There is something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of spiced bread fresh from the oven, and that is exactly what you get with this Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe. Filled with cozy autumn spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin puree, this bread combines fluffy, tender crumb with a moist texture that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re baking for a quick breakfast treat or an inviting afternoon snack, this Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that captures the spirit of the season beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first exciting step to creating this delightful loaf. Each component plays an essential role: the flour provides structure, the blend of warm spices adds that signature autumnal aroma, and the pumpkin puree lends moistness and rich flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 ¾ cups): The base of the bread, giving it just the right density and texture.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise nicely for a fluffy finish.
- Baking powder (½ teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda for extra lift and softness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the bread with that quintessential pumpkin spice warmth.
- Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty spice that’s perfect for fall.
- Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle zing and depth to the spice mix.
- Ground cloves (½ teaspoon): Offers an aromatic, slightly sweet finish to the spice blend.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Ensures richness and a tender crumb in every bite.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering the spices.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture for a perfect loaf.
- Canned pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient, giving the bread its moist texture and vibrant color.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, tying the ingredients together beautifully.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
- Raisins or chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): For a sweet surprise in every slice.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper for a hassle-free release once the bread is baked. This small prep step ensures your bread will come out clean and intact.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all the dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the aromatic spices cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — in a medium bowl. This evenly distributes the spices and raising agents so every bite is consistently flavorful and fluffy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a soft, tender texture and giving the bread a slight rise.
Step 4: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each addition. Then blend in the canned pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The pumpkin puree adds moisture and a subtle richness that is key to the bread’s moist crumb.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here — a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense, chewy bread rather than the soft, tender loaf you want.
Step 6: Fold in Add-ins (Optional)
If you like a bit of extra texture or sweetness, gently fold in your chopped nuts and either raisins or chocolate chips. These optional ingredients bring delightful bursts of flavor and richness that make this Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe uniquely yours.
Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking and an attractive loaf shape. This careful step makes sure your bread bakes evenly and looks as good as it tastes.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake the loaf for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, but you want to achieve a golden-brown crust with a moist interior.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread finish setting up properly, so when you slice it, each piece stays moist and intact.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A light spread of softened butter is a classic way to enjoy your pumpkin spice bread – it melts perfectly into the warm slices. For a festive touch, sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze. If you want to indulge a bit more, cream cheese spread with a hint of cinnamon is simply amazing.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider, enhancing the seasonal spice flavors. For a wholesome breakfast, serve it alongside a bowl of yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit, or add a side of scrambled eggs and bacon for a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Surprise your guests by slicing the bread into smaller pieces and serving it as part of a brunch platter with cheese, nuts, and fresh fruit. You can also toast slices lightly and top with almond butter or honey for an extra special treat any time of day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover pumpkin spice bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for about 3 to 4 days – perfect for enjoying a slice every morning.
Freezing
This Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe freezes wonderfully. Slice it first for convenience, then wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer bag. Frozen, it lasts up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat until just warm throughout. You can also microwave individual slices for 15 to 20 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat, which can dry out the bread.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to cook it down well and drain any excess moisture, as canned pumpkin puree has a thick consistency that works best in this recipe.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier loaf, though the texture might be denser. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free baking blend designed for quick breads, but results may vary slightly.
Is it okay to omit the nuts and raisins?
Definitely! The nuts and raisins are optional and can be left out without affecting the bread’s overall texture or flavor. If you want a bit of extra sweetness or chewiness, feel free to add your favorite mix-ins instead.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. The top should also be golden brown and spring back slightly when touched.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! You can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just be sure to use two pans and watch the baking time closely, as it might take a little longer depending on your oven and pan size.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe is one of those magical baking projects that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas while rewarding you with tender, spiced slices perfect for any time of day. I encourage you to dive in and make this recipe your own — add your favorite nuts, skip a few ingredients, or pair it with a comforting cup of tea. Whatever you do, enjoy every bite of this seasonally inspired, utterly scrumptious bread!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin Spice Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that celebrates the warm spices of fall. With a rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves combined with pumpkin puree, it’s the perfect seasonal treat for breakfast or dessert. Optional add-ins like walnuts, pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips add texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Do not overmix; some lumps are fine and help keep the bread tender.
- Add Optional Mix-Ins: If desired, fold in the chopped nuts and raisins or chocolate chips gently into the batter to distribute evenly.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added.
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier version, but the bread may be denser.
- Optional add-ins like nuts and raisins add flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Store the bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
- Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out with wet batter, continue baking and check every 5 minutes.
