Pumpkin Bread: A Fall Favorite
Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate fall treat—warm, moist, and packed with seasonal spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning or as an afternoon snack, this flavorful bread brings the cozy essence of autumn into every slice. It’s also incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Bread
- Moist and Tender: The pumpkin puree keeps the bread moist and soft, with the perfect balance of sweetness.
- Full of Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add that warm, spiced flavor that screams fall.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples and canned pumpkin to whip up this delicious bread.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Pumpkin bread tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect recipe to prepare in advance.
- Versatile: Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries can take this bread to the next level.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure for the bread.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and flavor. Canned pumpkin is convenient, but homemade pumpkin puree works as well.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness, but you can also mix in brown sugar for a richer flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Baking Soda: Leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: The trio of warm spices that make pumpkin bread so delicious.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pumpkin Pie Filling: Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense rather than light and fluffy.
- Customize It: Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, walnuts, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup milk or dairy-free milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Mix the wet ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- If using, fold in the chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
Bake the bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and serve:
- Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Why Pumpkin Bread Is a Fall Must-Have
Pumpkin bread is the epitome of cozy fall baking. It’s easy to make, full of seasonal spices, and the perfect way to use up a can of pumpkin puree. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re enjoying it at home, gifting it to a friend, or serving it at a fall gathering.
Get Ready to Enjoy a Slice of Fall
Serve this pumpkin bread warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every bite!