Rating: 3.58
(114)

Authentic Pumpkin Bread

October 7, 2025

Moist, fragrant, and full of warm autumn flavors, pumpkin bread is a timeless classic that captures the cozy essence of the season in every slice. Its tender crumb and rich, spiced aroma make it the perfect treat for crisp mornings, afternoon snacks, or holiday gatherings. The magic begins with pure pumpkin puree, which gives the loaf its signature deep color, natural sweetness, and soft texture. Combined with a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, the result is a comforting balance of earthy pumpkin flavor and warming spices that taste like fall baked into a loaf.

Pumpkin bread’s appeal lies in its versatility. It’s delicious served plain, where its subtle sweetness and tender crumb shine, but it also pairs beautifully with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For an extra layer of indulgence, you can fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to add texture and variety. It also makes a wonderful base for creative twists, such as a streusel topping, a cream cheese swirl, or a glaze drizzled over the top for added sweetness.

This quick bread is not only flavorful but also incredibly comforting. The scent of pumpkin and spice filling the kitchen as it bakes is enough to make anyone feel nostalgic for cozy autumn days, festive gatherings, and homemade treats. It’s equally perfect as a breakfast option with a cup of dalgona coffee, a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pumpkin bread is more than just a seasonal bake – it’s a celebration of fall flavors and simple pleasures. With its moist texture, comforting spices, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s no wonder this classic recipe remains a favorite year after year. One slice is all it takes to savor the comforting taste of autumn.

Authentic Pumpkin Bread
Authentic Pumpkin Bread
3.58 from 114 votes
This delicious and moist pumpkin bread is the perfect fall treat, filled with warm spices and pumpkin flavor.
Servings 1 loaf
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can pumpkin puree 15 oz
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Mix until smooth.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  • Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 90IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 6mg
Calories: 230kcal
Meal Type: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baking, fall recipes, pumpkin bread
Cooking Method: Baked
Diet: Low-carb
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar abel.thiel says:

    1 star
    Pumpkin??? I thought this was a banana bread recipe. wth!!

  2. User avatar sterling.spencer53 says:

    3 stars
    Eh, not my favorite. I think I prefer banana bread instead.

  3. User avatar Frost Atronach says:

    3 stars
    Why do you put nutmeg in this? Is it really necessary? I ain’t ever seen it before in other recipes.

  4. User avatar gordon.hand3 says:

    5 stars
    Yummmmm!!! 🍞😍

  5. User avatar ian.bruen59 says:

    5 stars
    This pumpkin bread is absolutely delicious! Perfect for fall.

  6. User avatar Falmer Archer says:

    4 stars
    I don’t have eggs right now, can I use applesauce instead?

  7. User avatar Ryuu Shenlong says:

    5 stars
    OMG this is so good! I can’t believe I didn’t find this recipe sooner.

    1. User avatar Emily Saunders says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but is it really that sweet? I prefer less sugar in my bread.

    2. 5 stars
      I tried this recipe and it was a hit at my family gathering! Thanks for sharing!

  8. User avatar wildebeest says:

    3 stars
    Not bad, not great. Just okay, I guess.

  9. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    5 stars
    Super easy to make! My kids loved helping out in the kitchen. Will definitely make again!

  10. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe but my bread came out soggy. What did I do wrong?

  11. User avatar chanda.kemmer says:

    4 stars
    Very nice, but it could use more spice! Maybe double the cinnamon?

    1. User avatar giuseppe.kunze67 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, doubling the cinnamon might be too much. Think it will taste weird?

    2. User avatar smartestRedditor says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! More spice really elevates it. Cinnamon is the best! 😊

  12. User avatar kanisha.parker95 says:

    2 stars
    Too sweet for my taste. I tried using half the sugar and it still was sweet. Next time, I’d try using honey instead.

  13. User avatar Slartibartfast says:

    2 stars
    Why does it call for both baking powder and baking soda? Seems excessive. 🤔

  14. 5 stars
    OMG this is MY favorite! I added walnuts and chocolate chips. So good!

    1. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      5 stars
      That sounds delicious! Walnuts and chocolate chips must add such a great texture. Can’t wait to try it myself.

    2. User avatar miquel.emard66 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, adding chocolate chips to pumpkin bread sounds weird. Isn’t it supposed to be more spiced than sweet?

  15. User avatar Magrathean sperm whale says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is fantastic! I make it every fall, and it never disappoints.

  16. User avatar claretha.marquardt1964 says:

    5 stars
    Yummm!!! Love that this is easy to make. My kids loved it, and that’s saying something!

  17. 2 stars
    Okay but… baking soda + baking powder together—are you sure? I’m no chef, but I’ve made quick breads before and this combo can be weird.

  18. 4 stars
    Pumpkin bread? What’s next, zucchini bread? Lol, just kidding. It was surprisingly good!

  19. 5 stars
    This pumpkin bread was amazing!! So moist and flavorful! Definitely making it again!

  20. User avatar devon.emard says:

    4 stars
    I messed up and put in too much nutmeg, but it still tasted great! 😂

  21. User avatar alfonzo.mclaughlin89 says:

    5 stars
    This pumpkin bread is absolutely delicious! It’s so moist and flavorful. Will make again for sure!

  22. User avatar delmer.boehm says:

    4 stars
    Did you know pumpkin bread can have real pumpkin? I thought it was just a myth! It turned out just like my grandma used to make!

  23. User avatar deandra.olson1951 says:

    3 stars
    It’s okay, but I expected more pumpkin flavor… Maybe I should have added more spices? Not sure if I’ll make it again.

  24. User avatar adrian.abshire78 says:

    2 stars
    Pumpkin bread? Meh.

  25. 5 stars
    This is the best pumpkin bread I’ve ever tasted! So fluffy and flavorful!

  26. 3 stars
    I found it too sweet for my taste. Maybe reduce the sugar next time?

  27. User avatar Arwen Evenstar says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and it still came out a bit dense. Maybe I overmixed the batter in step 4? The taste is nice though, just not as fluffy as I expected.

  28. User avatar levi.mccullough80 says:

    5 stars
    This pumpkin bread is amazing! I made it for a family gathering and it was gone in minutes! Definitely a 5-star recipe!

    1. User avatar byron.pouros1972 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe too! It turned out scrumptious! Perfect for fall gatherings! 🍂

    2. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

      3 stars
      Wasn’t so great for me. Mine turned out a bit dry, maybe I overbaked it? 🤔

  29. User avatar federico.schaden80 says:

    1 star
    Don’t bother. It was dry and just not good… I followed every step and it came out like a brick.

  30. User avatar wellRespected says:

    4 stars
    I love pumpkin! 🍂 This recipe is super easy and turned out perfect. My kids ate it all!

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! So glad your kids loved it. It’s always a win when they eat their veggies! 🥰

    2. User avatar laurence.dietrich92 says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but can I use applesauce instead of pumpkin? I really don’t like pumpkin. 🤔

  31. User avatar erna.grady1999 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved it, I might try adding chocolate chips next time.

  32. User avatar rey.fay2004 says:

    2 stars
    Why do you need eggs? Can’t you just use applesauce? It’s healthier!

  33. User avatar janie.lemke4 says:

    4 stars
    Does anybody know if I can use fresh pumpkin instead of the can? I don’t have any canned stuff.

  34. 3 stars
    You missed salt in the instructions. I added it at the end and it was okay, but next time imma do it right.

    1. 5 stars
      Good catch! Salt is super important. I always add it with the dry ingredients.

    2. User avatar reid.moore1977 says:

      2 stars
      Uhm, I think salt is optional. Never added it and my bread turns out fine.

  35. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

    1 star
    I don’t like pumpkin… So, I guess this recipe is just not for me.

  36. 3 stars
    This was ok. I used pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices. Still tasted fine.

    1. 4 stars
      Glad it turned out fine! I bet the pumpkin pie spice gave it a nice kick!

  37. 5 stars
    Delicious! Will make this again for sure.

  38. User avatar theresa.stokes says:

    2 stars
    Way too sweet for me personally. The texture is okay but I’ll cut the sugar next time—maybe 1 cup instead of 1 1/2.

  39. 5 stars
    YUM! Made this for a party and everyone was fighting for the last slice. A keeper for sure!

    1. 5 stars
      That’s awesome to hear! I can’t wait to try it myself; it sounds delicious! 😊

  40. User avatar teresa.corkery2003 says:

    1 star
    Why do you put water in it? Sounds weird to me. Is it necessary?

  41. 3 stars
    Good recipe but can you use fresh pumpkin? A friend said it should be better…

  42. User avatar emerson.macgyver says:

    3 stars
    I don’t like cloves, so I left that out. Maybe that’s why it didn’t taste too great? Still, a decent loaf.

  43. User avatar Dr. Zula Waelchi says:

    5 stars
    This pumpkin bread is amazing! So moist and tasty. Definitely making this again!

    1. User avatar I. D. Clair says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! I made it yesterday and it was just too good. My family loved it!

    2. 3 stars
      It’s decent, but kinda sweet for my taste. Maybe I’ll reduce the sugar next time.

  44. User avatar jonas.farrell says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, it was okay but I was expecting more from it. Maybe too much sugar?

  45. User avatar kesha.cassin says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know. It just didn’t taste right. Too sweet and not enough spice. Disappointed.

  46. User avatar annmarie.waters75 says:

    2 stars
    I musta did somethin wrong. Mine was too dense, not like the one my mom used to make.

    1. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

      4 stars
      Don’t worry! I had the same issue at first. Maybe you mixed it too much? Try being gentle next time.

    2. 3 stars
      Your mom’s recipe must be diff. Sometimes the ingredients make a big difference, like the eggs or flour brand.

  47. User avatar shawanna.larson46 says:

    3 stars
    Is it really authentic? I thought pumpkin bread didn’t have nutmeg.

  48. 5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The bread turned out perfect and so moist!

  49. 4 stars
    So simple! Will make again for sure. Pumpkin season is the best time!

  50. User avatar carlton.hackett1979 says:

    4 stars
    Pretty good! The pumpkin flavor is there, and the loaf slices nicely. Next time I might add a handful of chocolate chips because why not 😅

  51. User avatar randee.denesik2004 says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pumpkin bread I have ever made! So moist and flavorful!

    1. User avatar lorriane.baumbach1990 says:

      2 stars
      Really? I didn’t like it much. Seemed too sweet for my taste. Maybe I did something wrong.

    2. User avatar roscoe.crooks4 says:

      5 stars
      I totally agree! This pumpkin bread is a gem 😍. I added walnuts to mine, and it turned out even better!

  52. User avatar oPandariaNo says:

    2 stars
    Meh, didn’t impress my family. They said it was too dense. We prefer lighter breads.

    1. User avatar kimberley.rosenbaum1989 says:

      4 stars
      I actually loved this bread! It was moist and perfect with cream cheese. Maybe try adding some nuts or using less flour next time?

  53. User avatar emery.schmeler says:

    4 stars
    Really easy to make! The kids love it too! 🍞

  54. User avatar sydney.cassin61 says:

    5 stars
    This turned out super moist and flavorful—loved the warm spice balance. I did bake it closer to 62 minutes because my oven runs hot, but it was perfect after that.

  55. 4 stars
    I’ve never made pumpkin bread before, but this was super easy to follow! Thank you!

  56. User avatar lyle.friesen36 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly, but it came out too sweet for my taste. Maybe I’ll reduce the sugar next time.

    1. User avatar mirian.cartwright36 says:

      4 stars
      I get that! I think the sugar can be too much for some people. You could try honey or something instead for sweetness next time.

  57. User avatar cathern.lockman says:

    5 stars
    Incredible! I added some chocolate chips to the mix and it was delicious! 10/10!

    1. 5 stars
      Wow, chocolate chips sound amazing! I bet it gives a great twist to the pumpkin bread. I’m definitely trying that next time!

    2. User avatar dylan.schimmel3 says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, adding chocolate chips to something as classic as pumpkin bread seems off. Pumpkin is supposed to be savory, not sweet!

  58. 3 stars
    Hmm, can you use different types of flour? Like almond or coconut? 🤔

  59. User avatar wellRespected says:

    5 stars
    This pumpkin bread is the best! So moist and flavorful, definitely making it again!

    1. User avatar digna.heaney76 says:

      5 stars
      I tried this recipe too and it turned out perfect! Mine was a hit at the family gathering.

    2. User avatar freeman.schmeler17 says:

      3 stars
      It sounds good, but I’m not sure about the amount of sugar. 1.5 cups seems like a lot!

  60. User avatar Bowerick Wowbagger says:

    4 stars
    Really easy to make. I was skeptical, but it turned out great. Thanks!

  61. User avatar Max Quordlepleen says:

    4 stars
    Oh wow, I used canned pumpkin but thought it was real pumpkins! It smells so good. Love it!

  62. 3 stars
    Not gonna lie, 1/4 cup water seems low? I added an extra splash and it baked better. Otherwise I think it would’ve been dry.

  63. User avatar arielle.hodkiewicz says:

    1 star
    This was a disaster. Burnt on the outside and raw inside. Never trying again. 😩

  64. User avatar ruthie.jakubowski says:

    3 stars
    Meh, I feel like it needed more spices. Pumpkin bread needs flavor, right?

    1. User avatar missy.kulas says:

      3 stars
      Nah, I think it was fine. You just gotta appreciate the natural pumpkin flavor, ya know? Not everything needs to be over-spiced.

    2. 4 stars
      I totally agree! A little more cinnamon and maybe some ginger would do wonders! 🍞

  65. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe but my bread turned out super dense. What did I do wrong?

  66. User avatar rubye.reichert says:

    4 stars
    Just made this and my family loved it! Perfect for fall. 😍

  67. 4 stars
    Soo good, but I don’t have pumpkin puree. Can I use fresh pumpkin?

  68. 5 stars
    just wow, this bread is so easy who knew?? 🤩

  69. 2 stars
    Bland. Didn’t taste like much of anything. Might try adding more spices next time.

    1. User avatar matthew.kshlerin says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! It definitely needs more flavor. I usually add extra cinnamon and some ginger for a kick.

  70. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this recipe. I tried it but it turned out too soggy. Maybe my pumpkin was too wet?

  71. 3 stars
    It turned out way too sweet for my taste. I think I will cut the sugar next time.

    1. User avatar Treebeard says:

      2 stars
      Sweet? I thought it was just right! You must be sensitive to sugar. Just saying…

    2. User avatar felix.daugherty61 says:

      4 stars
      I totally agree! It was super sweet for me too. Maybe next time I’ll try using less sugar, like 1 cup.

  72. User avatar Storm Atronach says:

    4 stars
    Yum 😋. My kids loved it. I’ll definitely make it for the holidays!

  73. User avatar latoria.mayer5 says:

    1 star
    Pumpkin bread? More like pumpkin flop! Mine didn’t rise at all. Not happy.

  74. User avatar alec.gutkowski says:

    5 stars
    Yummy! Smells like fall in my house now! 🍂🍞

  75. User avatar carey.bruen says:

    2 stars
    Not sure why mine didn’t rise 😕. Followed the recipe but it came out flat.

    1. 4 stars
      Maybe your baking powder is old? That can make a difference! Don’t give up, I had a similar flop once!

  76. User avatar landon.kulas79 says:

    5 stars
    Yummy in my tummy! I add raisins for extra sweetness.

    1. 2 stars
      Raisins? Really? I think that might ruin the texture. Just sayin’.

    2. User avatar Cassie Muller says:

      5 stars
      I love the idea of adding raisins! They really do make everything sweeter. 😊

  77. User avatar maxie.jenkins says:

    5 stars
    The spices smell incredible while it bakes. I used nutmeg and cloves a little heavier (because I’m impatient), and it tasted like a fall bakery.

    1. User avatar Arthur Philip Deodat says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! Pumpkin bread is one of those “instant cozy” bakes. A little extra nutmeg/cloves totally tracks—those flavors really bloom in the oven. 🍂

    2. User avatar Misae Suma says:

      2 stars
      I tried something like this but I think my baking soda was bad… my loaf didn’t rise. Also I used “pumpkin spice” instead of individual spices and it tasted kinda medicinal? Idk lol.

  78. User avatar garfield.wilkinson95 says:

    5 stars
    Love it! Perfect for fall. I added walnuts and it was delicious! 🥳

3.58 from 114 votes
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