There is something utterly magical about a warm slice of pumpkin bread fresh from the oven, especially when it’s topped with a sweet cinnamon sugar crunch. This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe brings together the cozy flavors of fall spices and moist pumpkin in a way that feels like a hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe is sure to become a fast favorite in your kitchen, offering that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and tender crumb every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe uses simple pantry staples that combine to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the warm spices to the moist pumpkin puree, ensuring your bread comes out perfectly every time.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and the classic tender crumb texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely, keeping it light and airy.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create the perfect lift.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses warmth in both the bread and the topping.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds subtle nutty notes that deepen the spice profile.
- Ground cloves: Offers a hint of aromatic spice for complexity.
- Ground ginger: Adds just the right amount of zing to brighten the flavor.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that keeps the bread moist and imparts that lush orange color.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist without overpowering.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and provides a fine texture.
- Brown sugar: Brings a deeper, caramel-like sweetness and additional moisture.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, soft batter for an even crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- Cinnamon sugar topping (granulated sugar and ground cinnamon): Sprinkled on top to add a delightful crunchy spice finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This little prep step ensures your bread comes out clean and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Getting these spices and leavening agents well combined will distribute the flavors evenly throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly incorporated. This mixture will be rich and fragrant, setting the stage for your delicious bread.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet and gently fold them together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, since that can make the bread tough instead of tender and soft.
Step 5: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread finish setting and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is wonderful as is, but elevating it with a little extra flair is always fun. Try a light spread of creamy butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a smear of cream cheese to add richness and balance the spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your pumpkin bread with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a spicy latte for a classic combo. For a brunch spread, add fresh fruit or yogurt on the side to brighten the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick for a hearty breakfast or cut it into smaller squares for a party platter. You can even toast leftover slices and sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top for a delightful crunch that tastes brand new.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and maintains that fantastic spice aroma.
Freezing
If you want to make this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them into a toaster oven until heated through. This makes the cinnamon sugar topping crunchy again and releases all those warm fall scents.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually recommended for consistency and ease. Just avoid using pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices and sugars.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even melted butter. Keep in mind that different oils will slightly change the flavor and moisture level.
Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stirring in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking adds wonderful texture and flavor twists to this classic bread.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is done baking.
Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake two loaves at once. Just make sure your oven rack is positioned in the middle and not overcrowded to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a treasure to keep in your baking repertoire. It’s straightforward, irresistibly flavorful, and evokes the best feelings of home and cozy gatherings. I encourage you to try it soon and enjoy every aromatic, tender bite with people you love.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for fall mornings or dessert. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, and topped with a crunchy cinnamon sugar layer, it combines the rich taste of pumpkin with a sweet, spiced twist. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this pumpkin bread delivers comfort and seasonal cheer in every bite.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until evenly combined. This will ensure the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Prepare Topping and Add Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for the topping, then sprinkle evenly over the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is fully cooked without being dry.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This cooling step helps achieve clean, even slices.
Notes
- This bread can be made ahead and frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- For added texture and flavor, stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a moist and tender bread crumb.
