If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat that instantly warms up any day, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is your new best friend. With its perfect blend of spices, moist texture, and rich pumpkin flavor, it feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend breakfast, or just because, this pumpkin bread brings the comfort and joy of autumn right to your kitchen without any fuss. You’ll love how straightforward the process is, making it ideal for bakers of any skill level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, from the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree to the fragrant blend of spices that bring it all together beautifully.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the bread its moist texture and vibrant color.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Creates the perfect structure to hold the bread together while keeping it tender.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that lovely crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like richness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and provide a light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely and become delightfully fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and amplifies the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the bread with a warm, spicy note that screams fall.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy spice that pairs so well with pumpkin.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Offers a hint of boldness to round out the spice mix.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect batter consistency.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly hot when your batter is ready. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make sure your bread slides out effortlessly once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. This blend creates the moist, flavorful base for your pumpkin bread. Whisk everything until smooth and well combined—no lumps here!
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sift in the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step is key to making sure your bread rises evenly and has that balanced spice profile. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stopping as soon as you don’t see any dry streaks. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
Step 4: Transfer Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top to create an even surface. This helps your bread bake uniformly and look beautiful when it’s done. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After removing your pumpkin bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period helps it set up and makes it easier to remove. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Trust me, the anticipation makes the first slice even sweeter!
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While this pumpkin bread is delightful on its own, garnishing it can elevate each bite. Try a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese for added creaminess. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup on top adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the warm spices.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy afternoon snack. For breakfast, add a side of fresh fruit or yogurt to balance the rich, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Cut the pumpkin bread into thick slices and toast them lightly before serving. Top with a dollop of mascarpone or ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a beautiful, elegant presentation that’s still easy to pull off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. It stays moist and flavorful, so you won’t have to rush through it.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe later, freezing works wonderfully. Slice the bread first for convenience, then wrap each slice or the entire loaf in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked feeling, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for about 20 seconds, but watch carefully to avoid drying out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh pumpkin?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is actually what most recipes, including this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe, recommend for the best texture and moisture. Just make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend made for baking. Keep in mind that texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still shine through beautifully.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can create lovely texture and extra flavor. Fold them into the batter along with the dry ingredients for even distribution.
How do I know when my pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake a little longer and check again every few minutes.
Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Just watch the baking time closely; it might need a few extra minutes, and always test with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to bring warmth and spice into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum delight. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite for so many. So grab your ingredients, get baking, and fill your home with the irresistible scent of pumpkin spice goodness—your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for autumn or any time you crave a warm, spiced treat. Made with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with brown and granulated sugars. It’s straightforward to make, requiring simple mixing and baking in the oven, resulting in a tender crumb and a deliciously aromatic loaf.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
- 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 well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no dry streaks remain, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter and smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree or fresh roasted pumpkin puree for best results.
- Check for doneness early to avoid overbaking which can dry out the bread.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for additional texture and flavor if desired.
- Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best flavor.
