Pumpkin Bread

By Adeline

Published on July 16, 2025

The air fills with warmth and comfort when this incredible pumpkin bread recipe bakes. It’s truly a perfect blend of sweet spices and tender, moist crumb. You’ll find it an absolute autumnal delight from the very first bite.

I love making this loaf on a crisp fall morning. The delightful aroma always brings smiles, and it stores beautifully for easy snacking later. Everyone always asks for the recipe!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly, this isn’t just any old pumpkin bread recipe; it’s a little slice of magic. I adore it because it’s:

Super simple: Perfect for busy moms like me!
Quick to assemble: No fuss or fancy steps needed.
Incredibly flavorful: The spices just sing.
Always a crowd-pleaser: My family begs for it!
Comforting: It tastes like a warm hug on a cool day.

This pumpkin bread recipe truly delivers a taste of fall in every bite.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe Ingredients

Creating this delicious pumpkin bread truly starts with the right ingredients. Each one plays a special part in making this loaf so moist and flavorful. It’s like a little symphony of textures and tastes!

All-purpose flour & cornstarch: This combo gives our bread structure. It makes it wonderfully tender too.
Baking powder & baking soda: These are our leavening agents. They help the bread rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors.
Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, & cloves: Ah, the heart of our pumpkin bread. These spices bring all that classic fall warmth. They make the kitchen smell amazing!
White granulated sugar: This sweetens the bread. It also helps keep it moist.
Large eggs: Eggs bind everything together. They add richness too.
Unflavored vegetable oil: I love using canola oil here. It makes the bread incredibly moist. Plus, it stays moist for days.
Pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin. This gives our bread its signature flavor and color. It’s truly essential for the perfect pumpkin bread recipe.
Whole milk: A little milk adds to the tenderness. It makes the batter smooth.
Vanilla extract/essence: Vanilla always rounds out sweet flavors. It adds a lovely aromatic touch.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t fret if you’re missing something! Here are some handy swaps. You can easily make this pumpkin bread recipe your own.

Flour: A gluten-free all-purpose blend might work. Make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute.
Oil: Applesauce can replace some oil. This makes the bread a bit lighter.
Milk: Any plant-based milk works fine. Almond milk is a great choice.
Spices: Use a pre-made pumpkin pie spice blend. Usually, one tablespoon is enough.
Add-ins: Swirl in some chocolate chips. Pecans or walnuts are fantastic too.

Remember, exact quantities are in the printable recipe card below. This helps you get cooking quickly!

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Making this amazing pumpkin bread is super easy. Just follow these steps. You’ll have a delicious loaf in no time. I promise!

Preparing Your Pan and Oven

First things first, let’s get ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). If you have a fan oven, set it to 320°F (160°C). Then, grab an 8.5×4.5 inch loaf tin. Lightly grease it all over. I like to line it with parchment paper too. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes lifting the loaf out simple.

Sifting the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s mix our dry stuff. Get a medium bowl. Sift in the flour and cornstarch. Add the baking powder and baking soda. Don’t forget the salt. Toss in the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisk everything together really well. This makes sure there are no lumps. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

Combining Wet Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Next, we work on the wet ingredients. Take a large mixing bowl. Add the white granulated sugar. Crack in your two eggs. Pour in the unflavored vegetable oil. Spoon in the pumpkin puree. Add the whole milk. Finish with the vanilla extract. Whisk it all until it’s smooth. It should look well combined and creamy. This is key for a moist pumpkin bread recipe.

Mixing Wet and Dry

Time to bring it all together! Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet. Use your whisk. Mix only until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the bread tough. We want a tender, lovely crumb.

Baking Your Perfect Loaf

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf tin. Give the tin a light tap on the counter. This helps get rid of any big air bubbles. Place it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 65-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer comes out clean. A few moist crumbs are fine. If your tin is bigger, check it earlier. Maybe around 55 minutes.

Cooling and Serving

Patience, my friend! Let the bread cool in the tin for 20 minutes. This helps it set up nicely. Then, use the parchment paper overhang. Lift the loaf out of the tin. Place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice and enjoy. This pumpkin bread recipe is truly a fall favorite!

How to Store Pumpkin Bread Recipe

You’ve made this fantastic pumpkin bread. Now, let’s keep it fresh! Proper storage is super easy. It keeps your loaf moist for longer. Nobody wants dry bread, right?

For short-term storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly. I use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also put it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature. It stays fresh for about 2-3 days this way. This is perfect for quick snacks.

If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge. Again, wrap it well. It’ll keep for up to a week there. Just be sure to bring it to room temp before serving. Or, warm up a slice. It tastes just like it was freshly baked!

Freezing is great for longer storage. Slice the bread first. Wrap individual slices. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes well for up to three months. Just thaw a slice whenever you crave some. This makes enjoying your homemade pumpkin bread recipe so convenient!

Tips for Success

Don’t overmix your batter; a gentle hand keeps it tender.
Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth blend.
Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pie filling, for the best flavor.
Check for doneness with a skewer; it should come out clean.
Cool completely on a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
Embrace the spices; they make this pumpkin bread recipe sing!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Loaf pan: A standard 8.5×4.5 inch pan is perfect.
Large mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of these.
Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly.
Sifter: For light, lump-free dry ingredients. A fine mesh sieve works too.
Parchment paper: Makes lifting easy.
Wire cooling rack: Crucial for cooling your loaf evenly.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for baking.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy a slice warm with a pat of butter. So comforting!
Top with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea.
It’s wonderful as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack.
Drizzle with a little maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pumpkin bread recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pumpkin bread is fantastic for making ahead. It actually tastes even better the next day. Just store it properly, and you’re good to go.

What’s the best way to ensure my pumpkin bread is moist?

Using oil instead of butter really helps keep it moist. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter. This is key for a tender, moist crumb. Trust me on this one!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this pumpkin bread recipe?

Yes, please do! I often add about ½ cup of chocolate chips or chopped pecans. Just gently fold them into the batter. This personalizes your delicious pumpkin bread.

How do I know when my pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a wooden skewer or thin knife into the center. It should come out clean. If it has raw batter, bake it a bit longer. A few moist crumbs are perfectly fine.

Conclusion

So there you have it, friends! This pumpkin bread recipe isn’t just another item in your recipe box. It’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. It truly captures the essence of fall. I hope you’ll find as much joy in making and sharing it as I do. Whether it’s for a cozy morning, a simple snack, or a thoughtful gift, this moist and flavorful loaf always shines. It’s proof that the best things in life are often the simplest. Happy baking, and enjoy every delightful bite of your homemade pumpkin bread!