Spiced Pumpkin Bread

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There’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of Spiced Pumpkin Bread baking in the oven to signal the arrival of fall. This moist and flavorful bread is packed with all the warm spices we crave during the autumn months—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—all perfectly paired with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea, serving it for breakfast, or adding it to your Thanksgiving dessert table, my recipe for the Best Spiced Pumpkin Bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

Exploring the Recipe

This pumpkin bread is the perfect addition to any fall gathering, whether you're hosting a brunch, a cozy family dinner, or need a quick homemade gift. With its rustic look and inviting aroma, it fits beautifully into the autumn season, and the best part is that it tastes even better the next day and can be saved to share later, making it a wonderful make-ahead option for holiday spreads or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pumpkin Bread REcipe

• Easy to Make: Not only is this Spiced Pumpkin Bread delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Whip up the batter in one bowl and bake!

• Simple Ingredients: Using canned or homemade pumpkin purée, it comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. The result? A tender, slightly sweet loaf with a hint of spice in every bite.

• Perfect for Cozy Fall Days: It’s the perfect combination of comfort and festive fall vibes—great for cozying up on a chilly day with your favorite cozy fantasy book and a cup of coffee.

Gathering Ingredients:

• Flour. For this recipe, I recommend using all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour can be used, but only substitute up to half of the amount of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat.

• Baking Powder & Baking Soda.

• Salt.

• Pumpkin Pie Spice. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily add the same flavors to your pumpkin bread by mixing up some autumnal spices. Use 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon allspice, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger.

• Cinnamon.

• Pumpkin Purée. Be sure to use 100% pumpkin purée or winter squash purée and not pumpkin pie filling!

• Oil. I suggest using vegetable oil for this recipe, but any neutral baking oil will do like canola oil, melted coconut oil, sunflower oil, or avocado oil.

• Melted Butter.

• Sugar. You will need granulated sugar and brown sugar for this recipe.

• Eggs. Make sure that your eggs are at room temperature.

• Vanilla.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Step One: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set this aside while you mix up the wet ingredients.

Step Two: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Finish by folding in the dry ingredients mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, about 2 minutes.

Step Three: Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan. Bake the bread for about 55 to 65 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step Four: Let the bread rest in the baking pan for another 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. When the bread is room temperature, slice it into 1-inch (2.5-cm) thick slices and serve.

Baking Tips for Perfect Spiced Pumpkin Bread

• Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Make sure you're using pure 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter already has added sugar and spices. The pure pumpkin allows you to control the sweetness and spice levels in your bread. You can also use homemade pumpkin purée or winter squash puree!

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can result in a denser loaf rather than the tender, moist texture you're looking for.

• Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread in the final 10 minutes of baking. Insert a knife into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.

Variations

• Mix in chopped walnuts, pecans, or toasted pumpkin seeds for some crunchy contrast.

• Chocolate chips add a sweetness and decadence. Try folding in some semisweet, milk, or dark chocolate chips. Even mini chocolate chips are yummy!

• Fold in some dried cranberries to introduce an extra burst of healthy sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This Spiced Pumpkin Bread is delicious on its own, but you can take it up a notch with a few simple toppings. Try spreading a warm slice with cinnamon cream cheese or honey butter for a creamy, sweet addition. For a special dessert, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re enjoying it with a fall-themed breakfast, pair it with a hot cup of spiced coffee or chai tea to complete the cozy experience.

Here are some cozy recipes to enjoy with the best pumpkin bread recipe:

• Classic Pumpkin Spice Latte

• Iced Apple Oatmeal Cookies

• Baked Apple Cider Donuts

Storage Instructions

• Store the finished pumpkin bread once fully cooled in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for about 5 to 6 days.

• To Freeze: Once cooled, you can also wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Label and date the bread, then freeze for up to 4 to 6 months. To thaw, just unwrap and leave at room temperature for about an hour. Slice and enjoy!

Tools You’ll Need

• 9 x 5-inch Loaf Pan

• Parchment Paper (optional)

• Mixing Bowl

• Whisk

• Silicone Spatula

• Wire Cooling Rack

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my pumpkin bread moist?
There are several ways to keep pumpkin bread moist! To create a silky crumb, use oil or melted butter. Oil, however, is the better option as it is 100% fat and will give you a moister bread overall.

Why is the middle of my bread not cooked?"
Oftentimes, the top of your bread will crack or may even “peak” before its finished baking. While cracks are normal, peaks are a sign that you over-mixed the batter. Always make sure to check your loaf with a bread knife inserted at the thickest part of the bread to ensure that it’s done. If the knife comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs stuck to it, the bread is ready.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling?
No, you should use 100% pumpkin purée. Pumpkin pie filling has added ingredients like sugars and spices, which will alter the flavor and texture of the bread. Pumpkin purée is something blended pumpkin.

xoxo Kayla

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Yield: 8-10

Author: Kayla Lobermeier

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Spiced Pumpkin Bread

This moist, flavorful bread is packed with all the warm spices we crave during the autumn months—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—all perfectly paired with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 1 HourTotal time: 1 H & 30 M

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 3 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 15 oz (425 g) can of pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) melted salted butter, slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350° F (177° C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch (22 x 12-cm) loaf pan and set this aside for now.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. Set this aside while you mix up the wet ingredients.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Then, whisk in the eggs and vanilla until fully incorporated, about 2 minutes. Finish by folding in the dry ingredients mixture with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined, about 2 minutes.
4. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared loaf pan. Bake the bread for about 55 to 65 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Let the bread rest in the baking pan for another 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack to finish cooling. When the bread is room temperature, slice it into 1-inch (2.5-cm) thick slices and serve.
6. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an air tight container or plastic wrap for about 5 days. It can be refrigerated and freezes well!*

Notes

*Freezing Instructions: To freeze this pumpkin bread, wrap the bread un-cut in two layers of plastic wrap. Then, store the wrapped bread in a gallon freezer bag or tinfoil. Label and date the bread, then store in the freezer for about 4 to 6 months. To thaw, simply unwrap and bread and let it defrost at room temperature for about an hour.

**Enhance with Mix-Ins: Feel free to customize your Spiced Pumpkin Bread with some delicious mix-ins! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a crunchy contrast, while chocolate chips or dried cranberries introduce an extra burst of sweetness. You can also sprinkle pumpkin seeds or streusel on top for a rustic, bakery-style finish.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

492

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.

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