Pumpkin Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat

There’s something magical about the smell of pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. It’s the ultimate comfort food that captures the warmth and coziness of fall, blending spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the sweet earthiness of pumpkin. Whether enjoyed with a hot coffee or as a standalone treat, pumpkin bread is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

This recipe combines simplicity and flavor, making it ideal for seasoned bakers and beginners. Let’s dive into everything you need to create the best pumpkin bread at home.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Moist and Flavorful: The perfect balance of pumpkin and spices ensures every bite is deliciously tender.
2. Beginner-Friendly: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for everyone.
3. Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a cream cheese swirl for a unique twist.
4. Great for Gifting: Perfect for sharing with friends and family during the holiday season.
5. Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead and enjoy whenever you need a quick treat.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Ingredients and Substitutions

Pumpkin Puree

Stick with pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling containing added sugars and spices. If you’re out of canned pumpkin, mashed sweet potatoes or butternut squash are great substitutes.

Vegetable Oil

Oil moistens the bread, but melted butter can be used for a richer flavor. For a healthier option, try unsweetened applesauce in place of oil.

Spices

The warm spices are key to pumpkin bread’s signature flavor. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste or use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend.

Sugars

A granulated and brown sugar mix provides sweetness and a hint of molasses. Use coconut sugar or maple syrup as alternatives.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Measure out all ingredients before starting to streamline the process.

Step 2: Prep the Loaf Pan

Greasing the pan or lining it with parchment ensures easy removal and cleanup.

Step 3: Mix Batter

Be careful not to overmix the batter—it can make the bread dense. Stir until ingredients are just incorporated.

Step 4: Bake and Test

Check the bread at 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out with moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Cooling the bread ensures it slices cleanly without crumbling.

Expert Tips for Success

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the batter mix evenly, resulting in a more consistent bake.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, making the bread tough.
3. Adjust Baking Time: Oven temperatures vary, so check the bread 5 minutes before the recommended time.
4. Let it Rest: For the best flavor, let the bread cool and rest for a few hours or overnight before slicing.

Variations and Customizations

1. Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
2. Vegan: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and coconut oil.
3. Add a Topping: Sprinkle the batter with coarse sugar or streusel before baking for a bakery-style finish.
4. Zesty Twist: Add orange zest for a citrusy touch.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 7 days.

Freezing

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas:

• Spread with cream cheese or butter for added richness.
• Pair with a latte or chai tea for the ultimate fall experience.
• Toast slices and top with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

A: Yes! Roast and puree fresh pumpkin, then use it as a 1:1 substitute for canned pumpkin.

Q: Why is my bread dense?

A: Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to dense bread. Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off.

Q: Can I make muffins instead?

A: Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.

Related Recipes

1. Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Perfectly portioned for on-the-go mornings.
2. Banana Bread: Another classic quick bread with a tropical twist.
3. Zucchini Bread: A moist, slightly savory option.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bread is a timeless recipe that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and pumpkin goodness, this bread is a must-have for your fall recipe collection. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and let the comforting flavors of pumpkin bread brighten your day.

Happy baking! 🎃

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Pumpkin Bread

A moist, flavorful bread bursting with pumpkin and warm spices, perfect for fall mornings or holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Holidays and Events

Cuisine American

Servings 10 slices

Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients

  

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground ginger

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
• Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

  In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
• Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

  Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
• Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

  Fold in nuts or chocolate chips, if desired.
• Step 6: Bake

  Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Step 7: Cool

  Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, let the bread sit overnight before slicing.
• Double the recipe to make two loaves—one for now and one to freeze for later!

Keyword Pumpkin Bread