There’s something timeless about pumpkin bread—moist, tender, and warmly spiced, it’s one of those comforting baked goods that makes your whole home smell like fall. Whether served with a cup of coffee on a chilly morning or wrapped up as a homemade gift, this quick bread is as versatile as it is delicious.
At its core, pumpkin bread is simple. You’ll need pumpkin purée (canned or homemade), flour, sugar, eggs, oil or butter, and a cozy mix of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The beauty of this loaf is in how easily it comes together—no yeast, no complicated techniques, just mix, pour, and bake.
What makes pumpkin bread so beloved is its balance of texture and flavor. The inside is incredibly moist, thanks to the pumpkin and fat, while the outside forms a light, golden crust. Every slice is sweet but not too sugary, making it a great option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
Pumpkin bread is endlessly customizable. Add-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried cranberries can take it to the next level. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle raw sugar or streusel over the batter before baking. Want to make it healthier? Sub whole wheat flour, reduce the sugar, or use Greek yogurt for extra protein and richness.
One loaf is never enough—this bread stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day. It also freezes well, so you can make a few batches in advance and pull one out when guests arrive or cravings hit.
Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing something to a fall potluck, or just enjoying a quiet weekend at home, pumpkin bread is the ultimate cozy bake. It’s the smell of autumn in your kitchen, the taste of comfort in every bite, and a tradition that never gets old.
Nutritional Value of Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkins are rich in nutrients, providing a range of health benefits:
- Weight Management: Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps promote feelings of fullness and aids in weight management.
- Eye Health: Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining healthy vision.
- Immune Support: Vitamin C and other antioxidants present in pumpkin can help boost the immune system.
- Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and vitamin C in pumpkins can contribute to heart health by reducing blood pressure and promoting cardiovascular function.
Healthier Approach
To make your pumpkin bread even healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Whole Grains: Use whole wheat flour or a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content and add more nutrients.
- Natural Sweeteners: Substitute some or all of the refined sugars with healthier alternatives such as maple syrup, honey, or mashed bananas.
- Reduced Fat Content: Replace some of the oil or butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce overall fat content.
- Added Nutritional Boost: Incorporate ingredients like flaxseeds, chia seeds, or chopped nuts for additional fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins.
With these adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and healthier version of pumpkin bread without sacrificing taste or texture.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg ground
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin, vegetable oil, white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just blended. Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
I found this recipe too sweet. Maybe try less sugar next time? Not what I expected…
I’m not much of a baker but gave this a shot. It was super easy and turned out great! Will make again.
I tried this too, but it came out dry. Maybe my oven’s off? 🤔
So happy to hear that! Pumpkin bread is one of my favorites. 😊
This pumpkin bread is delicious! I made it for Thanksgiving and everyone loved it! 5 stars!
Yum! Smells amazing while baking! I added walnuts and it made it even better! 5!
You sure you put the right amount of baking powder? Mine didn’t rise well… 😕
Pumpkin in bread? Is that a thing? I thought it was just for pies. Anyway, my kids liked it.
OK, but what’s a loaf pan? Can I use any pan? Just curious…
I don’t know what a loaf pan is either but I reckon maybe a cake pan could work? Just don’t know if itll look right, haha.
A loaf pan is just a pan that’s shaped like a loaf, usually rectangular! You can use other pans too, but the shape might change the baking time. 😊