I’ve always believed that pumpkin bread is more than just a fall recipe — it’s a year-round comfort. I still remember the first loaf I baked on a crisp October morning; the warm aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg filled the kitchen before the bread even came out of the oven. That first slice, still steaming, was pure magic. There’s something about the deep, earthy sweetness of pumpkin paired with rich spices that instantly makes you feel at home.
If you love spiced bakes, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars for a dessert-like twist, or my Pumpkin Streusel Bread for a crumbly, bakery-style loaf. But classic pumpkin bread has its own special charm — simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a flavor that somehow tastes even better the next day.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This pumpkin bread recipe is wonderfully moist, with a tender crumb that comes from using real pumpkin puree and just the right balance of butter and sugar. The spice blend is bold but not overpowering, allowing the pumpkin’s natural flavor to shine. And the best part? It makes two loaves, so you can keep one for yourself and gift the other.
The texture is soft enough for breakfast, sturdy enough for snacking, and sweet enough to enjoy as dessert. You can toast slices for a crisp edge, top them with cream cheese, or serve them plain — every way is equally delicious. Once you’ve tried this loaf, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking rotation.
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Pumpkin Bread – Moist, Spiced & Irresistible
Moist pumpkin bread with warm spices and tender crumb, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Total Time: 85 mins
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz) can 100% pure pumpkin
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 325°F and grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
5. Beat in pumpkin puree until combined.
6. Add dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
7. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops.
8. Bake 65–75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Freeze up to 3 months wrapped in foil or freezer wrap.
Toast slices for a fresh-baked effect the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Ingredients & Equipment Tips for Pumpkin Bread
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Bread
The magic of pumpkin bread lies in its blend of simple pantry staples and warming spices. Start with all-purpose flour for a tender crumb, and balance it with just enough baking soda and baking powder to give the loaf a nice rise. Salt enhances the sweetness, while ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg create that unmistakable fall flavor.
Softened unsalted butter adds richness, and white sugar sweetens the loaf while keeping the crumb moist. Large eggs provide structure, and the star ingredient — pure pumpkin puree — delivers both flavor and a naturally moist texture. I recommend using canned pumpkin for consistent results, but fresh puree works if it’s well-drained.
If you’re looking for more spiced loaf inspiration, my Cinnamon Bundt Pan Zucchini Bread uses a similar spice profile with a garden-fresh twist, while the Luscious Lemon Zucchini Bread is a bright and tangy alternative for citrus lovers.
Kitchen Tools That Make Baking Easier
While pumpkin bread doesn’t require fancy equipment, having the right tools makes the process smoother. You’ll need two 8×4-inch loaf pans for even baking — metal pans tend to give the best crust. A stand mixer or hand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar to the perfect light and fluffy texture.
A medium whisk is ideal for combining the dry ingredients, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. You’ll also want a sturdy rubber spatula to fold the batter gently, preventing overmixing. And finally, a wire cooling rack is essential to let your loaves cool completely, preserving their moisture and structure.
Step-by-Step Baking Guide for Pumpkin Bread
Preparing & Mixing the Batter
Making pumpkin bread is all about layering flavors and textures from the very first step. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter before dusting with flour. This ensures a clean release and a nicely browned crust.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is key for even spice distribution. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes on medium speed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then beat in the pumpkin puree. Don’t worry if the batter looks slightly curdled at this point; it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
If you enjoy exploring different flavor profiles, my Lemon Blueberry Zucchini Bread offers a fruity, tangy twist, and my Carrot Pineapple Bread delivers a tropical sweetness perfect for spring.
Baking to Perfection
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can make the bread dense, so keep it gentle. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The loaves should have a deep golden color and a fragrant aroma that fills your kitchen. Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This resting period helps the crust set while keeping the inside moist.
Serving, Storing & Variations for Pumpkin Bread
Serving Ideas for Every Occasion
Pumpkin bread is versatile enough to shine at breakfast, as a snack, or even for dessert. Serve thick slices warm with a pat of salted butter, or toast them lightly for a crisp edge and a fresh-baked aroma. For a special treat, spread cream cheese or honey butter on top.
This loaf also pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an easy addition to a brunch table. If you’re building a seasonal bread basket, my Carrot Apple Zucchini Bread Recipe offers a fresh, fruity option, while my Pineapple Banana Bread Recipe brings a tropical note to balance the pumpkin spice.
Flavor Variations to Try
One of the joys of pumpkin bread is how easily you can customize it. Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture. Swap part of the sugar for brown sugar to deepen the flavor, or drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple vanilla glaze for a bakery-style finish.
For a health-conscious version, replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly — the pumpkin’s natural sweetness will still shine. You can also experiment with spices, adding cardamom or ginger for a unique twist. And for holiday gatherings, try topping the loaf with a crumbly streusel before baking for extra crunch and sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Bread
What are the ingredients of pumpkin bread?
Classic pumpkin bread includes flour, sugar, eggs, butter, baking soda, baking powder, salt, spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, plus pure pumpkin puree. These ingredients create a moist, flavorful loaf with a tender crumb.
What is in Starbucks pumpkin bread?
Starbucks pumpkin bread contains pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, eggs, oil, baking soda, and a blend of warm spices. It’s also topped with pumpkin seeds for a little crunch, which you can easily add to your homemade version.
What does pumpkin bread smell like?
Freshly baked pumpkin bread has an irresistible aroma of warm spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — mixed with the sweet, earthy scent of pumpkin. The fragrance fills the kitchen and lingers even after baking.
Why is my pumpkin bread not moist?
Dry pumpkin bread can result from overbaking, using too much flour, or not enough pumpkin puree. To keep it moist, measure flour accurately, mix just until combined, and check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe suggests.
Conclusion
Pumpkin bread is one of those timeless recipes that’s as comforting as it is versatile. With its tender crumb, rich pumpkin flavor, and warm spice blend, it’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet treat after dinner. Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted, or dressed up with toppings, it’s a loaf that never disappoints.
The best part? It’s easy to make, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day. Once you bake it, this pumpkin bread will likely earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
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