Rating: 3.73
(151)

Pumpkin Bread

October 24, 2023

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.

Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Bread
3.73 from 151 votes
A delicious and moist pumpkin bread recipe
Servings 12 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 9gFiber: 1g
Calories: 252kcal
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Bread, pumpkin
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: >45 Min
Level: Easy
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar bradly.runolfsdottir53 says:

    5 stars
    Really good recipe! I added some nuts and raisins too, yum! 😋

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds delicious! Nuts and raisins are great adds. I might try that next time! 😊

  2. User avatar Dorcas Rohan says:

    3 stars
    I messed up and mixed everything way too long, like 5 minutes on accident. It was still okay—dense more than fluffy. Still gonna make again but be gentler with the mixing.

  3. 2 stars
    I found this recipe too sweet. Maybe try less sugar next time? Not what I expected…

  4. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    5 stars
    This is the best pumpkin bread recipe! I added walnuts and it turned out AMAZING!

  5. User avatar Frostbite Spider says:

    4 stars
    Pumpkin bread?! I thought this was pumpkin CAKE! But it’s alright, still tasty I guess.

  6. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

    5 stars
    I just baked this and the house smells heavenly! Can’t wait to slice it! 🥰

  7. User avatar Draugr Deathlord says:

    2 stars
    Eh, not my favorite. The spices were too strong, maybe I’ll try using less next time.

  8. User avatar september.welch36 says:

    5 stars
    LOVE this! I’m making it for Thanksgiving! 🦃🥧

  9. 2 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly, but it just didn’t rise… What did I do wrong?!

  10. User avatar temika.powlowski says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! This pumpkin bread is a fall favorite in my house. I made it twice already!

    1. User avatar geoWizard says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you love it! I made it last week and everyone devoured it in no time. Definitely a keeper!

    2. 3 stars
      Twice already? Wow, that’s a lot of pumpkin bread! How do you not get tired of it? 🤔

  11. User avatar allison.cartwright says:

    2 stars
    My grandma used to make this, but I always thought it was too spicy. The cloves are overkill! 🤔

  12. User avatar rene.wisoky1997 says:

    5 stars
    This is the first pumpkin bread I’ve tried that didn’t come out gummy. Respect. I let it cool fully and that made a huge difference.

  13. User avatar arnoldo.marvin says:

    2 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and it didn’t rise at all! What went wrong? Disappointed.

  14. User avatar Barry Manilow says:

    4 stars
    I was really skeptical about the canned pumpkin, but this recipe changed my mind. So moist!

  15. User avatar giuseppe.franecki32 says:

    5 stars
    This is the kind of recipe that makes me look like I know what I’m doing 😄. My kids asked for second slices. I used dark brown sugar and it was richer.

    1. User avatar lannie.balistreri95 says:

      5 stars
      Yes! Pumpkin bread always makes me feel like a pro 😄 Glad your kids loved it—second slices is the real review.

    2. User avatar Dremora Lord says:

      3 stars
      I tried it once and it turned out kinda dense… I didn’t pack the brown sugar though, so maybe that’s why? Dark brown sugar sounds yummy.

  16. User avatar jin.nikolaus91 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, I was worried about the amount of spices. Turned out fine though—could even go a bit more cinnamon in my opinion.

  17. User avatar Charles Darwin says:

    3 stars
    Too sweet for my taste. I think I could cut the sugar in half next time. Still decent though.

    1. User avatar rolland.cronin says:

      4 stars
      I agree! It was a bit too sweet for me too. But maybe more pumpkin could balance it out next time?

  18. User avatar Mabel Smitham says:

    3 stars
    Pumpkin bread is just bread with a vegitable 🤷‍♂️. This recipe is ok, but not wow.

    1. User avatar Dwarven Shpere says:

      5 stars
      I think pumpkin bread is amazing! It might just be bread, but it’s sooo good! The spices make it warm and yummy. 😋

  19. 3 stars
    Too sweet for my taste! I think I would cut back on the sugar next time.

  20. User avatar loren.hamill says:

    3 stars
    Mine didn’t come out “clean” with the toothpick at 60 min, so I baked longer. After 68–70 min it was fine. Maybe check early, but don’t trust first try.

  21. 2 stars
    Easy recipe, but mine turned out super dry. What did I do wrong??

  22. 5 stars
    Made this last weekend and it’s seriously cozy. The spice balance is perfect—mine smelled like fall the whole time. I baked closer to 65 minutes and it came out moist, not dry.

    1. User avatar junior.ward2003 says:

      3 stars
      Hmm… I tried it once and it was kinda dry, so I’m curious what pan size you used. Also, I baked like 50 mins and it seemed done, but maybe my oven runs hot. Love the spice though.

    2. 5 stars
      Yes!! “Smelled like fall” is the best review 😄 I’ve been meaning to bake pumpkin bread again—did you use canned pumpkin the whole time? 65 minutes sounds right for my oven too.

  23. User avatar orlando.collier71 says:

    4 stars
    Nice instructions, but I burned it… Oops! Next time I’ll keep an eye on it.

  24. User avatar Corrupted Shade says:

    3 stars
    Mine sank a bit in the middle (maybe I underbaked?). Flavor is great though—could definitely taste the cinnamon/cloves. Next time I’ll check with a toothpick earlier than 60 minutes.

    1. User avatar clotilde.johnson36 says:

      5 stars
      That sounds super close to being perfect! Pumpkin breads can dome and then sink a little if they’re slightly underbaked or if the oven runs cooler—your toothpick earlier next time is a great call. Glad the spice flavor came through too!

  25. User avatar tissues_with_issues says:

    1 star
    Pumpkin? I thought it was chocolate bread. Can I substitute chocolate for pumpkin? 🤔

    1. User avatar liberal.hero says:

      3 stars
      I mean, you can try it, but it might taste weird. Pumpkin gives it moisture that chocolate won’t. 🙄

  26. User avatar rigoberto.hamill66 says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! I can’t believe how moist this bread turned out. Will definitely make again!

  27. User avatar blythe.kassulke says:

    5 stars
    My kids love this! Even my picky eater ate two slices! Gonna make it for fall parties!

    1. User avatar angele.purdy says:

      2 stars
      Hmm, my kids didn’t like it at all when I made it. Maybe I did something wrong?

    2. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! I love hearing that picky eaters enjoyed it. I’m definitely trying this for our school bake sale!

  28. 5 stars
    This is the best recipe ever! I added chocolate chips and it was a hit at the family gathering!

  29. User avatar patrick.zboncak77 says:

    3 stars
    It was fine, but mine was a little dense. I think I overmixed because I was trying to be “thorough.” Still, the taste is good and not too sweet.

  30. User avatar Falmer Shadowmaster says:

    3 stars
    It’s OK I guess, but I’ve had better pumpkin bread. Mine didn’t rise as much as I thought it would.

    1. User avatar shaquita.klocko says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! I think it might be the baking powder quality. Make sure it’s fresh!

    2. User avatar Eugene Cormier III says:

      3 stars
      Maybe it just needs more time in the oven? I let mine bake for a bit longer and it turned out great!

  31. User avatar geoWizard says:

    4 stars
    Tasty! But really had a hard time mixing it. I’m not a great baker. Can someone help me with mixing tips?

  32. User avatar margene.funk says:

    4 stars
    I’m not much of a baker but gave this a shot. It was super easy and turned out great! Will make again.

    1. User avatar darryl.pollich says:

      3 stars
      I tried this too, but it came out dry. Maybe my oven’s off? 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      So happy to hear that! Pumpkin bread is one of my favorites. 😊

  33. User avatar soon.okeefe22 says:

    5 stars
    Love ❤️! So yummy, I’m eating it with cream cheese spread right now. Perfect for breakfast!

  34. User avatar irvin.king says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly and it still tasted a bit flat to me. Next time I’ll add vanilla or a handful of walnuts. Also, my top cracked a lot—still tasty though.

  35. 4 stars
    Do I have to use canned pumpkin? Can I use fresh pumpkin instead? Just curious! Thanks!

  36. User avatar Tricia McMillan says:

    4 stars
    Why do you use baking soda and baking powder? Isn’t it the same thing??

  37. 1 star
    What happened?! Mine burnt at 60 minutes! Maybe my oven is too hot? Whatevs, not trying again.

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      4 stars
      Sounds like your oven might be too hot! Maybe check the temp with an oven thermometer next time. Don’t give up, it can be really good!

  38. User avatar ALTplusF4 says:

    4 stars
    Okay but why is there no chocolate in this? Can someone add some chocolate?

  39. 3 stars
    I don’t know, it seems too sweet to me. I think I might cut down on the sugar next time.

  40. User avatar evan.walter32 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical about using canned pumpkin with just 1/2 cup oil, but wow. It’s not dry at all. I added a handful of chopped walnuts and it didn’t throw anything off.

    1. User avatar mollie.schmidt2014 says:

      5 stars
      I was also like… canned pumpkin sounds too “wet” for bread, but this recipe totally makes sense. The oil amount isn’t even that crazy honestly—glad it stayed moist for you! Walnuts are a great call.

3.73 from 151 votes
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