This easy and delicious pumpkin bread recipe is the ultimate fall treat, combining the comforting flavors of pumpkin with a perfect mix of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Its rich aroma fills the kitchen, evoking the cozy essence of autumn. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe requires minimal effort, making it accessible to everyone. The ingredients are simple pantry staples, and the process only requires one bowl, keeping the cleanup quick and easy.
What sets this pumpkin bread apart is its incredibly moist texture, thanks to the use of oil rather than butter. It bakes beautifully in a loaf pan, resulting in a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re serving it as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a dessert, this versatile bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, offering endless possibilities for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or prepare five mini loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or storing.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with butter and enjoy with a pumpkin spice latte.
- For a sweeter option, frost the bread with cream cheese frosting.
- This bread makes excellent French toast when paired with maple syrup and butter.
Freezing:
- To freeze, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it in wax paper and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Pro Tip : Avoid substituting butter for oil in this recipe, as the oil is what ensures the bread stays incredibly soft and moist.
Common Questions
Why does my pumpkin bread have no flavor?
If your pumpkin bread lacks flavor, it could be due to a few common reasons:
- Insufficient Spices: The blend of spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, is essential to enhance the pumpkin’s natural flavor. If you skimp on these, the bread may taste bland. Make sure to use the correct amount of spices for a well-balanced flavor.
- Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: If you accidentally use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree, the added sugars and spices in the filling can throw off the recipe’s flavor balance. Always use plain pumpkin puree for the best result.
- Freshness of Ingredients: Spices can lose their potency over time. If you’re using old spices, they may not provide the desired punch. Check the expiration date or consider replacing your spices if they’re more than a year old.
- Under-seasoning the Batter: Be sure to add the right amount of salt, as it enhances the overall flavor of the bread. A pinch of salt goes a long way in bringing out the sweetness and spice.
Is pumpkin bread good or bad for you?
Pumpkin bread can be both good and bad for you, depending on how it’s made and consumed:
Good for You:
- Rich in Nutrients: Pumpkin is packed with vitamins like Vitamin A, C, and E, and also provides fiber and antioxidants, which can support your immune system and promote healthy digestion.
- Healthy Ingredients: If made with whole grains, natural sweeteners (like honey or maple syrup), and healthy fats (such as olive oil), pumpkin bread can be a wholesome treat that offers good nutrition.
Not as Healthy:
- High in Sugar and Fat: Many traditional pumpkin bread recipes call for a lot of sugar and oil, which can make it high in calories, unhealthy fats, and refined carbohydrates. Consuming large portions or frequently eating sugar-heavy versions can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
- Processed Ingredients: Using refined flour and excess processed sugar can reduce the nutritional value of the bread.
To make pumpkin bread healthier, try reducing the sugar, using whole grain flour, and adding nutritious ingredients like nuts or seeds. Moderation is key!
This versatile pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for customizing to your taste with simple variations like adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different flavors, it’s a delicious, moist, and easy-to-make treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or prepare five mini loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and milk until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing or storing.