Are you looking for the ultimate fall treat that’s simple to make, deliciously moist, and bursting with cozy pumpkin flavor? This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is perfect for you! Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread is the epitome of fall in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it with family and friends, this quick bread is guaranteed to become your go-to autumn recipe. Keep reading for the step-by-step guide, variations, and expert tips to make the perfect pumpkin bread!
What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?
Pumpkin Spice Bread is a quick, sweet bread made with real pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Unlike traditional yeast bread, pumpkin spice bread uses baking powder and baking soda as leavening agents, which means there’s no need to wait for the dough to rise. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. This bread can be made in one bowl and comes together in no time, making it an easy and delicious way to enjoy fall flavors.
Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake this easy and delicious Pumpkin Spice Bread. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry!
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Substitutions and Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations to suit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Oil Substitutes: You can replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil, olive oil, or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat option.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer natural sweeteners, swap the white sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup (though this may change the texture slightly).
- Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Pumpkin Bread Muffins: Pour the batter into a muffin tin for individual servings. Reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes for perfectly spiced muffins.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to bake the perfect Pumpkin Spice Bread? Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If you’re using any optional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, fold them into the batter at this stage.
- Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Cool: Allow the pumpkin spice bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the key steps to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough texture instead of a soft, moist crumb.
- Check for Doneness: To check if your bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. This ensures it doesn’t fall apart when slicing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes people make when baking Pumpkin Spice Bread and how to avoid them:
- Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Pumpkin Puree: Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices that will alter the flavor and texture.
- Overbaking: Baking for too long can result in dry bread. Start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark and keep a close eye on it from there.
- Not Properly Measuring the Flour: Too much flour can make your bread dense and dry. To measure flour properly, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with the back of a knife rather than scooping it directly from the bag.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Warm with Butter: This bread is absolutely delicious served warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
- French Toast: For a decadent breakfast, slice leftover pumpkin bread and dip it in an egg mixture to make pumpkin bread French toast.
- With Coffee or Tea: Pumpkin Spice Bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, chai, or spiced tea.
Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once cooled, lightly dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar for a festive look.
- Drizzle with Glaze: For a sweet finish, drizzle the bread with a simple vanilla glaze (mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream) before serving.
- Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds: Before baking, sprinkle raw pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top of the batter for a crunchy topping and a rustic presentation.
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter. This helps everything blend smoothly.
- Moist Bread: The vegetable oil, along with the pumpkin puree, helps keep this bread moist. If you’re substituting with applesauce or other lower-fat alternatives, be aware that the bread may turn out slightly less rich.
- Storage: Store any leftover pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin spice bread actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you’re making it ahead of time.
2. Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Bread?
Absolutely! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s not too watery – you may need to strain it to achieve a similar consistency to canned pumpkin.
4. Can I make this bread into muffins?
Yes, you can easily turn this batter into muffins. Simply divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Why is my pumpkin bread dry?
If your bread turned out dry, it may have been overbaked, or you may have added too much flour. Be sure to follow the recommended baking time and measure your ingredients carefully.
Conclusion
This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is the perfect way to bring the cozy flavors of fall into your home. Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or sliced as a snack, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can bake a loaf that’s moist, flavorful, and filled with autumn spices. So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the delicious taste of fall!
PrintEasy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is the ultimate fall treat, featuring warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with rich pumpkin puree. Moist and packed with flavor, this quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday celebrations. It’s a simple, one-bowl recipe that delivers the cozy essence of autumn in every slice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slice 1x
- Category: Dessert=Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour into the prepared pan: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
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