This pumpkin bread recipe is a true example of autumnal warmth and flavor. This moist and aromatic loaf captures the essence of the season, blending rich pumpkin puree with a variety of spices, including cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
This bread is a harmonious marriage of wholesome ingredients that produces a tender and hearty bread. As it bakes, the kitchen is filled with an irresistible aroma that creates a sense of comfort and indulgence. This bread can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat or a cozy afternoon snack, each slice is a delightful balance of sweetness and earthiness. My recipe is a simple homemade baking recipe that invites you to give it a go this fall season.
This recipe was inspired by my Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Cheesecake. Here you will also find delicious snack recipes like Bread Pizza, Spanish Tapas and Garlic Shrimp, feel free to check them out.
Jump to:
- ⭐Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- 🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
- 📖Variations of Pumpkin Bread
- 👩🏻🍳How to Make Pumpkin Bread
- 🔪Kitchen Tools Required
- ❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve
- 💭Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread
- ❓Frequently Asked Questions for Pumpkin Bread
- 🍰More Dessert Recipes!
- 🎥Video
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
⭐Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Homemade Pumpkin Bread is an ideal and classic fall treat for the Autumn season. This easy-to-make delight is bursting with flavour and moist to perfection. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this recipe:
- Uses Basic Ingredients: All the ingredients for this recipe are basic pantries and easy to find in a supermarket.
- Quick, Simple and Easy to Make: In a few simple steps, you will have the bread done. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner bakers.
- Incredible Autumnal Flavour: This recipe is made with real pumpkin puree and spices, resulting in a delicious, warm and flavourful Pumpkin Bread.
- Moist and Tender Texture: The harmonious blend of pumpkin puree and carefully selected ingredients results in a moist and tender texture.
- Spice Blend Harmony: The perfectly balanced blend of spices elevates the pumpkin flavour, offering a harmonious and flavourful experience with each bite.
- Versatile: This recipe can be easily customized to your liking. You can add different spices, such as allspice, to change the flavour of the bread. You can also add nuts and dry fruits like cranberry or other toppings to the bread. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with your favourite spreads.
- Aroma Fills Your Kitchen: The warm and inviting aroma of pumpkin and spices baking fills the kitchen, creating a cosy atmosphere.
- Make in Advance: Make it 1 day ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge until ready to serve and eat.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for sharing with friends and family.
- Perfect Dessert or Treat: For Autumn months.
- Suitable for Any Occasion: Birthday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, afternoon tea, potlucks, holidays, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, etc.
If you want more desserts with pumpkin you can check out Pumpkin Cheesecake and Pumpkin Pie.
🧾Ingredients Needed & Substitutions
Ingredients for this recipe are simple. Here is a list of everything you need:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure to the bread.
- Baking Soda: Helps the bread to rise by creating air pockets and gives the bread its volume and airy texture.
- Baking Powder: Reacts with the acid in the pumpkin to create a more effective leavening agent, resulting in a lighter and fluffier bread.
- Sea Salt: Adds a depth of flavour to the bread.
- Ground Cinnamon: Enhances the taste of the pumpkin puree and adds complexity to the bread.
- Ground Nutmeg: Seasons the mixture, it provides warmer and nuttier notes to the bread.
- Ground Cloves: Seasons the mixture, it provides a warm and aromatic essence with a slightly sweet taste.
- Ground Ginger: Seasons the mixture, it provides a pungent and slightly spicy kick, with a subtle citrusy and warm sweetness to the bread.
- Vanilla Extract: For nice vanilla flavours.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread.
- Light Brown Sugar: Sweetens the bread.
- Vegetable Oil: Helps to create a moist and fluffy texture.
- Large Eggs: Introduces moisture to the mixture and helps in binding the mixture. The egg should be at room temperature.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds a fresh and authentic flavour and a smooth consistency to the bread. You can use canned or freshly prepared pumpkin puree.
- Water: Incorporates the ingredients together.
- Chocolate Chips: Adds texture and chocolate flavour.
- Chopped Pecans: Add texture and nutty crunch.
Here are some substitutions for a Pumpkin Bread recipe:
- Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree can be substituted with fresh pumpkin puree or butternut squash puree.
- All-Purpose Flour: Explore healthier or gluten-free options by trying whole wheat flour, oat flour, or a blend of gluten-free flour in place of traditional flour.
- Eggs: Experiment with egg-free alternatives such as mashed bananas, applesauce, yogurt, or a commercial egg replacer for each egg in your recipe.
- Vegetable Oil: For a more nutritious and delicious alternative, try using applesauce, Greek yogurt, coconut oil, or mashed avocado in place of vegetable oil.
- Sugar: For healthier baking and cooking, opt for sweetening options such as coconut sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like stevia, using the amount that suits you best.
- Baking Powder: To create a baking powder alternative, combine cream of tartar and baking soda in a 2:1 ratio.
- Baking Soda: Use baking powder instead of baking soda, but be aware that the texture of your bread may be slightly different.
- Salt: Use a pinch of sea salt or kosher salt instead of regular table salt for a healthier and more flavourful alternative.
- Spices: When making your spice mix, don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of allspices, ginger and cardamom. You can use these spices together with cinnamon and nutmeg, or on their own to create a flavour profile that you love.
- Vanilla Extract: To add a new dimension of flavour to your bread, substitute almond extract or other flavoured extracts for vanilla extract.
- Chocolate chips: Feel free to replace chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, dried fruit, or exclude them altogether.
- Pecans: For a nut-free alternative, try using seeds like sunflower seeds.
Remember that making substitutions can potentially change the flavour and texture. It is advisable to experiment with small batches to discover the combination that aligns most with your preferences.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
📖Variations of Pumpkin Bread
There are numerous creative variations that can add exciting twists to this bread.
Here are a few ideas for a Pumpkin Bread variation:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Make your Pumpkin loaf Bread recipe truly irresistible by adding a swirl of cream cheese before baking.
- Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread: Infuse with the delicious flavour of citrus zest and dried cranberries for a fruity twist.
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Add a touch of sophistication by adding allspice and cardamon to the spice mix.
- Pumpkin Banana Bread: Combine the rich flavour of pumpkin and the sweetness of mashed bananas for a unique and delicious bread.
- Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread: Give your Pumpkin loaf Bread a sweet and sophisticated touch with a maple glaze.
- Coconut Pumpkin Bread: Incorporate shredded coconut into your batter for a delicious tropical twist and textured treat.
- Pumpkin Zucchini Bread: Fold in grated zucchini to your batter for a moist and flavourful variation.
- Pumpkin Muffins: Transform it into muffins for a quick and easy snack or breakfast on the go.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Bread: Incorporate instant coffee or espresso powder into your Pumpkin Bread batter for a rich and complex coffee flavour.
- Gingerbread Pumpkin Bread: Elevate the flavour profile of pumpkin loaf bread by adding the warm and spicy notes of gingerbread spices for a truly decadent treat.
Keep in mind that these variations offer a base, granting you the freedom to mix and match ingredients to create a personalized and unique twist on the traditional Pumpkin Bread.
Get creative by adding and experimenting with different ingredients. Give it your own twist!
👩🏻🍳How to Make Pumpkin Bread
This step by step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23x12.5 cm (9x5-inch) loaf tin and place a parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves until combined. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar and oil until well combined.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extra and water to the mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Gradually add and sieve the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Gently mix using a spatula until just combined. Do not over-mix.
7. Add the chocolate chips and pecans to the pumpkin batter and gently fold in.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle some chocolate chips and pecans on the top.
10. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Let the pumpkin bread cool in the tin for 1 hour on a wire rack.
12. Then remove it from the tin and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Slice and serve the pumpkin bread once it has cooled down.
🔪Kitchen Tools Required
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store!
Here is a list of kitchen utensils that you will need for making this Pumpkin Bread.
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Small Bowl
- Large Bowl
- Whisk
- Strairner
- Spatula
- Baking Tin
- Cooling Rack
- Oven Gloves
❄️How to Store, Freeze, Defrost and Serve
Pumpkin Bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored with some precautions to maintain its texture and flavour.
Here is how you can manage its storage:
Storing:
- Room Temperature:
- Let the Pumpkin Bread come to room temperature before storing.
- Cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for 48 hours or less.
- Refrigeration:
- To keep the Pumpkin Bread fresh for longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to one week.
Freezing:
- Whole Loaf:
- To freeze the whole loaf, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for extra protection.
- Write the date on the package and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
- Sliced Portions:
- To freeze individual slices of pumpkin bread, separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- To ensure that the Pumpkin Bread slices stay fresh and delicious in the freezer, wrap them tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
Defrosting:
- Room Temperature:
- Let the wrapped Pumpkin Bread thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
- Refrigeration:
- Another option for thawing the wrapped Pumpkin Bread is to refrigerate it overnight for a slower and more controlled thaw.
- Microwave:
- To defrost the Pumpkin Bread quickly, microwave it on low power for 30-60 seconds, or until it is heated through.
Serving:
- Freshening Up:
- To revive refrigerated or frozen Pumpkin Bread, warm it in the oven at 163°C (325°F) for 10-15 minutes. This will not only restore moisture but also deepen the flavours.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy slices of Pumpkin Bread plain or elevate them to new heights with a topping of butter, cream cheese, or whipped cream for a truly decadent treat.
- To amplify the flavour, toast or grill your Pumpkin Bread with a touch of butter and cinnamon. It is equally delicious either way!
- Creative Toppings:
- Take your Pumpkin Bread to the next level with a variety of toppings, such as chopped nuts, a honey drizzle, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Experiment and have fun!
💭Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread
Here are some tips to help you make this delicious dessert:
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality pumpkin puree and spices to guarantee a richly flavoured and authentic bread.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother texture and easier blending, let eggs and dairy come to room temperature before adding them to the batter.
Accurate Measurements: For a perfectly balanced Pumpkin Bread with harmonious flavours and textures, follow the recipe measurements carefully and accurately.
Quality Spices: For a richer, more flavourful Pumpkin Bread, use high-quality spices. Consider freshly grinding your spices for an even more intense flavour sensation.
Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until it is well combined, smooth and free of lumps. Do not overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to the desired temperature before you start baking to ensure even cooking.
Proper Pan Size: For even baking and the best texture, use the pan size recommended in your recipe.
Parchment Paper: Prevent sticking and ensure easy removal by lining the baking pan with parchment paper.
Don't Overbake the Bread: To ensure that your Pumpkin Bread is moist and flavourful, avoid overbaking. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
Cooling Time: Leave the Pumpkin Bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes to cool before transferring to a wire rack to avoid breakage.
Patience: Let the Pumpkin Bread cool completely before slicing to allow the flavours to develop and the texture to become firm.
By following these tips, you can bake a Pumpkin Bread that is sure to be the star of your next dessert table.
❓Frequently Asked Questions for Pumpkin Bread
Here are some commonly asked questions about making homemade Pumpkin Bread:
Yes. Fresh pumpkin puree is a delicious alternative to canned pumpkin. Be sure to cook the fresh puree until it is soft, blend it until it is smooth, and drain it well to achieve the desired consistency.
For the best results, avoid overmixing the pumpkin bread batter and use fresh leavening agents. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
Yes. For a vegan Pumpkin Bread, use flax eggs, applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers in place of eggs.
Absolutely! To freeze Pumpkin Bread for up to three months, wrap it tightly in both plastic wrap and aluminum foil and label it with the date.
Add chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruits, or spices like allspices, cardamom, or cloves to your Pumpkin Bread for a more flavourful and unique experience.
To check if your Pumpkin Bread is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready to enjoy.
Yes. To adjust the sweetness of your Pumpkin Bread, simply add more or less sugar to the recipe. Be aware that reducing the sugar content can make the bread less sweet and less dense.
Absolutely! For delicious pumpkin muffins, use muffin cups and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Pumpkin Bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze as mentioned earlier.
Yes. Use gluten-free flour or a blend of gluten-free flours to make gluten-free Pumpkin Bread. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favourite dessert recipes! Try these:
If you make this Pumpkin Bread recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a star rating at the bottom of this page! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. Also, let me know how you go in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
I love to cook, bake and share my recipes with you! If you want more delicious recipes you can subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and Pinterest!
🎥Video
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making this fantastic Pumpkin Bread recipe!
📖 Recipe
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 120 ml vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 340 g pumpkin puree
- 80 ml water
- 80 g chocolate chips
- 80 g chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 23x12.5 cm (9x5-inch) loaf tin and place a parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves until combined. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar and oil until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vanilla extra and water to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Gradually add and sieve the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Gently mix using a spatula until just combined. Do not over-mix.
- Add the chocolate chips and pecans to the pumpkin batter and gently fold in.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle some chocolate chips and pecans on the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the pumpkin bread cool in the tin for 1 hour on a wire rack.
- Then remove it from the tin and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the pumpkin bread once it has cooled down.
Notes
- Balance Spices: Create a balanced and flavourful combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves that complement the pumpkin's flavour rather than overpowering it.
- Measure Ingredients Precisely: Accurate measurements, especially for baking powder, baking soda, and flour, are essential for the bread to rise properly and have the ideal texture.
- Mix Batter Gently: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense and chewy.
- Grease the Pan Thoroughly: Grease the bread tin generously to prevent the bread from sticking and to make it easy to remove after baking.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the centre; it should come out clean with no batter on it.
- Cool Completely Before Slicing: Cool the Pumpkin Bread in the tin for 1 hour before transferring it to a wire rack to retain its shape and moisture.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Comments
No Comments