Deliciously Moist Pumpkin Bread for Breakfast or Dessert!

Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your kitchen.

This classic treat is packed with rich pumpkin flavor, infused with aromatic spices, and baked to soft, moist perfection.

Whether you enjoy it as a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert, this pumpkin bread is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall.

Unlike many store-bought versions, this homemade pumpkin bread is made with real pumpkin purée and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice.

Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients—no mixer required!

If you love a slice of warm, spiced bread with a cup of coffee or tea, this recipe is for you.

Keep reading to discover why this is the best pumpkin bread recipe, what ingredients you’ll need, and how to make it step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This pumpkin bread isn’t just another ordinary loaf—it’s the ultimate fall-inspired bake that combines flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why you’ll love it:

1. Super Moist & Tender Texture

Thanks to the perfect balance of pumpkin purée, oil, and brown sugar, this bread stays moist for days without feeling greasy.

2. Packed with Warm Fall Flavors

A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this pumpkin bread its signature cozy, spiced aroma and taste.

3. Quick & Easy to Make

With just one bowl, a whisk, and a few pantry staples, you can have this bread in the oven in 10 minutes or less—no need for fancy equipment!

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, and it pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of maple syrup.

5. Customizable with Add-Ins

From chocolate chips and nuts to a cream cheese swirl, this pumpkin bread can be easily adapted to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create the best pumpkin bread.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the bread while keeping it soft.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, & Cloves – The perfect spice blend to give the bread its warm, cozy flavor. You can also use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.

Wet Ingredients

• Pumpkin Purée – The star ingredient! Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – A mix of both sugars creates the perfect sweetness while adding moisture.
• Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and help with structure.
• Vegetable Oil (or Melted Butter) – Keeps the bread rich and moist without making it heavy.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread (Step-by-Step Guide)

Making pumpkin bread is simple and rewarding. Follow these easy steps to create the perfect loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and full of fall goodness.

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves).

This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3 – Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.

Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this point.

Step 5 – Bake the Pumpkin Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6 – Cool & Serve

Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.

Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

• Use Pure Pumpkin Purée: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar. Pure pumpkin will give you the best flavor.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense loaf.
• Choose the Right Pan: A 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe. If you use a smaller pan, adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Check for Doneness: Baking times may vary slightly based on your oven. Start checking around the 55-minute mark to prevent overbaking.
• Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to maintain the best texture and avoid it falling apart.

How to Store Pumpkin Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your pumpkin bread fresh and delicious.

Room Temperature

Store your cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Refrigerator

If you want it to last longer, store the bread in the fridge for up to 1 week.

The colder temperature will help preserve its freshness, though it may slightly affect the texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze pumpkin bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.

It will keep for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours, or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cozying up with a hot beverage or bringing a homemade gift to friends and family.

With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a comforting loaf that’s full of flavor and perfect for fall.

If you’ve never baked pumpkin bread before, give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is and how delicious the results are!

Don’t forget to experiment with different add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cream cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.

If you make this recipe, feel free to share your results and let us know how it turned out in the comments.

We’d love to hear how you customized your pumpkin bread!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! You can roast and purée fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to strain it to remove any excess water before using it in the recipe.

2. Can I substitute the vegetable oil for butter?

Absolutely! You can use melted butter in place of vegetable oil for a slightly richer flavor.

3. Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much pumpkin can cause the bread to be dense.

Try not to overmix and use the correct measurements of pumpkin purée.

4. Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! This recipe can be made into muffins. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. How can I make my pumpkin bread healthier?

For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour, substituting part of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or adding ground flaxseeds for extra fiber.