There is something wonderfully comforting about baking a loaf of pumpkin bread that fills your home with the warm aromas of cinnamon and spices, signaling a cozy treat ahead. If you have a craving for moist, flavorful baked goods that celebrate the best of fall, you’ll adore this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe. It combines smooth pumpkin puree with a blend of fragrant spices and a tender crumb to create a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or an anytime pick-me-up. Whether you are a kitchen novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers straightforward steps and a delightful result every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward pumpkin bread perfection. These simple yet essential components each play a key role in building the perfect texture, moistness, and spice balance that make this recipe so beloved.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that brings moisture, natural sweetness, and that signature pumpkin flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the bread for a tender but sturdy crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps give the bread a light texture.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deeper molasses notes and extra moisture to the loaf.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and intensifies other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The key spice providing classic autumn warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and sweet warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A pinch gives a lovely depth and complexity.
- 1/4 cup milk: Moistens the batter for a soft crumb without heaviness.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper makes sure your pumpkin bread will come out effortlessly once baked. A well-prepared pan is crucial for that perfect slice every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisking these together well ensures your batter will be smooth and evenly sweetened, setting a solid foundation for your bread.
Step 3: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves directly into your wet mixture. Gently fold everything together just until no dry streaks remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and moist rather than dense.
Step 4: Bake Your Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is the moment when patience truly rewards you with that inviting aroma and golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow your pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack so it can cool completely. This cooling step helps slices hold their shape and enhances the flavor development before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This pumpkin bread is fabulous on its own, but if you want to dress it up, try spreading a smear of cream cheese or a bit of butter on warm slices. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty final touch perfect for sharing with guests or cozy family breakfasts.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your pumpkin bread alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a truly comforting combo. It also pairs well with autumnal fruit compotes or a dollop of yogurt for an elevated brunch experience that’s still easy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, slice the bread and toast it lightly, then top with ricotta cheese and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. You can also transform the bread into French toast for a decadent seasonal breakfast twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your pumpkin bread will stay fresh when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the warmth of pumpkin bread around longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to three months. Just thaw slices at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked feel, warm your pumpkin bread slices in a toaster oven or microwave. A quick 20 to 30 seconds in the microwave or a few minutes at low heat in the oven will revive the flavors and texture wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin puree?
Both canned pumpkin and homemade pumpkin puree work well in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Canned pumpkin is convenient and consistent, but fresh puree made from roasting and mashing pumpkin offers a fresher flavor if you have the time.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds delightful texture and flavor layers. Stir them in with the dry ingredients to evenly distribute in the bread.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try substituting a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, keeping in mind that texture and rise may vary slightly.
Can this pumpkin bread be made into muffins?
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Muffins make excellent grab-and-go treats and are perfect for portion control.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done?
The best test is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too early to prevent sinking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a treat that’s both simple and satisfying, give this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe a try. It captures all the cozy flavors of fall and brings them to life in a loaf that’s moist, spiced just right, and utterly delicious. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or friends, this bread is sure to become a new favorite you’ll make again and again.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for autumn or any time you crave a spiced treat. Made with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a tender crumb, it’s simple to prepare and bakes into a delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients and incorporate: Sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until no dry streaks remain to avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading and smoothing the top evenly for consistent baking.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread can be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid a dense texture.
