Pumpkin Bread Recipe (So Easy!)
This easy pumpkin bread recipe has a soft, moist crumb with a wonderful pumpkin flavor and spiced with warm cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. It’s quick to pull together with ingredients from your pantry, and it makes two loaves, which is perfect for sharing.
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Similar to our other fan-favorite quick bread recipes, like our Banana Bread, Cranberry Bread, and Zucchini Bread, this pumpkin bread keeps really well, but we’d be surprised if it went uneaten long enough to store because it’s that good.
The Best Pumpkin Bread RecipeThis pumpkin bread is a sweet bread or a dessert bread made with pumpkin puree, and it’s similar in consistency to banana bread but has all of the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Pie and smells just like Autumn.
Want to know a secret? This recipe is based on our popular Pumpkin Cake and easy Pumpkin Cupcakes. Several readers shared that they had converted the base to make pumpkin bread and added more spices to it, so I tested it and sure enough – it became an instant hit. We slather it with a bit of our irresistible Honey Butter for a delicious Fall-flavored snack, dessert, or even breakfast.
This is a favorite, fail-proof recipe. So, these are just some of the reasons we love it:
Perfectly spiced Fall flavor and moist crumb A short list of ingredients No fancy equipment is needed, just a couple of mixing bowls and a whisk, and don’t forget the loaf pans! This makes two (8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″) loaves Fast prep in just 10 minutes Customizable. Check out our tips for making this recipe into chocolate chip pumpkin bread—yum!![]()
VariationsBesides the amazing texture and taste, the best part of this pumpkin bread recipe is that it is customizable. Just like the famous Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe, you could also top the bread with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or mix about a cup of extras into the batter. Try some of these additions and toppings:
Chocolate chips – semisweet or milk chocolate Raisins – white or brown Cranberries – dried, fresh, or frozen Nuts – chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts Streusel topping like in our Berry Crumb Cake Spices – substitute the spices with pumpkin pie spice Vanilla – 1 teaspoon added to the wet ingredients Maple glaze from our Cinnamon Roll recipe after the bread cools Ingredients for Pumpkin BreadIt’s easy to whip up this delicious pumpkin bread with just a few pantry staples, so there’s no need to wait. Let’s get cooking! (I mean baking!).
Flour – all-purpose give this easy quick bread recipe a great crumb Sugar – sweetens the bread and holds moisture. Mix into the dry ingredients. Baking soda and baking powder – the leavening agent in most quick breads. Spices – cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg gives the pumpkin bread the fall smell and taste we love. We think it’s perfectly balanced, but for a more heavily spiced bread, add a tsp of pumpkin pie spice. Salt – balances the sweetness Eggs – room temperature, this helps the bread rise in the oven Oil – use extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil so the flavor won’t overpower the bread. Pumpkin puree – Double-check you are getting pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie mix. If using homemade pumpkin puree, be sure it is well-drained so the bread isn’t too wet. Optional additions – Vanilla is one of our favorite optional additions (as in the photo below). It’s not in our original recipe, but you can add a tsp to the batter if you’d like, and you can find more of our favorite additions, like chocolate chips, nuts, or pumpkin pie spice above.![]()
Pro TipDon’t swap the oil for butter here, because the oil is what helps keep that amazingly soft and moist crumb. It also stays softer after refrigeration with oil.
How to Make Pumpkin BreadThis recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply mix the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, and then combine them and bake.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. In a second bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs Whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and then transfer to 2 buttered/ floured loaf pans, and bake.![]()
Pro TipTo get a light and airy crumb, be sure not to over-mix the batter, or else the bread could become tough. Mix until the ingredients are combined, but it’s okay to have a few lumps.
Common QuestionsWhat is the best pumpkin puree? We’ve used both homemade pumpkin puree and canned puree for this recipe. You can use any brand of pumpkin puree, but just be sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix (it has additional seasoning). We’ve also tried Libby’s and organic canned puree with great results.
Can I make a single loaf? You can use a single loaf pan and cut the recipe in half and bake as directed.
What kind of pan is best for pumpkin bread? This pumpkin bread recipe works great in any metal, glass or stone loaf pan, but the bake time may change. To check if the bread is done, insert a clean toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean, then the bread is done. If it becomes too brown on the top before the middle is cooked, tent the pan with foil.
Can I use a bundt pan? You can use a larger pan such as a bundt pan, but check the bread as it bakes since the baking time will change.
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How to Serve Pumpkin BreadThis sweet bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, but we’ve also been known to heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave and top with:
Homemade Honey Butter Salted butter with a shake of pumpkin pie spice Cream cheese Almond butter Make-Ahead To store: Cover the bread in an airtight container or with plastic wrap, then it will stay moist for 3-5 days on the counter or refrigerator. Freezing: Wrap loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil or in a freezer zip bag for up to 3 months. To thaw: Place loaf in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw at room temperature for a few hours then unwrap to serve. ![]()
This easy pumpkin bread recipe comes together quickly and tastes amazing. It makes two loaves—perfect for gifting or freezing. The moist crumb pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the fall and all year long. We know this will become one of your go-to treats.
Our Top Pumpkin RecipesIf you love all things pumpkin during the cozy Fall months, try these next:
Pumpkin Cheesecake Pumpkin Roll Easy Pumpkin Waffles Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread Mini Pumpkin Pies Pumpkin Pancakes Pumpkin Soup
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.Similar to our other fan-favorite quick bread recipes, like our Banana Bread, Cranberry Bread, and Zucchini Bread, this pumpkin bread keeps really well, but we’d be surprised if it went uneaten long enough to store because it’s that good.
The Best Pumpkin Bread RecipeThis pumpkin bread is a sweet bread or a dessert bread made with pumpkin puree, and it’s similar in consistency to banana bread but has all of the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Pie and smells just like Autumn.
Want to know a secret? This recipe is based on our popular Pumpkin Cake and easy Pumpkin Cupcakes. Several readers shared that they had converted the base to make pumpkin bread and added more spices to it, so I tested it and sure enough – it became an instant hit. We slather it with a bit of our irresistible Honey Butter for a delicious Fall-flavored snack, dessert, or even breakfast.
This is a favorite, fail-proof recipe. So, these are just some of the reasons we love it:
VariationsBesides the amazing texture and taste, the best part of this pumpkin bread recipe is that it is customizable. Just like the famous Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe, you could also top the bread with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or mix about a cup of extras into the batter. Try some of these additions and toppings:
Pro TipDon’t swap the oil for butter here, because the oil is what helps keep that amazingly soft and moist crumb. It also stays softer after refrigeration with oil.How to Make Pumpkin BreadThis recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply mix the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, and then combine them and bake.
Pro TipTo get a light and airy crumb, be sure not to over-mix the batter, or else the bread could become tough. Mix until the ingredients are combined, but it’s okay to have a few lumps.Common QuestionsWhat is the best pumpkin puree? We’ve used both homemade pumpkin puree and canned puree for this recipe. You can use any brand of pumpkin puree, but just be sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix (it has additional seasoning). We’ve also tried Libby’s and organic canned puree with great results.
Can I make a single loaf? You can use a single loaf pan and cut the recipe in half and bake as directed.
What kind of pan is best for pumpkin bread? This pumpkin bread recipe works great in any metal, glass or stone loaf pan, but the bake time may change. To check if the bread is done, insert a clean toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean, then the bread is done. If it becomes too brown on the top before the middle is cooked, tent the pan with foil.
Can I use a bundt pan? You can use a larger pan such as a bundt pan, but check the bread as it bakes since the baking time will change.
How to Serve Pumpkin BreadThis sweet bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, but we’ve also been known to heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave and top with:
This easy pumpkin bread recipe comes together quickly and tastes amazing. It makes two loaves—perfect for gifting or freezing. The moist crumb pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the fall and all year long. We know this will become one of your go-to treats.Our Top Pumpkin RecipesIf you love all things pumpkin during the cozy Fall months, try these next:
