Fall is the perfect time to bake something cozy and warm, and nothing screams autumn like a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin spice bread. With its rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove combined with the moist texture of pumpkin, this bread is a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or even a midday snack. Whether you’re new to baking or just looking for an easy recipe that doesn’t require much fuss, this pumpkin spice bread recipe is perfect for you. So, grab your apron and read through this guide to learn everything you need to know about making the best pumpkin spice bread. Trust us, you'll want to bake it again and again!
What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?
Pumpkin spice bread is a quick bread that features a delicious blend of spices typically associated with fall – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove. The star ingredient, of course, is pumpkin puree, which gives the bread its moist texture and distinct flavor. While the spices provide warmth and depth, the pumpkin adds richness, making this loaf perfect for the cooler months. It’s a crowd-pleaser, whether served fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter the next day.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need to make this delicious pumpkin spice bread:
- All-purpose flour – This forms the base of your bread. Make sure to measure it properly to ensure the right texture.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance out the spices and pumpkin.
- Brown sugar – Provides a deeper, molasses-like sweetness and extra moisture.
- Pumpkin puree – Not to be confused with pumpkin pie filling. Use pure canned pumpkin or homemade puree for the best flavor.
- Eggs – These help bind everything together and give the bread structure.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter – Helps keep the bread moist and tender.
- Baking soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
- Salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the ingredients.
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves – These are the quintessential fall spices that make pumpkin spice bread so irresistible.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Optional Ingredients
If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your pumpkin spice bread, here are some optional ingredients you can include:
- Chopped nuts – Walnuts or pecans add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices.
- Chocolate chips – For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate chips add a delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
- Dried cranberries or raisins – For a fruity twist, dried fruit adds a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the pumpkin and spices.
- Pumpkin seeds – For a decorative touch and added crunch, sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before baking.
Substitutions and Variations
There are many ways to make this pumpkin spice bread recipe fit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are a few ideas:
- Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-free option: If you want to avoid dairy, use coconut oil or another vegetable-based oil instead of butter, and make sure your chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free.
- Lower sugar option: You can reduce the amount of sugar by substituting some or all of the sugar with maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Keep in mind, the texture may change slightly.
- Spice adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you prefer more cinnamon or less clove, go ahead and tweak the ratios to suit your taste.
- Vegan option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and use oil instead of butter.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make this delicious pumpkin spice bread from scratch:

- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare your dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Set aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, ½ cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
- Add optional mix-ins: If you’re adding any nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Pour into loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a few extra nuts or pumpkin seeds on top for decoration.
- Bake: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread firm up and makes it easier to slice.
How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking pumpkin spice bread is a straightforward process that’s hard to mess up, but there are a few tips that can ensure success every time. First, make sure to properly measure your ingredients. For the flour, use the spoon-and-level method – spoon the flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with the back of a knife. Don’t pack the flour into the cup, as this can lead to dry bread. Next, when mixing the dry and wet ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a tough texture. Finally, keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. Every oven is a little different, so check the bread at the 55-minute mark and add time as needed until the toothpick test comes out clean.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using too much flour: Overpacking your flour can make the bread dense and dry. Measure carefully.
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much can lead to tough bread. Mix just until combined.
- Not greasing the pan properly: Make sure your pan is well-greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Underbaking or overbaking: Check your bread with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through but not overdone.
- Cutting the bread too soon: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, or it may crumble.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Pumpkin spice bread can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion. For a casual breakfast or snack, simply slice the bread and serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. If you’re serving it as a dessert, consider drizzling a glaze on top, such as a simple vanilla glaze or a maple glaze. You could also serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread
This bread is best served at room temperature or slightly warmed. You can enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or even topped with whipped cream or a dollop of yogurt. For a more festive touch, serve it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cider. If you’re looking for a more decadent option, a cream cheese frosting spread over the top can transform this loaf into a pumpkin spice cake.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Decorative loaf: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the bread with coarse sugar or pumpkin seeds for a lovely texture and appearance.
- Sliced and stacked: For a brunch spread, slice the bread and fan the slices out on a serving platter. Add a few sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary for a pop of color.
- Gift-ready: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie them with twine to give as autumn gifts to friends and family.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Use room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree for easier mixing and a smoother batter.
- Use fresh spices: The fresher your spices, the more flavor your bread will have. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider buying new ones.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just roast and puree your pumpkin, but make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy batter. - Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend. - How do I store pumpkin spice bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. - Can I freeze pumpkin spice bread?
Absolutely! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice bread is the quintessential fall treat that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. With its blend of warm spices and moist pumpkin, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Whether you’re baking it for yourself, your family, or as a gift for a friend, this bread is sure to please. Give it a try, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of the season!
Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
This easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is a delightful fall treat with warm spices and a moist texture. Made with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it's perfect for breakfast or dessert. Quick to prepare and bake, this bread will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of autumn spices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter.
- Pumpkin spice bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (⅛ of loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
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