Pumpkin bread is a warm, comforting quick bread that blends the natural sweetness and earthiness of pumpkin with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s moist, tender, and perfect for cozy mornings or snack times. This bread is easy to bake, doesn’t require yeast, and uses pumpkin puree to add flavor and moisture. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, pumpkin bread is a classic fall treat that’s both delicious and simple to make.
Quick Facts
| Course | Dessert / Snack |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | American |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8-10 slices |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 60 minutes |
| Calories | Approximately 220 per slice |
Equipment Needed
To bake this delicious pumpkin bread, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools:
- Mixing bowls: One large for wet ingredients, one for dry ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy matters in baking.
- Electric mixer or whisk: To blend ingredients smoothly.
- Spatula: For folding ingredients without overmixing.
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch): Standard size for pumpkin bread.
- Cooling rack: To cool the bread evenly after baking.
- Oven: Preheated to the right temperature for even cooking.
- Toothpick or cake tester: To check doneness.
These tools are easy to find in most kitchens, so no need for special equipment!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for a moist and flavorful pumpkin bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional – walnuts or pecans work well)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan lightly.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Add nuts if using, fold them in gently.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes. Test with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Essential Note:
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking at 55 minutes. Cooling before slicing helps the bread hold together better.
