Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you’re a fan of all things cozy and comforting, this Pumpkin Bread recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a loaf that perfectly balances the warm spices of pumpkin spice with the moist richness of real pumpkin puree, creating a bread that’s tender, flavorful, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or a late-night snack, this Pumpkin Bread wraps you in that nostalgic feeling of fall any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect Pumpkin Bread. From the aromatic pumpkin spice that brings warmth to the cinnamon-laced flour to the moistness added by pumpkin puree and oil, every element blends to craft a tender, flavorful loaf that feels like a hug in bread form.

• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the bread, providing structure and that classic crumb.
• Pumpkin spice (1 tablespoon): A blend of cinnamon and cozy spices that adds irresistible warmth and depth.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps your bread rise beautifully without being dense.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
• Pumpkin puree (1 can, 15 oz): The star ingredient – pure pumpkin that brings moisture, color, and that authentic pumpkin taste.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread without weighing it down.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra moistness to the crumb.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together while adding richness and tenderness.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the bread soft and prevents it from drying out.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Just a splash to round out the sweetness and enhance the warm spices.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring it hangs over the edges for easy removal later. This little step makes the whole baking and cleanup process so much easier, plus it helps the bread come out perfectly intact.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. This combination is where the foundation for that wonderfully spiced flavor is laid. Whisking them ensures everything is evenly distributed, preventing any pockets of baking soda or clumps of flour.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine the pumpkin puree with granulated sugar and brown sugar first — this helps dissolve the sugars and gives you a smoother batter. Then, beat in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to achieve a luscious, well-blended mix that will make the bread incredibly moist and flavorful.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, whisking slowly just until you no longer see any lumps. Be careful not to over-mix, since that can toughen the bread. The batter will be thick and full of promise — ready for the oven!

Step 5: Bake Your Pumpkin Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, but here’s a pro tip: when you hit about the 30-minute mark, tent the top loosely with foil to keep it from browning too much. To know when it’s ready, just insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.

Step 6: Cool and Remove

Allow the bread to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then gently lift it out by the parchment paper edges. Once on a wire rack, let it cool completely if you’re saving some for later. But honestly, freshly baked Pumpkin Bread tastes amazing warm — so don’t be shy about slicing a piece right away!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

You can keep things simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a smear of soft butter to make each slice feel special. For a little extra flair, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts — these add a lovely crunch and complement the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve Pumpkin Bread alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. It also pairs wonderfully with a bowl of chili or a cup of creamy soup for a comforting autumn lunch or dinner. The bread’s subtly sweet, spiced profile balances savory dishes beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Slice the Pumpkin Bread thick and toast the pieces, then top with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a quick pumpkin-inspired dessert. You can also turn it into French toast for a festive weekend brunch that’s bursting with flavor and that unmistakable pumpkin charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pumpkin Bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days — perfect if you want to enjoy a slice or two over the course of the week without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Pumpkin Bread longer, freezing is your best friend. Wrap the loaf or individual slices securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Frozen Pumpkin Bread keeps well for up to 3 months and is super easy to thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter during the day.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to revive that fresh-baked warmth. This makes it taste just as delightful as when it first came out of the oven, perfect when you’re craving that cozy homemade feeling.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness in your bread.

How do I make my Pumpkin Bread extra moist?

Using vegetable oil instead of butter and including brown sugar helps retain moisture. Also, be careful not to overbake it — a slightly underdone center is better than a dry loaf.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Fold in about 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Is it okay to use whole wheat flour?

You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread, but be aware it might make the texture a little denser.

How do I store Pumpkin Bread without it becoming soggy?

Wrap the bread well to keep air out and store it at room temperature instead of the fridge, which can dry it out or make it soggy depending on humidity.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread recipe is a timeless favorite that’s as delicious as it is inviting. With its perfect blend of spices, moist texture, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to whip up a loaf today and fill your home with the warm, cozy aromas of pumpkin and spice — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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