If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that feels like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day, this Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s moist, full of rich pumpkin flavor, and spiced just right to really capture that seasonal magic. Whether you’re new to baking pumpkin bread or are looking for a fail-proof recipe to add to your repertoire, this bread is straightforward to make and absolutely irresistible. From the first bite to the last, you’ll be smiling and thinking about when you can bake it again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is how simple and approachable the ingredients are, yet every single one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items to get started, just pantry staples that come together to give you that heavenly pumpkin bread.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure to make the bread soft but firm.
- Baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully, keeping it light and airy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Pumpkin pie spice: The signature blend that brings warmth and autumn charm.
- Pumpkin puree: Provides moistness and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar: Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note to the bread.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients together while enriching the texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist without overpowering the flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a lovely aromatic hint.
How to Make Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper makes sure your pumpkin bread comes out cleanly without sticking, so you get those perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is nice and smooth. This creates a luscious base that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Sifting incorporates air which helps give the bread a lighter texture and distributes the spices evenly for a consistent flavor.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; a few lumps are totally fine and actually help maintain tenderness.
Step 5: Transfer the Batter
Pour your mixture into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly. This simple step ensures your pumpkin bread rises uniformly and looks as gorgeous as it tastes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pumpkin bread for 55 to 65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging on. The aroma filling your kitchen will be nothing short of amazing at this point.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the loaf set and makes slicing easier and neater.
Step 8: Slice and Enjoy!
Finally, cut your bread into slices and enjoy plain or with a smear of butter or cream cheese. Every bite offers that soft, spiced pumpkin goodness you’ll want to savor again and again.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little powdered sugar or cinnamon on top for a pretty, seasonal touch that adds a hint of sweetness and warmth. For an extra special treat, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of pumpkin-spiced butter.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even an afternoon glass of cold milk. For a light breakfast, serve alongside a fruit salad or a small bowl of yogurt with honey and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, slice the bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board with bowls of flavored butters, cream cheeses, and jams. You can also toast slices lightly and add toppings like nut butter and sliced bananas for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it soft and fresh. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration can extend its shelf life up to a week.
Freezing
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil before freezing. Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a handy make-ahead treat for busy days or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated bread back to life, pop slices in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds. This revives the moist, tender texture and makes it feel freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
You absolutely can! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. Make sure to remove any excess water by draining or cooking it down so your bread doesn’t become too wet.
Is this recipe gluten-free or adaptable?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will remain fantastic.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are excellent additions that add texture and extra bursts of flavor. Fold in about ½ cup into the batter before baking for a personalized twist.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The best test is the toothpick method—insert a toothpick in the center, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Simply spoon the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper cups and bake for about 20–25 minutes at 350°F. Muffins make for handy, portable pumpkin treats!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a delightful way to celebrate all things cozy and flavorful. It’s simple enough for even beginner bakers and delicious enough to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy the process and the perfect slice of pumpkin comfort with family and friends!
Print
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy homemade pumpkin bread is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy, spiced loaf. Made with pumpkin puree and classic pumpkin pie spices, it combines sweet and warm flavors with a tender crumb, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the Bread: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the pumpkin bread and enjoy it plain or with butter, cream cheese, or your preferred spread.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Make sure the pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling for best results.
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips if desired, folding them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Store leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- For a dairy-free option, use vegetable oil as specified and avoid spreads containing dairy.
