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and eggs creates a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that makes this bread so delightful.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the bread’s texture.

  • How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

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

Description

Homemade pumpkin bread delivers warm autumn comfort with rich spices and moist texture. Bakers can enjoy this classic treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsps ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by coating with grease and flour.
  2. Sift together all dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully integrated.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a light texture.
  5. Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, ensuring even distribution with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and free from raw batter.
  7. Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature.

Notes

  • Try alternative flours like almond or gluten-free blends to make the bread suitable for different dietary needs.
  • Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor complexity in the pumpkin bread.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting part of the granulated sugar with natural sweeteners like applesauce or honey for a healthier version.
  • Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4-5 days at room temperature.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 222 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star