If you’re looking for a cozy treat that whispers autumn in every bite, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderfully moist loaf brimming with warm spices and the rich, natural sweetness of pumpkin puree. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this bread’s simple steps and approachable ingredients promise a delectable result every time. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a comforting dessert, this bread brings homemade warmth to your kitchen table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb to the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds natural moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor that defines this bread.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps create a soft, yet sturdy crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth with its rich, caramel notes.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist without overpowering other flavors.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s lovely texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness with a subtle, fragrant warmth.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light feel.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the spices.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Provides that classic, comforting pumpkin spice aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly nutty flavor perfect for fall recipes.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives a slight zingy depth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- 1/4 cup milk: Lightens the batter and helps everything blend smoothly.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Getting off to a good start means preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisking until smooth blends these flavors together, giving your bread a silky batter that’s bursting with pumpkin goodness.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the wet mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly, just until you don’t see any dry streaks. The key here is not to overmix—this helps keep your bread delightfully tender.
Step 4: Pour and Smooth
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly—this helps your pumpkin bread bake uniformly and look inviting once it’s done.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. Those golden edges and the aroma will tell you it’s time!
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important so your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe slices nicely without crumbling.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Want to take your slice over the top? Try a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese for creamy richness. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds delightful texture and a bit of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread is wonderful alongside a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte. For brunch, serve it with scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the bread’s warm flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pumpkin bread into a festive gift by wrapping slices in parchment paper tied with twine. Or toast slices and top them with ricotta and a dash of cinnamon sugar for an elegant treat. You can even cut it into cubes and use it as a base for a pumpkin bread trifle with whipped cream and spiced apples.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Pumpkin Bread stays fresh for several days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it wrapped well keeps moisture in and staves off any dryness, so your bread feels freshly baked even days after.
Freezing
If you bake a big batch or want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It holds beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked softness, toast slices lightly or warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This quick reheat refreshes the texture and enhances those wonderful pumpkin spice aromas.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly here and is a convenient option that ensures consistent moisture and flavor.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries. Cinnamon is the must-have spice, but you can reduce or omit nutmeg and cloves if needed. Your bread will still taste fantastic.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?
Yes, you can use melted butter or even coconut oil for a slight flavor twist. Just keep the amount the same to maintain moisture.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Certainly! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might want to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to improve texture.
How long does the bread keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, this pumpkin bread stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Refrigerating can extend this to about a week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a warm loaf of pumpkin bread out of the oven and filling your home with its cozy aroma. This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is one of my go-to fall favorites because it’s reliable, delicious, and so welcoming. Give it a try—you might just find your new seasonal obsession that’s perfect for sharing with friends or savoring all by yourself.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting sweet treat. Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it offers a deliciously spiced bread baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the pumpkin bread after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the base of your batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves into the wet mixture. Gently stir just until no dry streaks remain to avoid overmixing and keep the bread tender.
- Prepare to Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking and a nice shape.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve to enjoy the full flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Use canned pumpkin puree or fresh cooked pumpkin puree for best results.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This pumpkin bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
