If you are searching for a comforting, moist, and wonderfully spiced treat to enjoy any time of the day, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is pure magic. Bursting with warm autumn flavors and a tender crumb, this pumpkin bread offers the perfect balance of sweetness and spice that makes it an irresistible favorite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family breakfast or bringing a delightful homemade gift to friends, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to keep everyone coming back for more. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wrapped together in the soft embrace of pumpkin goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe plays a vital role in creating its signature flavor and texture, yet is easy to find and work with. These pantry staples come together in a harmonious blend that makes baking a delightful experience, so let’s dive in!
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing moisture, flavor, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bread, ensuring it’s fluffy but sturdy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Brown sugar: Gives depth of flavor and a touch of caramel richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft for days.
- Large eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s lift.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the warm spices and sweetness.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a comforting warmth and signature pumpkin-spice aroma.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin.
- Ground cloves: Provides a hint of pungent spice to round out the flavor profile.
- Milk: Contributes to the tender texture and smooth batter consistency.
How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent temperature for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisking until smooth helps create a harmonious base that is both flavorful and perfectly moist.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting helps distribute the spices and leavening evenly, resulting in a consistent texture and flavor throughout your pumpkin bread.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few small streaks of flour are okay and will disappear during baking. This keeps the bread tender and soft.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is your sign that the bread is perfectly baked through.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing once cooled gives you neat, clean slices and lets the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Add a delightful finishing touch with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a creamy contrast to the warmly spiced loaf. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar or drizzle honey for an extra bit of sweetness and sparkle.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs exceptionally well with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even chai latte. For a cozy brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the richness of the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your pumpkin bread into a festive centerpiece by slicing and stacking it on a platter with scattered roasted nuts or pumpkin seeds. You can also cut it into cubes and serve as part of a fall-themed dessert board with cheeses and spreads for guests to nibble on.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist, soft, and delicious for later enjoyment.
Freezing
If you want to keep your pumpkin bread fresh for longer, slice it and freeze individual pieces wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. Stored in a freezer-safe bag, it will stay good for up to three months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
Warm slices of pumpkin bread gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that freshly baked feel. A little reheating makes the spices bloom again and softens the bread to its original luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe and helps keep things super convenient without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola oil instead of vegetable oil. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain the bread’s moist texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can add wonderful texture and extra flavor. Fold them in at the end of mixing, using about 1/2 to 1 cup.
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with only a few crumbs clinging, your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Spoon the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a true kitchen gem to fall in love with. It’s straightforward, delicious, and loaded with cozy flavors that bring warmth and comfort to any table. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, you’ll enjoy every moment from mixing to savoring these tender spiced slices. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to fall favorite that everyone will ask you to make again and again.
Print
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8-10 servings)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy pumpkin bread recipe yields a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy treat. With warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with pumpkin puree and a touch of brown sugar, this bread offers a tender crumb and rich aroma. Ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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 and ensure easy removal of the bread after baking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined and there are no dry streaks; be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the loaf from the pan and allow it to cool completely on the rack before slicing to serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
- Make sure not to overmix once you add the flour to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to a week.
- This bread also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw slices at room temperature before serving.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the brown sugar slightly or drizzle a glaze on top.
