Let me share with you my all-time favorite Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe that you’ll want to make again and again as soon as you try it. This bread is wonderfully moist, perfectly spiced, and so comforting — seriously, your kitchen will smell like fall hugs! Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a simple, foolproof bread recipe, stick around because this one is fan-freaking-tastic and super straightforward.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist Texture: Thanks to pumpkin puree and oil, this bread stays soft and tender for days.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll probably already have everything in your pantry, making it perfect for a last-minute bake.
- Perfectly Balanced Spices: The pumpkin pie spice adds that cozy warmth without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- Easy to Follow: I’ve made sure this recipe is foolproof, so even if you’re new to baking pumpkin bread, you’ll succeed every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe calls for pantry staples and a couple of fall favorites that come together beautifully. Every ingredient has its purpose, creating that luscious texture and warm flavor you crave.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender; you can swap with a neutral oil like canola if needed.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens perfectly to balance the pumpkin’s earthiness without being cloying.
- Large Eggs: Helps bind everything together and contributes to the bread’s structure.
- Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show! Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and texture.
- All-purpose Flour: Provides structure; no need for fancy flours here.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves adds classic fall warmth.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Essential for lift and a light crumb, carefully balanced for perfect rise.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, never skip it!
Variations
I absolutely love mixing things up sometimes to keep this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe fresh and exciting. Don’t shy away from customizing it to suit your taste or dietary needs—there’s so much room for creativity here!
- Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch that my family goes crazy for—perfect for texture lovers.
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Toss in some semisweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist that’s perfect for an afternoon treat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend—I’ve found this recipe adapts beautifully with just a bit more attention to mixing.
- Spice Adjustment: If you like it spicier, increase the pumpkin pie spice by half a teaspoon; when I first tried that, it really elevated the cozy vibe!
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
This is where your success starts! Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) before you do anything else. Grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans thoroughly—if you skip this, the bread can stick and make your life difficult (trust me, I learned that the hard way!).
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and sugar until it looks like wet sand. I love this texture because it ensures the sugar is well incorporated. Then, whisk in the eggs one at a time until the whole mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the pumpkin puree last and whisk again until it’s perfectly combined—no streaks of pumpkin! This step is forgiving and honestly, it feels fun to see it come together.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix Gently
Now, whisk in the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Here’s the trick: mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing causes the bread to turn tough, and no one wants that. You’ll notice the batter is thick but fluffy, which is exactly what you want for great rise and texture.
Step 4: Bake and Test for Doneness
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops gently with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes. Start checking at 40 minutes by inserting a wooden toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. I often find my oven’s quirks here, so it pays to keep an eye on them near the end. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Measure Flour Correctly: I always spoon and level my flour instead of scooping directly, which keeps the bread from becoming too dense.
- Don’t Overmix: Mixing until just combined means tender bread every time—I’ve made the mistake of overmixing and regretted it!
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: This helps the bread set properly and prevents crumbling when you cut it.
- Check Oven Temperature: Because baking times vary, keep a close eye near the end to avoid overbaking and dryness.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices of this pumpkin bread with a smear of creamy butter or a dollop of cream cheese spread for a breakfast treat. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top just before baking for a sweet, crunchy crust that’s irresistible.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or even a steaming mug of hot chocolate. For brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I slice the pumpkin bread and arrange it on a pretty platter with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It’s also fun to make mini loaves as gifts—just wrap in parchment and tie with a ribbon for a heartfelt homemade present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays moist and delicious, making quick snacks or breakfast on busy mornings a breeze.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! I slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and place them in freezer bags. When you want some, just thaw at room temp or warm gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, I like reheating slices in the toaster oven for a few minutes or microwaving them briefly with a tiny pat of butter on top. It revives the moist texture and taste beautifully.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Fresh pumpkin can be used, but you’ll need to cook and puree it first until very smooth. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin has a higher water content, so you might want to drain excess moisture to avoid a too-wet batter. For ease and consistent results, canned pumpkin purée is my go-to.
-
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best test is inserting a wooden toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Baking times vary by oven, so start checking at 40 minutes and adjust accordingly to prevent overbaking.
-
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a vegan twist, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based oil. Since this recipe doesn’t include dairy, it’s already dairy-free, which makes it extra accessible.
-
Can I double the recipe to make more loaves?
Yes, doubling works great. Just make sure you have enough loaf pans and watch the baking time closely since larger batches sometimes take a bit longer to cook through. Always check doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become a staple in my home, especially during cozy fall mornings and chilly weekends. It’s that perfect blend of simple ingredients turning into something truly magical and comforting. I hope you’ll find the same joy I have and bake it often—your friends and family might even start asking for it every season like mine do! So grab your mixing bowl and warm oven — let’s make some pumpkin bread memories.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy pumpkin bread recipe yields moist and flavorful homemade pumpkin bread perfect for a cozy treat. It combines the warm spices of pumpkin pie spice with pumpkin purée and uses simple pantry ingredients for a deliciously soft loaf. The step-by-step baking method ensures a tender crumb without overmixing.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 15 oz can pumpkin purée
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix oil and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand in texture.
- Add eggs: Whisk in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate pumpkin purée: Add the pumpkin purée to the wet ingredients and whisk until the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Mix dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently whisking just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and prevent toughness.
- Divide batter and bake: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the loaves: Remove the pans from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This pumpkin bread is moist and flavorful, perfect for fall or anytime comfort baking.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense or tough texture.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 291
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 201 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg