Golden brown, tender, and filled with cozy fall spices, this Pumpkin Bread is everything you want in a homemade treat. It fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, and it tastes even better than it smells. Each slice is moist, lightly sweetened, and incredibly comforting—perfect for cool mornings or relaxing afternoons.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your toes into fall baking, this pumpkin bread is delightfully easy to whip up. It keeps well for days and makes a lovely gift or addition to brunch spreads. With just one bowl and minimal cleanup, you get maximum flavor and that soft, nostalgic texture everyone craves during pumpkin season.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is the kind of simple pleasure that never goes out of style. It brings together pantry-friendly ingredients with the magic of canned pumpkin to create something soul-satisfying. You’ll love how:

It stays moist for days.
It’s perfectly spiced without being overwhelming.
You can enjoy it for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It’s a classic for a reason, and this version gets it just right.

What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For this recipe, stick with canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling). Pure pumpkin puree delivers consistent moisture and flavor without added sugars or spices, which lets you control the taste of your bread. Libby’s is a popular choice for good reason, but any 100% pumpkin puree will work well.

If you prefer to make your own, roast and puree sugar pumpkins, but make sure to strain excess liquid for the best texture.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread

Every ingredient in this pumpkin bread recipe has a purpose, working together to give you a moist, rich, and flavorful loaf:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the bread. It creates a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking Soda: Essential for leavening and giving the bread a nice rise.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and signature fall spice.
Ground Nutmeg: Provides a deeper, earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
Ground Cloves: Just a touch brings a cozy, aromatic kick.
Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient. It adds moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps create a slightly crisp crust.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses richness.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind everything together and provide structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a touch of warmth and sweetness.

How To Make the Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix—this helps keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread serves about 10 to 12 generous slices per loaf, making it ideal for gatherings, brunches, or cozy family breakfasts. Serve it slightly warm for the best texture and flavor. Add a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a smear of cream cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.

To store, wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—just slice before freezing so you can grab a piece whenever the craving hits.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Bread?

Coffee or Latte

The warm spices in pumpkin bread are a match made in heaven with a good cup of coffee or a creamy latte.

Fresh Fruit

Balance the richness with a bowl of berries, sliced apples, or juicy pears on the side.

Yogurt Parfait

Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and a slice of pumpkin bread crumbled on top for a breakfast that feels fancy and filling.

Whipped Maple Butter

Mix softened butter with a splash of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon for a delicious spread.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Turn your pumpkin bread into a dessert by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Herbal Tea

Try it with chamomile, chai, or cinnamon apple tea for a relaxing snack moment.

Toasted Nuts

A handful of pecans or walnuts pairs well with the soft sweetness of the bread.

Cream Cheese Spread

A slightly tangy cream cheese topping turns each bite into something extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s well-pureed and strained to remove excess water. Canned pumpkin is more consistent in texture, which is why it’s often preferred.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

4. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.

5. Is it okay to freeze pumpkin bread?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave slices as needed.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more daily recipe ideas from my Life With Livia kitchen on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/dadaking0065/

Conclusion

This pumpkin bread brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one easy-to-make loaf. Whether you’re baking for your family, sharing with friends, or simply treating yourself, it never fails to bring warmth to the table. Moist, flavorful, and incredibly versatile, it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. So get your oven ready and let the aroma of pumpkin spice take over your kitchen!

Pumpkin Bread

Author: Livia Scott
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 2 loaves (10-12 slices each)
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This moist and warmly spiced Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate cozy treat that’s simple to make and perfect for fall cravings. With a tender crumb, rich pumpkin flavor, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy recipe fits beautifully into your collection of quick breakfast ideas, easy dessert recipes, and comforting snack or brunch food ideas. It’s an all-in-one hit for anyone looking for a seasonal, easy recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Gradually stir dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

8. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep your bread tender.

For added texture, you can fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.

Let the bread cool fully before slicing for cleaner cuts and better flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Baked Goods
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 230
Sugar: 17g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: pumpkin bread, easy fall recipe, breakfast ideas, dessert bread