Fall is the perfect season to indulge in everything warm, spiced, and comforting—and nothing says autumn quite like a slice of delicious pumpkin spice bread. Whether you're an experienced baker or just someone who loves a good homemade treat, this easy pumpkin spice bread recipe will become your new seasonal favorite. Moist, flavorful, and full of those classic fall spices, this loaf will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas that will have everyone asking for a slice. Keep reading for all the tips, tricks, and details on how to make the perfect pumpkin spice bread!

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?
Pumpkin spice bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Quick breads like this one don't require yeast or long rising times, which means you can whip them up with minimal effort. Pumpkin spice bread is often enjoyed as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, and it can be served plain or with a glaze, butter, or cream cheese spread.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread
Before you start baking, gather all your ingredients to ensure a smooth process. Here's what you'll need to make your pumpkin spice bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your bread, providing structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise properly, giving it a light texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Ensures an even rise, balancing the effect of the baking soda.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – The essential warming spice that gives pumpkin spice bread its characteristic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth and a touch of warmth to the spice blend.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger – Contributes a slight spiciness, balancing the sweetness of the bread.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Adds a strong, aromatic kick that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor of the spices and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – The star ingredient that provides moisture and rich, earthy pumpkin flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and richness.
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread and contributes to its golden-brown color.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor profile with a touch of sweetness.
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips – For added texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Oil substitute: You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Egg substitute: If you're vegan or have an egg allergy, you can use flaxseed eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) or a commercial egg replacer.
- Sugar alternatives: For a lower-sugar version, you can replace half of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for texture.
- Spices: Adjust the spice mix to your taste. If you prefer more or less cinnamon or want to add a pinch of allspice, feel free to modify the spice amounts.
- Add-ins: Consider adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of making your pumpkin spice bread. Follow these simple steps to ensure the perfect loaf:

- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
- Add optional mix-ins: If you’re using chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or other add-ins, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cooking pumpkin spice bread couldn’t be easier. Here’s a more detailed look at the process:
- Preheat and prep: This is a crucial step to ensure that your bread cooks evenly. Preheating allows the bread to start baking immediately once placed in the oven, giving you that perfect rise.
- Mixing dry ingredients separately: This ensures that the baking soda, baking powder, and spices are distributed evenly throughout the flour. It helps prevent any uneven pockets of flavor or texture.
- Combining wet and dry ingredients: Be gentle when combining the two mixtures. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough bread instead of the light, moist texture you’re aiming for.
- Baking the bread: Be sure to monitor the bread closely during the last 10 minutes of baking. Every oven is different, so check with a toothpick or skewer to ensure the bread is done without overbaking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: This can cause the bread to become dense and tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using the wrong kind of pumpkin: Be sure to use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
- Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different, so test your bread with a toothpick to avoid underbaking or overbaking.
- Cutting the bread too soon: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Pumpkin spice bread can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your loaf:
- Plain or toasted: A simple slice of pumpkin spice bread is perfect on its own, but toasting it adds a little crunch and enhances the flavors.
- Spread with butter: A pat of butter on a warm slice of bread can make it extra decadent.
- Cream cheese frosting or glaze: For a dessert-like treat, spread some cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze over the top.
- With coffee or tea: Serve your pumpkin spice bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect autumn snack or breakfast.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread
Pumpkin spice bread is extremely versatile, so feel free to get creative with how you serve it:
- Breakfast: Serve it with a side of fruit and a warm beverage.
- Snack: Enjoy it plain or with a spread of your choice for a mid-day treat.
- Dessert: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet dessert.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread
If you're looking to impress guests, consider these presentation ideas:
- Slice and stack: Cut the loaf into even slices and arrange them on a decorative platter.
- Drizzle glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top of the loaf for an elegant touch.
- Add toppings: Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added visual appeal.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help them blend more easily with the other ingredients.
- Use fresh spices: For the best flavor, use fresh spices that haven’t been sitting in your pantry for too long.
- Store properly: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze pumpkin spice bread?
Yes! Pumpkin spice bread freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly for muffins. Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes.
How do I keep the bread moist?
To keep your bread moist, be sure to store it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. You can also add a slice of apple or a damp paper towel to the container to retain moisture.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Simply roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but be sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion
Pumpkin spice bread is the ultimate fall comfort food—it's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a cozy dessert, this recipe will leave you and your loved ones craving more. With our step-by-step guide, tips for avoiding common mistakes, and creative serving ideas, you'll be well on your way to baking the perfect loaf. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the seasonal magic of pumpkin spice bread!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe combines classic fall flavors with simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this moist and flavorful bread is quick to make and ideal for sharing. A great way to enjoy autumn spices!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Breads, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added texture, mix in chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
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