Pumpkin Bread Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Bread wafting through your kitchen. This recipe delivers sweet, spiced comfort in every bite—a foolproof favorite you’ll crave all autumn long and well beyond pumpkin season!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

• One-Bowl Simplicity: No fancy equipment required—just classic pantry staples and a couple of mixing bowls.
• Super Moist Every Time: The blend of pumpkin puree and oil guarantees a tender crumb that stays soft for days.
• Customizable Flavors: Add-ins like pecans or your favorite spices make each loaf uniquely yours.
• Unbeatable Aroma: The cinnamon-spiced scent will turn your house into a cozy autumn haven, no candle necessary!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Every ingredient here is purposefully selected to give this Pumpkin Bread its irresistible flavor, moist texture, and perfect crumb. They’re simple, but each one truly matters—let’s break down how they all work together.

• All-purpose flour: The structure-builder, ensuring a satisfying yet tender bite.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The duo behind that gorgeous rise and airy loaf—freshness counts for maximum lift!
• Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon: Aromatic spices bring warmth and the signature seasonal taste. Use cinnamon alone or blend in nutmeg and cloves if you want extra coziness.
• Salt: A small but mighty enhancer, balancing sweetness and deepening every flavor note.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient—be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and ensures it bakes up beautifully golden.
• Milk: Adds moisture and softens the crumb. Any dairy or non-dairy milk will work in a pinch.
• Eggs: Provide richness and help bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix in more easily.
• Vegetable oil or melted butter: Oil keeps things extra moist, while butter adds a rich flavor. Choose your favorite or try half-and-half!
• Chopped pecans (optional): For delightful crunch and nutty flavor, fold in pecans—or swap for walnuts or chocolate chips to switch it up.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, give your loaf pan some love—grease it generously and dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper to guarantee an easy release every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In your largest bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon), and salt. This ensures even distribution, so you don’t end up with any surprise pockets of spice or leavening later on.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, milk, eggs, and oil (or melted butter). The mixture should be smooth and beautifully orange—the heart and soul of your Pumpkin Bread!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Stir gently just until everything is combined; a few visible streaks of flour are absolutely fine. Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread, so keep it relaxed and easygoing!

Step 5: Add Your Extras

Now’s the time to fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a handful of chocolate chips if you’re feeling fancy. This is your flavor playground, so have fun with it!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay). The hardest part is letting it cool—wait 5 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

This Pumpkin Bread is gorgeous just as it is, but you can sprinkle the top with extra chopped pecans before baking for a nutty crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of maple glaze, or even a swipe of softened butter on each slice take things up a notch.

Side Dishes

Serve your slices with a mug of hot coffee or spiced chai for a dreamy autumn treat. For brunch, pair Pumpkin Bread with yogurt, fresh fruit, or scrambled eggs to create a cozy, complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the loaf into mini slices for a buffet, or wrap individual pieces in parchment for the perfect lunchbox surprise. You can even bake the batter in muffin tins for on-the-go pumpkin bread muffins—so cute and convenient!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your Pumpkin Bread tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2–3 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle, so it’s truly magical the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the full loaf or individual slices by wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing them in a zip-top freezer bag. Your future self will thank you when you have homemade Pumpkin Bread ready in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Reheating

To refresh the bread, gently warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or pop them in a toaster oven until just heated through. This brings back that fresh-baked aroma and soft crumb as if it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Give this Pumpkin Bread a try and treat yourself to that irresistible fall flavor any time of year. Nothing brings people together quite like sharing a slice with someone you love—enjoy every soft, spiced bite!

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