Fall is here, and there’s nothing like the smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven to bring a sense of warmth and coziness to your home. This easy pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack, and it’s packed with sweet and spicy flavors that scream autumn.
My Story on Pumpkin Bread
Every autumn, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven filled with the scent of baking spices and fresh pumpkins. One of my fondest memories is making pumpkin bread with my mom right before Thanksgiving. We’d spend the day together, chatting and laughing as the sweet, spicy aroma filled the house. This tradition inspired me to perfect this homemade pumpkin bread recipe, so I could share a slice of those cherished moments with you.
Now, let’s dive into this moist pumpkin bread recipe that’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a newbie in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and absolutely delightful.
Recipe Overview
This pumpkin bread can easily be adapted to fit various dietary needs. Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free pumpkin bread, or swap in plant-based ingredients for a vegan pumpkin bread. Add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins can elevate the flavor and texture even more.
- Ease of Preparation: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for busy weeknights or quick baking sessions. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can have a delicious loaf of pumpkin bread ready in no time.
- Dish Appeal: The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s irresistible. It’s perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, making it a versatile addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
This pumpkin bread is moist, dense, and bursting with sweet and spicy flavors. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, it’s a versatile bread that’s perfect for fall and winter seasons. Enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or topped with a sweet glaze.
Recipe Details for Pumpkin Bread
PrintPumpkin Bread Recipe
This pumpkin bread is moist, dense, and bursting with sweet and spicy flavors. Ideal for breakfast or dessert, it’s a versatile bread that’s perfect for fall and winter seasons. Enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or topped with a sweet glaze.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10-12 slices) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense texture.
- Pour batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy plain, or with your favorite spread.
Notes
- Substitution Suggestions: For a vegan version, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Kid-Friendly Tips: Let kids help with mixing and measuring ingredients. They’ll love swirling in chocolate chips or nuts.
- Scaling Up/Down: Double the recipe to make two loaves—one for now and one to freeze. Or halve the recipe for a smaller loaf.
- Equipment Hacks: No loaf pan? Use a muffin tin for pumpkin muffins. Adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-56 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian