Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you crave cozy autumn flavors and love a slice of something soft and sweet with your morning coffee, this recipe for Perfect Pumpkin Bread will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Rich with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and just the right touch of sweetness, this loaf is moist, perfectly spiced, and makes your whole home smell like fall. Whether savored for breakfast or dressed up for dessert, this is one pumpkin bread recipe you’ll look forward to sharing (and maybe keeping a secret stash for yourself).

Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Perfect Pumpkin Bread stand out are its everyday ingredients, each one playing a starring role to deliver incredible aroma, texture, and flavor. Gather these pantry staples and you’re halfway to a delicious loaf!

  • All-purpose flour: The perfect base, providing just the right structure for a tender crumb.
  • Baking soda: Works with the pumpkin and eggs to help the bread rise beautifully.
  • Baking powder: Adds extra lift so your loaf never feels heavy.
  • Salt: A small but mighty ingredient that amplifies all the cozy flavors.
  • Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and that classic pumpkin spice aroma.
  • Ground nutmeg: Deepens the spice profile for extra comfort and complexity.
  • Ground cloves: Just a dash creates fragrant, autumnal depth.
  • Ground ginger: Adds a little zingy freshness to balance the sweetness.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps keep it super moist.
  • Brown sugar: For caramel notes and even more moistness in every bite.
  • Vegetable oil: Gives the bread a luxurious, tender texture without the heaviness of butter.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together for structure and richness.
  • Pumpkin puree: The heart of this bread, delivering beautiful color, flavor, and moisture—make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
  • Milk: Helps the batter come together for a dreamy texture.
  • Vanilla extract: Brings all the flavors into harmony and adds that cozy, inviting hint at the finish.

How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before starting anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s fully ready when your batter is mixed. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure to coat every corner—this ensures your Perfect Pumpkin Bread comes out perfectly without any bits sticking behind.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Taking a moment to blend these now means every bite of bread will have an even distribution of those luscious fall spices.

Step 3: Combine Sugars and Oil

In a large bowl (the one that will hold everything eventually), whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and glossy. This not only sweetens the bread but ensures every crumb turns out moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Pumpkin, Milk, and Vanilla

Crack in your eggs, then add the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it’s silky-smooth and a beautiful shade of orange—the hallmark sign of any irresistible pumpkin bread.

Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour your dry ingredients into the wet, a little at a time, gently stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon just until everything is mixed. Avoid overmixing! This gentle hand keeps your Perfect Pumpkin Bread tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Pour and Smooth

Spoon your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the back of your spoon. If you’re feeling extra, now is the moment to sprinkle on a few pecans or chocolate chips for added flair and crunch.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the bread for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then gently transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this patience pays off with perfect slices every time.

How to Serve Perfect Pumpkin Bread

Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, or a scattering of toasted nuts. For a festive touch, try sprinkling a bit of cinnamon-sugar on top before serving to highlight all those autumnal notes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Perfect Pumpkin Bread with a steamy mug of coffee, chai latte, or even a glass of cold apple cider. For a heartier breakfast, serve it alongside Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, or simply with a slather of butter for a classic treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bread into thick or thin slices, stack them artfully on a rustic wooden board, or cube for a “pumpkin bread platter” with dips like maple yogurt or whipped cream cheese. Perfect for brunches, cozy gatherings, or gifting to friends and neighbors when you want to spread a little fall cheer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Perfect Pumpkin Bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. It stays ridiculously moist and delicious—some say it’s even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Cool the loaf completely, then wrap it first in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil to lock in that fresh-from-the-oven taste. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter when pumpkin cravings strike.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or reheat the whole loaf in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10–15 minutes wrapped loosely in foil. Your kitchen will fill with that dreamy pumpkin spice aroma all over again!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! If using homemade pumpkin puree, just make sure it’s not too watery. Homemade puree tends to hold more moisture than canned, so drain off any excess liquid for best results in your Perfect Pumpkin Bread.

What can I add to the bread for extra flavor or texture?

Go wild with mix-ins: try folding in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts before baking for delightful bursts of flavor and crunch throughout your Perfect Pumpkin Bread.

How will I know when the pumpkin bread is done baking?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If you see wet batter, let it bake for another 5 minutes, then check again.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; the rest of the ingredients and steps for this Perfect Pumpkin Bread stay the same. Bake time may vary by a few minutes, so keep an eye on your loaf toward the end.

How do I keep my bread super moist?

The secret lies in not overbaking—or overmixing—the batter, plus the generous use of pumpkin puree and oil. Wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature, your loaf will stay irresistibly moist for days.

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Pumpkin Bread really lives up to its name: it’s cozy, flavorful, and the sort of recipe friends and family will beg you to share. Give it a try—I promise your kitchen will feel warmer, and your mornings a whole lot brighter. Happy baking!

Print
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Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 6 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Perfect Pumpkin Bread recipe is a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall. Moist and flavorful, this easy pumpkin bread will fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of spices. Enjoy a slice for breakfast or as a dessert with a cup of coffee.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger; set aside.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla; whisk until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • For added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips before baking.
  • This bread tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

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