Pumpkin Bread

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Pumpkin bread is the cozy, spiced quick bread that feels like a warm hug on a crisp fall day. Its rich, moist crumb and deep pumpkin flavor make it a seasonal favorite that honestly deserves to be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or toasting a slice with butter the next morning, it never disappoints.

Made with canned pumpkin and a blend of warm spices, this loaf brings out all the comforting aromas of autumn. It’s easy enough to whip up without a mixer, yet delivers a bakery-level taste and texture. Best of all, it keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or holiday gifting.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread hits all the right notes: it’s tender and rich without being overly sweet, and it’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s great for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert. The recipe is straightforward, flexible, and can be doubled easily if you want to freeze a loaf or share one.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For this recipe, canned pumpkin puree is ideal. It provides a consistent texture and flavor that fresh pumpkin sometimes can’t. Be sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread

To make the best pumpkin bread, we rely on a few pantry staples that come together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient plays a role in making the loaf moist, tender, and full of flavor.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

The combination of brown and granulated sugar creates a deep sweetness and golden crust. The oil keeps the loaf extra moist, while eggs help bind everything together. Vanilla and the spice mix bring that warm autumnal essence.

How To Make the Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is delicious served warm with a pat of butter, or you can toast a slice and enjoy it with cream cheese for a tangy contrast. It also makes a delightful addition to a brunch spread or as an afternoon snack with coffee.

The bread feeds 8 to 10 people, depending on how thick you slice it. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just wrap slices individually for easy grab-and-go treats.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Bread?

Hot Apple Cider

Pair a slice with a mug of warm apple cider to amplify the fall vibes.

Cream Cheese or Maple Butter

Spread it with tangy cream cheese or sweet maple butter to elevate the flavor.

Greek Yogurt

Add a side of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein-rich breakfast combo.

Scrambled Eggs

Balance the sweetness with some savory scrambled eggs on the side.

Fall Salad

Serve it with a salad of greens, apples, and walnuts for a light lunch.

Coffee or Chai Latte

It pairs beautifully with a strong brew or a spiced chai latte.

Fresh Berries

Add a handful of fresh raspberries or blackberries for a bright, fruity touch.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this cozy pumpkin bread, you’ll definitely want to check out these delicious options too:

• Cajun Potato Soup for a hearty pairing.
• Cheeseburger Sliders with Hawaiian Rolls if you’re planning a comfort-food feast.
• Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad that’s great for weekend brunches.
• Butter Pecan Cheesecake for a sweet fall dessert.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream when you’re craving a cold finish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add nuts or chocolate chips? Try a streusel topping?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Pumpkin bread is one of those nostalgic bakes that checks all the boxes: cozy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With a handful of pantry ingredients, you get a moist, spiced loaf that’s versatile enough for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to recipe in your home year-round.

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