Pumpkin bread is a delicious, moist, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for fall or any time you’re craving the warm, cozy flavors of pumpkin spice. This Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe is packed with real pumpkin, aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The rich, tender crumb and spiced pumpkin flavor make it an ideal autumn treat.
Pumpkin bread is not only a comforting seasonal favorite, but it also freezes well and can be made ahead for gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy it on its own or with a smear of butter or cream cheese for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a perfectly moist and spiced bread.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this bread comes together quickly.
- Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin bread is the ultimate fall treat, filled with cozy flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Freezer-Friendly: This bread freezes well, making it great for meal prep or enjoying later.
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread
1. Pumpkin Purée
- Canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling) is the star of this recipe, giving the bread its moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor. You can also use homemade pumpkin purée if you prefer.
2. All-Purpose Flour
- Regular all-purpose flour creates the perfect structure for the bread. You can also use whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
3. Sugar
- A combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and helps create a moist, tender crumb. Brown sugar also adds a hint of caramel-like richness.
4. Pumpkin Spice
- A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates the signature warm and cozy pumpkin spice flavor. You can adjust the spices to suit your taste.
5. Eggs
- Eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the bread structure. They also contribute to the bread’s rich, tender texture.
6. Vegetable Oil
- Oil keeps the bread moist and tender, making it soft without becoming dry. You can also substitute melted butter for a slightly richer flavor.
7. Vanilla Extract
- Vanilla enhances the sweetness and flavor of the bread, adding a subtle warmth.
8. Baking Soda & Baking Powder
- Both baking soda and baking powder are used as leavening agents to help the bread rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Bread
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for fall baking. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve the pumpkin bread on its own, or with butter or cream cheese.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Bread
1. Don’t Overmix the Batter
- Overmixing can result in dense, tough bread. Stir the ingredients together just until combined to keep the bread light and tender.
2. Use Pure Pumpkin Purée
- Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
3. Customize the Spices
- Adjust the spices to your liking. If you love the flavor of cinnamon, feel free to add an extra teaspoon. You can also add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for more depth.
4. Test for Doneness
- Since oven temperatures can vary, check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
5. Make It Ahead
- Pumpkin bread stays moist and delicious for several days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
- Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist. The rich chocolate pairs perfectly with the warm spices and pumpkin flavor.
2. Pumpkin Nut Bread
- Stir in 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. This adds texture and complements the soft, moist bread.
3. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
- Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make this bread gluten-free. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
4. Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
- Drizzle the cooled bread with a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of milk for a sweet and decadent finish.
FAQs: Homemade Pumpkin Bread
1. Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin?
- Yes! You can substitute homemade pumpkin purée for canned. To make fresh pumpkin purée, roast a small sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Drain any excess liquid before using.
2. How Long Does Pumpkin Bread Last?
- Pumpkin bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. It will stay moist and flavorful. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.
3. Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bread?
- Yes! Pumpkin bread freezes well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the bread at room temperature for several hours.
4. How Do I Prevent the Bread from Being Too Dense?
- To avoid dense bread, make sure not to overmix the batter and test for doneness to avoid underbaking. A light hand when mixing ensures the bread stays fluffy and tender.
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