Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the cozy flavors of pumpkin spice, and there’s no better way to indulge than with a freshly baked loaf of pumpkin spice bread. This easy pumpkin spice bread recipe will fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and create a moist, flavorful treat the whole family will love. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe will guide you through every step. Keep reading for a delicious fall treat you can make at home!
What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?
Pumpkin spice bread is a quick bread that combines the rich flavor of pumpkin puree with a blend of warm spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s a quintessential fall treat that’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. The bread is soft and moist, thanks to the pumpkin puree, and the spice mix adds an irresistible, comforting flavor that screams "autumn."
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread
Before you start baking, gather the following ingredients. This list includes all the essentials to make a perfect loaf of pumpkin spice bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ cup milk or water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins
To personalize your pumpkin spice bread and add extra flavor or texture, consider these optional add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work wonderfully)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds (to sprinkle on top for decoration)
Substitutions and Variations
Pumpkin spice bread is incredibly versatile. If you don’t have some of the ingredients or want to try something new, here are some substitutions and variations:
- Flour substitution: You can swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for granulated sugar for a healthier twist.
- Oil: Use melted coconut oil, applesauce, or even Greek yogurt in place of vegetable oil for a lighter loaf.
- Spice mix: If you're out of one of the spices, a pumpkin pie spice mix works well as a substitute.
- Vegan option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use non-dairy milk.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to bake! Follow these easy steps to make your pumpkin spice bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves).
- In another bowl, beat the eggs, then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk (or water), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. Stir just until incorporated—don’t overmix. If you're adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits, fold them in at this stage.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check the bread at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking pumpkin spice bread is straightforward, but these detailed steps will ensure your loaf comes out perfect every time:
- Prepare your pan: Greasing the pan or lining it with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the bread after baking.
- Measure carefully: Accurate measuring of flour, baking powder, and baking soda is key to a well-risen and light loaf.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately: This helps to evenly distribute ingredients before combining them.
- Avoid overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir just enough to bring everything together. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
- Test for doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer to test the bread—if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it's sticky, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While pumpkin spice bread is simple to make, a few common mistakes can trip up even experienced bakers. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring the batter too much can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a dense and tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the bread after the 50-minute mark. Overbaking will result in a dry loaf.
- Using pumpkin pie filling: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that can throw off the balance of the recipe.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Pumpkin spice bread is delicious as is, but you can elevate its presentation with a few simple tips. Here’s how to serve and present your pumpkin spice bread:
- Cool completely before slicing to ensure neat slices.
- Serve warm: A warm slice of pumpkin spice bread with a little butter or cream cheese spread is the ultimate fall treat.
- Top with glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the cooled loaf for added sweetness and an elegant look.
- Sprinkle powdered sugar: Dusting the top with powdered sugar gives it a bakery-worthy presentation.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread
Pumpkin spice bread is versatile enough to be served in various ways:
- For breakfast: Toast a slice and top it with butter or almond butter.
- As a snack: Enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon.
- As a dessert: Serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread
Take your pumpkin spice bread up a notch with these presentation ideas:
- Garnish with pumpkin seeds: Sprinkling pumpkin seeds on top before baking adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
- Add a dusting of cinnamon: After baking, lightly dust the top with cinnamon for a warm, inviting look.
- Gift it: Wrap your loaf in parchment paper, tie it with a rustic string, and gift it to friends or family during the holiday season.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips
Here are some expert tips to ensure your pumpkin spice bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Room temperature eggs: Using room-temperature eggs helps them blend more easily into the batter.
- Let it cool completely: Resist the urge to slice into the bread immediately after it comes out of the oven. Letting it cool helps the flavors develop and makes slicing easier.
- Store properly: To keep the bread fresh, store it 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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze pumpkin spice bread?
Yes! Pumpkin spice bread freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
2. How can I make the bread more moist?
For extra moisture, try adding ¼ cup of applesauce or a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the batter. Also, avoid overbaking the bread.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Just make sure it contains a binding agent like xanthan gum.
4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but be cautious. Sugar adds moisture and flavor, so cutting too much may result in a drier or less flavorful loaf.
5. Can I add a glaze to the bread?
Absolutely! A cream cheese or vanilla glaze pairs perfectly with pumpkin spice bread. Just drizzle it over the cooled loaf for a sweet finishing touch.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice bread is the perfect fall comfort food. This easy recipe, with its warm spices and tender crumb, is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this bread captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Don’t hesitate to experiment with add-ins, substitutions, and different serving options to make the recipe your own. Happy baking!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is a delightful fall treat, featuring rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it's moist and simple to bake. Perfect for a quick dessert or breakfast bread, it's a must-try for the pumpkin spice lover in your life!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- In another bowl, combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Mix in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210 mg
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