“`html

If you’ve never baked Pumpkin Bread before, you are in for a delightful treat that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. This moist, warmly spiced loaf is a classic fall favorite that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg while delivering a tender crumb thanks to the luscious pumpkin puree. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this Pumpkin Bread recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple pantry staples creates the foundation for this Pumpkin Bread’s wonderful taste and texture. Each ingredient plays its part, from the fluffy all-purpose flour that builds structure to the pumpkin puree that lends moisture, richness, and that gorgeous orange hue.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for tender, soft crumb, and supports the bread’s shape.
Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a moist texture that keeps the bread delightful bite after bite.
Baking soda: Adds a gentle lift to ensure a light, fluffy loaf instead of a dense cake.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the warm spices for depth of flavor.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin, infusing warmth and sweetness.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty, slightly sweet aroma that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, lending moisture, flavor, and that iconic deep orange color.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
Eggs: Bind all ingredients together and create structure while enriching the bread’s texture.
Water: Thins the batter slightly for just the right consistency, ensuring a soft finish.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat

Start by warming your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your loaf pans so your Pumpkin Bread can release easily once baked. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to blend smoothly into the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Whisking these together not only distributes the spices evenly but also makes sure the leavening agent is well incorporated for an even rise.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water. Make sure to mix until the wet ingredients are smooth and fully combined—this will help achieve that luscious texture in your Pumpkin Bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay and will keep the bread tender rather than tough.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans and slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell filling your kitchen by this point will be pure happiness in a loaf form.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Let your Pumpkin Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allowing it to cool completely will make slicing cleaner and preserve the moist texture you worked so hard for.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

While the Pumpkin Bread is delicious on its own, a light spread of softened butter, cream cheese frosting, or honey glaze can elevate it beautifully. Toasted nuts or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a delightful crunch or subtle sweetness on top.

Side Dishes

Enjoy your Pumpkin Bread alongside a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more indulgent pairing, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is irresistible.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin Bread into charming gifts by wrapping slices in parchment paper and tying with rustic twine. For entertaining, slice the bread thin and serve as finger treats on a festive holiday platter surrounded by fresh fruit and nuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for about 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

Pumpkin Bread freezes beautifully! Slice and wrap individual pieces tightly before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready to thaw when cravings strike.

Reheating

For that freshly baked feel, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This will revive the softness and enhance the spices’ aroma—perfect for a quick, comforting treat.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin flesh until smooth. Keep in mind that homemade puree may have a higher moisture content, so you might need to adjust the water in the recipe slightly.

What if I don’t have ground nutmeg?

Ground cinnamon alone works fine, or you can substitute with a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a slightly different but still warm flavor profile.

Can I make this Pumpkin Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. You may need to experiment a bit with moisture levels, but it’s definitely possible.

How can I make this recipe less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread; just be mindful that sugar also affects texture and moisture, so keep reductions moderate.

Is Pumpkin Bread better fresh or the next day?

While Pumpkin Bread is lovely fresh from the oven, it actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. Storing it properly will keep it moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Bread is one of those magical recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply indulging yourself, this bread’s rich flavor and tender crumb will bring smiles and cozy vibes every single time. So grab those ingredients and dive into making your own Pumpkin Bread—it’s worth every moment spent!

“`

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 6 reviews

This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread recipe is a perfect treat for fall or any time you crave a spiced, sweet loaf. Featuring a blend of pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tender crumb, this pumpkin bread is easy to make and makes a great snack or breakfast option.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 80 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (about 12 slices each) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

15 ounces pumpkin puree (1 can)
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs (room temperature)
⅔ cup water

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these together until evenly distributed.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until all ingredients are incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Pour Batter into Pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops brown too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Cool and Serve: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For a nutty variation, consider adding 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
You can substitute water with freshly brewed coffee for a richer flavor.
Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze the pumpkin bread tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.