Get ready to fall in love with a classic treat that perfectly captures the flavors of autumn: the Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe. This moist, warmly spiced bread is incredibly simple to make and brings the cozy essence of pumpkin right into your kitchen. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe combines wholesome pumpkin puree, fragrant spices, and just the right amount of sweetness to create a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and utterly irresistible. It’s the perfect way to enjoy pumpkin beyond pie and will quickly become a favorite comfort food to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe plays an important role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the creamy pumpkin puree to the blend of aromatic spices, these simple components come together effortlessly to create a deliciously moist bread.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides natural moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor, making the bread tender and full-bodied.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Infuses a rich, caramel-like depth to enhance the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering the other tastes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s light, fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the spices.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly and results in a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Gives that unmistakable autumn spice and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle nutty spice, adding depth to the flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Delivers a hint of earthiness and complexity to the spice blend.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven will be perfectly hot and ready for baking as soon as your batter is mixed. Then, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easy to release the bread once baked.
Step 2: 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. This blend creates a luscious base that will infuse every bite with moist richness and sweetness.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting helps evenly distribute the baking soda and spices, ensuring consistent flavor and rise throughout the bread without clumps of flour or spices.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until there are no more dry streaks visible. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make your bread dense rather than tender and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your beautifully spiced batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 55–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too early can cause it to crumble, but patience will reward you with perfectly shaped, tender slices.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your pumpkin bread by adding a little extra flair before serving. A light spread of butter or cream cheese complements the warm spices beautifully. For a sweet touch, drizzle with honey or warm maple syrup. You can even sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte for a comforting snack or breakfast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a simple mixed greens salad for a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the pumpkin bread and using it to make a decadent French toast or bread pudding. You can also toast thick slices and top with ricotta cheese and fresh fruit for an elegant breakfast or brunch treat that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigeration is recommended but be sure to bring the bread to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a taste of autumn anytime you like with minimal effort.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, simply reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly. Reheating brings out the spices and gives the crumb a lovely softness, almost like freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient and reliable option that works perfectly in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Just make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Keep the measurement the same, but remember that butter may produce a slightly denser bread due to its saturated fat content.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can absolutely adapt this recipe by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For best results, choose a blend that includes xanthan gum or add it separately to help with the structure and texture.
How long will the pumpkin bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, this pumpkin bread stays fresh for about 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week but may dry out quicker, so warming before serving is recommended.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this bread?
Yes, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips, is a wonderful way to customize your pumpkin bread. Mix them into the batter after combining the wet and dry ingredients, folding gently before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is truly a cozy, delicious way to bring the flavors of fall into your home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to year after year. Whether for a casual breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert, this pumpkin bread never fails to delight. So grab your mixing bowl and pumpkin puree, and get baking — your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8-10 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for fall and year-round enjoyment. It combines pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, resulting in a tender loaf with a beautifully spiced aroma. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread is simple to make and baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 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 evenly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves into the wet mixture. Gently stir until the batter has no dry streaks, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare Batter for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Before Serving: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Store leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This recipe can be doubled and baked in two loaf pans; adjust baking time accordingly.
