As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the house. This Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread is my go-to recipe for fall, and I can’t wait to share it with you! It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a warm hug in loaf form. Plus, it’s perfect for those cozy evenings when you want to whip up something special without spending all day in the kitchen. If you’re also looking for easy pasta recipes for quick family dinners, I’ve got you covered there too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to a blend of warm spices.
- Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
- Easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Customizable with nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat!
- Great for sharing with friends and family or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your delicious pumpkin bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to create your moist spiced pumpkin bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips if you’re using them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for the best flavor, but canned works just fine too!
- Don’t skip the spices; they are what make this bread so aromatic and delicious.
- For a fun twist, try adding a swirl of cream cheese filling or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the timer goes off to avoid overbaking.
How to Serve
This pumpkin bread is delightful on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
- Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice for a decadent treat.
- Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Slice it up and serve it at your next gathering or potluck—everyone will love it!
Make Ahead and Storage
This pumpkin bread is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how to store it:
- Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the bread wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Slice the bread before freezing for easy access to individual pieces whenever you crave a slice!
Now that you have this delightful recipe in your arsenal, you can enjoy the flavors of fall all season long. And if you’re looking for more weeknight dinner ideas, don’t forget to check out my Beef with Broccoli, Ground Beef Stroganoff, and Mongolian Beef recipes for quick family dinners that are sure to please! Happy baking!
Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in pumpkin, milk, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients just until blended. Fold in nuts or chips if using.
- Pour batter into pan, bake 55-65 minutes. Cool before slicing.