Pumpkin Bread Recipe

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, nothing evokes the essence of fall quite like a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread. This delightful recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich flavor of pumpkin, resulting in a moist, tender loaf that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

Whether you’re celebrating the harvest season or simply indulging your taste buds, this pumpkin bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe

1. Moist and Flavorful: The use of pureed pumpkin keeps the bread moist, while the warm spices add depth of flavor.
2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create a delicious loaf.
3. Versatile: Enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or topped with cream cheese for a decadent treat.
4. Perfect for Sharing: This bread makes a wonderful gift for friends and family, especially during the fall season.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Loaf Pan

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt until well blended.
2. Set Aside: Once combined, set this bowl aside while you mix the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk Until Smooth: Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until they are well combined and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps from the pumpkin.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Add Wet to Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
2. Stir Gently: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
3. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Pour into the Loaf Pan

1. Transfer the Batter: Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
2. Smooth the Top: Use the spatula to smooth the top of the batter for even baking.

Step 6: Bake the Pumpkin Bread

1. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
2. Check at 50 Minutes: Check the bread at around the 50-minute mark. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Cool in Pan: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Transfer to a Wire Rack: After cooling, carefully remove the bread from the pan (if using parchment paper, lift it out) and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice the pumpkin bread and serve it plain or with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.

Storing Pumpkin Bread

• Room Temperature: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, you may want to refrigerate it to extend its freshness. It will last up to a week in the fridge.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze pumpkin bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense loaf. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Adjust Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your liking. If you love cinnamon, add an extra pinch!
• Experiment with Mix-Ins: This recipe is highly customizable. Try adding shredded coconut, diced apples, or even a swirl of cream cheese for added flavor.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Bread recipe embodies the flavors of fall and is perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or dessert, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to satisfy your cravings. With easy-to-follow steps and the ability to customize it to your taste, you’ll find yourself making this pumpkin bread time and time again. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of pumpkin bread baking. Enjoy!

Yield: 8

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Print

As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, nothing evokes the essence of fall quite like a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin bread. This delightful recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich flavor of pumpkin, resulting in a moist, tender loaf that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. Whether you're celebrating the harvest season or simply indulging your taste buds, this pumpkin bread recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, such as walnuts or pecans)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

3. Combine Dry Ingredients:

• In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

4. Combine Mixtures:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped nuts and/or chocolate chips.

5. Bake:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool:

• Remove the pumpkin 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.

7. Serve:

• Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious pumpkin bread! It can be served plain or with a spread of cream cheese or butter.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage.

Pumpkin Puree: If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it before using in the recipe.

Add-ins: Feel free to customize your pumpkin bread with additional spices like ginger or cardamom, or add in dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor.