Best Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of homemade pumpkin bread filling your kitchen. This pumpkin bread recipe combines the richness of pumpkin puree with the perfect blend of spices, making it the ultimate fall treat. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy breakfast, a holiday gathering, or simply because you love the flavors of autumn, this bread is sure to satisfy your cravings. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy a loaf that’s soft, moist, and full of delicious flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe:

This pumpkin bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why:

  • Incredible Flavor: The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and sweet sugars makes each bite irresistible.
  • Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh pumpkin bread in no time.
  • Perfect Texture: Moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, it’s the kind of loaf that’s impossible to stop eating.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a holiday treat.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe

History or Fun Facts About Pumpkin Bread:

Pumpkin bread has its roots in American cuisine, becoming popular in the 20th century as pumpkin became a common ingredient in desserts and baked goods. Here are a few fun facts about this beloved treat:

  1. Classic Fall Favorite: Pumpkin bread became a staple in fall baking due to its comforting flavors, often paired with the harvest season.
  2. No Pumpkin Pie Filling: Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sweeteners.
  3. Adaptable Recipe: Pumpkin bread recipes vary widely, from adding nuts to incorporating chocolate chips, offering endless possibilities for creativity.

Ingredients:

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious pumpkin bread recipe:

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice (or cinnamon)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe:

Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the edges for easy removal. Set aside.

Combine the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice (or cinnamon), baking soda, and salt. Set this aside for later.

Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Slowly whisk in the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients until there are no lumps left.

pumpkin batter poured into a loaf pan

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Around the 30-minute mark, lightly cover the top of the bread with foil to prevent it from over-browning.

Cool and serve: Let the bread cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then lift the bread out using the parchment paper. Slice and serve warm, or allow it to cool completely before storing.

Pumpkin Bread Tips and Twists:

This pumpkin bread recipe is delicious as is, but here are a few tips and twists to make it your own:

  • Add-ins: Feel free to stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or a handful of chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
  • Use fresh pumpkin: If you have fresh pumpkin available, roast it and puree it for an even richer flavor.
  • Top it off: Try spreading a layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a decadent twist.
  • Spices: For a more complex flavor, you can experiment with adding ground ginger, cloves, or allspice to the mix.
  • Don’t overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter; this will ensure your bread is light and fluffy.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips:

  • Storage: Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
  • Reheating: To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole loaf in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
  • Make-Ahead: You can prepare the batter a day ahead of time and bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together even more!

Serving Suggestions:

Pumpkin bread is perfect on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with the following:

  • Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea complements the spices in the pumpkin bread beautifully.
  • Spread: Try topping each slice with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup for added richness.
  • Breakfast Combo: Pair it with a simple egg and avocado toast for a complete breakfast that’s both savory and sweet.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe

FAQ About Pumpkin Bread Recipe:

  1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
    Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just roast and puree it, ensuring it’s smooth and free from excess water.
  2. How do I know if my bread is done?
    Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is done.
  3. Can I make this gluten-free?
    Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.
  4. Can I freeze it?
    Yes, pumpkin bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
  5. How can I make my pumpkin bread sweeter?
    You can add more sugar or sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Your homemade pumpkin bread is ready to be enjoyed! With its perfect balance of spices, moist texture, and rich flavor, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, this pumpkin bread recipe will bring comfort and joy with every slice. Don’t forget to share with friends and family—they’ll love it too!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe
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Best Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for beginners! With a moist texture and warm, spiced flavor, it’s the perfect fall treat for any occasion. Simple ingredients make this loaf a breeze to bake.
Course Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword beginner-friendly baking, easy pumpkin bread, fall recipes, homemade pumpkin bread, pumpkin bread recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 1 loaf (12 slices)
Calories 230kcal
Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 15 oz can pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
  • Slowly whisk in the dry ingredients until smooth.
  • Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes, covering the top with foil at 30 minutes to prevent over-browning.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and slice.

Notes

Tip: Make sure not to overmix the batter to ensure a soft, fluffy loaf.
Variation: Add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Nutrition:
  • Calories: 230 per slice
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 18g

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