Warm, moist, and packed with fall spices, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is the kind of cozy treat you’ll want to bake again and again. It’s impossibly tender, boasts a gorgeous golden color, and fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whether you enjoy it at breakfast with a cup of coffee, or share it with friends as an afternoon snack, this quick bread delivers all the comforting flavors of the season with very little effort required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe shines with the help of simple pantry ingredients that each contribute something special. Don’t be tempted to skip any of the spices—they work together to create the classic, fragrant profile pumpkin bread lovers crave.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the bread its moist yet sturdy structure—be sure to measure carefully for the perfect crumb.
- Baking soda: Provides lift and ensures the loaf rises beautifully as it bakes.
- Baking powder: Adds just enough extra rise and softness to the finished bread.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing both the sweet and spicy notes.
- Ground cinnamon: The unmistakable warmth that defines any classic pumpkin bread.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, slightly nutty spice that pairs so well with pumpkin.
- Ground cloves: Just a little goes a long way—this spice brings depth and a gentle heat.
- Ground ginger: Gives a hint of brightness and zing for extra dimension.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create that tender, moist texture.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the loaf ultra-moist, and keeps it tender for days.
- Eggs: Binds everything together and gives the bread structure.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—make sure you use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Milk: Adds moisture, helping the crumb stay soft and fluffy.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the spices and sweetness with its lovely aroma.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter, oil, or nonstick spray to make sure your pumpkin bread releases effortlessly after baking. Don’t skip this step—the edges will come out perfectly golden and never stick!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisking aerates the flour and evenly distributes the baking agents and spices, ensuring every bite of your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is perfectly flavored and light.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the sugar and oil until the mixture looks glossy and well combined. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is completely mixed in. Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract for a beautifully smooth, pumpkiny base.
Step 4: Bring Everything Together
Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix—stop as soon as you see the last streak of flour disappear. This keeps your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe tender and prevents it from getting dense or tough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes. The top should be golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center will come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the irresistible smell wafting through your kitchen as it cools!
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This moist loaf shines on its own, but you can add an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of toasted nuts—pecans or walnuts are especially nice. For a decadent touch, drizzle a little maple glaze over the cooled bread, or add a pat of warm, salted butter on each slice.
Side Dishes
Enjoy a slice in the morning with your favorite yogurt, fresh fruit, or a piping hot mug of chai tea. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. If you’re serving at brunch, fresh berries and a light fruit salad complement the spices in the Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
This bread makes a gorgeous edible gift—wrap a cooled loaf in parchment, tie it with festive twine, and tuck in a handwritten recipe card. For gatherings, slice and arrange the bread on a pretty platter with small bowls of whipped cream cheese or spiced honey butter. You can even cube it and create pumpkin bread trifles with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a dazzling dessert twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. It stays moist for up to four days and the flavors often deepen and improve overnight.
Freezing
Pumpkin bread freezes like a dream! Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Tuck into a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When pumpkin cravings hit, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the oven.
Reheating
For that just-baked taste, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or pop a whole (wrapped) loaf in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. The spices will become fragrant again and the bread will taste freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and mash your fresh pumpkin until very smooth and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the batter. You want a thick puree, not a watery one, for the best Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
What other spices can I add?
While the classic mix works beautifully, you can experiment with allspice or a dash of cardamom for a unique twist. Just be careful—a little goes a long way! The key is keeping the spice blend balanced for that authentic flavor.
Can I make this pumpkin bread vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for your favorite egg-replacer, use a plant-based milk, and be sure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The result is a deliciously moist Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe that everyone can enjoy.
What can I add to the batter for extra flavor?
Mix in up to half a cup of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, roasted seeds, or chopped nuts before baking. Each add-in brings its own excitement to every bite and makes the loaf extra special.
Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle?
This often happens if the bread is underbaked or the oven temperature isn’t accurate. Always check for doneness with a toothpick and let the bread cool in the pan before moving it—patience yields the best loaf!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a must-try. You’ll love how effortless it is, and the results are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to grab a slice. Happy baking!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a delightful fall treat that’s moist and full of warm spices. It’s simple to make and perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or as a snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk sugar and oil, then add eggs one at a time, followed by pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine dry and wet mixtures: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake: Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added texture, stir in 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- This bread can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
