Discover the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall Bliss

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Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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There’s something magical about the best pumpkin bread recipe that wafts through your kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg. As you slice into that soft, moist loaf, each bite transports you to a cozy autumn afternoon where leaves crunch underfoot, and the air is filled with the promise of sweater weather and pumpkin spice lattes.

This isn’t just any ordinary bread; it’s a ticket to nostalgia, memories of family gatherings where laughter fills the room and every slice is met with a satisfied grin. Whether you’re curling up on the couch or hosting a seasonal brunch, this delightful treat will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This best pumpkin bread recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy mornings
  • The flavors are a delightful mix of spices that evoke cozy autumn vibes
  • Its beautiful golden-brown crust makes it visually appealing on any table
  • Enjoy it plain, toasted, or slathered with butter for maximum versatility

One chilly October morning, I decided to bake this pumpkin bread for my family. The aroma soon had everyone wandering into the kitchen like moths to a flame, eager to snag a piece fresh from the oven.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for pure pumpkin puree rather than pie filling; it gives better flavor and texture.

  • Granulated Sugar: A sweetener essential for balancing the spice flavors; adjust based on your sweetness preference.

  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; I love using dark brown sugar for its rich caramel notes.

  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure; sift it for a lighter texture if you like a fluffy bread.

  • Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure your bread rises nicely; don’t skip them!

  • Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): Essential for that warm fall flavor; adjust the amounts based on your spice tolerance.

  • Eggs: They bind everything together while adding moisture; use large eggs for best results.

  • Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: For richness and moisture; both work well but offer different flavors.

  • Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances all other flavors; use pure vanilla extract if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended so every bite bursts with flavor.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. This mixture should be creamy and inviting.

Add Dry to Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of light and fluffy.

Pour into Loaf Pan: Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top so it bakes uniformly.

Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Now you’ve got yourself an incredible loaf of pumpkin bread! Allow it to cool slightly before slicing—if you can resist nibbling on it hot out of the oven.

Feel free to get creative! You can add chocolate chips or nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy your masterpiece plain or spread some cream cheese frosting over it for an extra touch of indulgence. Happy baking!

You Must Know

  • This best pumpkin bread recipe is not only delicious but also a cozy treat for fall
  • The aroma of warm spices fills the kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug
  • It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with coffee

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then combine with wet ingredients in one bowl for a smooth batter. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for about 60 minutes.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the walnuts for chocolate chips or dried cranberries. Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of maple syrup for extra flavor. Your creativity can make this recipe uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap. Reheat in the microwave for a warm treat.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh pumpkin puree for richer flavor; homemade is even better!
  • Ensure you don’t overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense
  • Adding an extra egg can make your bread moist and fluffy!

Sometimes, my friends ask me to bake this recipe for gatherings because they can’t get enough of it. One time, I brought it to a potluck and watched it disappear faster than my favorite show on Netflix.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for yummy results.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding spices like cloves or ginger for extra depth in flavor.

Print

The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of this ultimate pumpkin bread recipe. Bursting with aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, each slice offers a delightful balance of sweetness and moisture, perfect for chilly autumn days. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with cream cheese frosting, this pumpkin bread will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

  • Author: Ethan Carter
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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author

Emma Hayes

There I was in a hot yoga studio with plenty of bright natural light and bending myself into pretzel like positions for the very first time.

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