Pumpkin Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Bread Recipe because it fills the kitchen with the warm, nostalgic scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that just scream cozy fall vibes. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a thoughtful gift, this bread is so versatile and reliable, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again throughout the season.

When I first tried this recipe, I was surprised by how moist and tender the bread turned out, all while having that perfect balance of spiced sweetness and pumpkin earthiness. It’s just the kind of recipe that’s easy enough for a beginner but also satisfying to make for seasoned bakers wanting a classic treat that never fails.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create that signature pumpkin bread texture and flavor — it’s a beautiful balance of spices, pumpkin, and just the right amount of sugar. Plus, using an all-purpose flour base keeps it fluffy but substantial.

• All-purpose flour: Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy — this helps keep your bread light, not dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
• Baking soda: Essential for helping the bread rise and create a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Adds a little extra lift for that perfect texture.
• Ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg: The aromatic trio that defines pumpkin bread — fresh spices make a big difference here!
• Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, it blends smoothly with the sugar and eggs to add rich flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetness balanced to enhance pumpkin’s natural earthiness without overwhelming it.
• Large eggs: They provide structure and richness to the bread.
• 100% pure pumpkin (like Libby’s): Using canned pumpkin is a convenient shortcut that delivers that authentic moistness and taste.

Variations

I love how flexible this Pumpkin Bread Recipe is—once you get the basics down, you can really make it your own. I often add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture, but you can also tweak it to fit dietary needs or just your flavor cravings!

• Walnuts or Pecans: Adding chopped nuts gives the bread a delightful crunch and pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Chocolate Chips: My family goes crazy for chocolate chip pumpkin bread, especially when still slightly warm.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum for a similar texture (I’ve tested it, and it works well!).
• Spice Mix: Feel free to adjust the cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to your personal taste or use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the middle. Generously grease your loaf pans—two 8×4-inch pans work best—and dust them with flour. I like using a butter-and-flour coating for a perfect crust, but nonstick baking spray with flour can save time and works well too.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and your spices (cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg) until evenly combined. This ensures every bite gets that cozy, spiced flavor we’re after.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium speed until just blended. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Keep beating until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes a few minutes and really makes the bread tender.

Step 4: Add the Pumpkin and Combine

Next, mix in the canned pumpkin. The batter might look a bit grainy or curdled now—don’t worry, that’s perfectly normal. Then add your dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so stop as soon as everything comes together.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When you take the bread out, you’ll notice a lovely crisp crust—it’s one of my favorite parts!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaves rest in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This short resting time helps the bread firm up just right so it slices beautifully without crumbling.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and spread a little softened butter or cream cheese right on a warm slice—that balance of creamy and spiced just can’t be beat. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon sugar on top for a touch of sparkle and crunch.

Side Dishes

Pair pumpkin bread with a cozy cup of coffee or chai tea for the ultimate autumn treat. It also makes a fantastic companion to yogurt or a fruit salad for an easy breakfast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I slice the bread into thinner pieces and arrange them on a wooden board with seasonal fruit, nuts, and a drizzle of honey—a beautiful and inviting way to share with guests. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for charming homemade gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store the pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to keep the loaf fresh longer, although that might slightly dry the crust.

Freezing

This recipe freezes incredibly well—once the bread has cooled completely, I wrap each loaf tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer bag. It keeps for up to three months, making it so handy to pull out for quick snacks or breakfast emergencies.

Reheating

To reheat, I slice the bread and toast it lightly, which revives that fresh-baked crispness and warms the flavors beautifully. You can also microwave individual slices wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 15 seconds if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it’s effortlessly comforting and always hits the spot. I enjoy sharing it with family and friends, knowing it brings a bit of seasonal warmth and happiness with every bite. If you’ve been looking for that reliable, moist, and spiced pumpkin bread, I encourage you to give this recipe a try—trust me, you’re going to love how it turns out!

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