Pumpkin bread is one of those delightful recipes that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall. Each bite bursts with warm spices and the unique sweetness of pumpkin, making it a favorite in many households across the U.S. Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with that mouthwatering smell as the bread bakes to golden perfection. It creates not just a treat but a warm memory shared with family and friends. Making pumpkin bread is simple, fun, and an absolute joy to enjoy during chilly mornings or as a comforting afternoon snack. Plus, it opens the door to endless variations, allowing you to customize it with nuts or chocolate chips based on your cravings. So grab your apron and get ready for some delicious baking; you won’t be disappointed!
Why This Recipe Works
This pumpkin bread recipe stands out for a few good reasons. First, the combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creates a deep, rich flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Each ingredient plays a vital role, especially the pumpkin, which gives moisture and a hint of sweetness.
Speaking of moisture, you’ll find that the texture is beautifully soft and fluffy. This perfect moisture comes from the balance of melted butter and eggs, ensuring the batter doesn’t dry out while baking. Plus, baking at a consistent 350°F means you get that even bake, allowing all the ingredients to harmoniously blend and the bread to rise perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
One of the best things about this pumpkin bread is how versatile it is. It’s ideal for cozy mornings with a warm cup of coffee or as a delightful snack anytime during the day. The recipe allows for customization, so if you want to add a handful of nuts or chocolate chips, go for it!
Another reason you’ll love this is its simplicity—most of the ingredients are common staples you likely already have in your pantry. So even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and yields scrumptious results that will impress everyone around.
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
Combine Pumpkin, Sugars, Eggs, and Butter
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. In it, combine the pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Use a rubber spatula to blend everything together until it’s smooth and well-combined. It’s all about creating a lovely mixture that sets the tone for your bread, so take your time blending well!
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Whisk the Dry Ingredients Together
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step is essential. Make sure everything is evenly incorporated so that the spices and leavening agents distribute properly throughout the bread. An even mix means consistent flavor in every single bite.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients
Mix Until Just Combined
Now it’s time to get the two mixtures together. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture using that same rubber spatula. Remember, you want to mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we’re aiming for soft, fluffy bread. A few lumps are totally okay!
Dividing and Baking
Prepare and Bake the Batter
Take your two greased 8″ x 4″ loaf pans and divide the batter evenly between them. This step may feel a bit messy, but don’t worry; it will all come together beautifully! Place them in your preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 60-65 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the internal temperature hits 200°F. The smell? Pure bliss!
Cooling the Bread
Cool and Slice
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. This bit of cooling is essential because it helps solidify the shape. Run a knife around the edges, gently remove the loaves from the pans, and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Trust me, letting it cool properly means cleaner slices and a better overall eating experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy a warm slice with a pat of butter melting into it.
- Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for that cozy afternoon vibe.
- For those with a sweet tooth, try it with cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.
Tips for Success
To make this recipe even better, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature. This aspect helps them blend together more seamlessly. Also, keep a close eye on how much you mix—overmixing can dampen that tender texture we all love. If you like, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your personal taste!
Variations
Want to shake things up? Consider adding 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread. If chocolate is your weakness, mixing in 1 cup of chocolate chips can create a delightful indulgence. You could also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
Storage Tips
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving. If you’d like to keep it for several months, wrap it tightly and freeze it—you’ll be thanking yourself later!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure it’s properly cooked and pureed to achieve a smooth consistency.
2. How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when the bread is finished baking.
3. Can I make this recipe as muffins?
Yes! Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
4. Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but keep in mind it may alter the texture and flavor.
5. Can I add other spices to the pumpkin bread?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
Pumpkin bread is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and comforting texture. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this recipe invites warmth into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed alone or paired with your favorite hot beverage, every slice is sure to bring joy. Embrace the inviting aroma and delicious flavor that makes this pumpkin bread a seasonal favorite!
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Pumpkin Bread
This Pumpkin Bread offers a warm and comforting flavor profile with spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Ideal for any time of the day, it’s simple to make and can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves 1x
Ingredients
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Divide the batter between two greased 8" x 4" loaf pans.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for seamless blending.
Avoid overmixing to maintain tender texture.
Feel free to adjust spices according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 200
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 50
