Pumpkin Bread

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Pumpkin bread is a cozy classic that tastes like autumn in every bite. It’s incredibly moist, warmly spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or as an after-dinner treat, it brings comforting flavors that instantly make you feel at home.

This loaf fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin as it bakes, wrapping you in a warm, nostalgic hug. It’s also perfect for gifting during the holidays or serving at fall gatherings. Best of all? It’s super easy to make with pantry staples and canned pumpkin.

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Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

• It’s ultra-moist and tender with a rich pumpkin flavor
• No mixer needed, just one bowl
• Great for breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for make-ahead
• Made with simple, wholesome ingredients

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What Kind of Pumpkin Should I Use?

For this recipe, canned pumpkin puree works best. It’s consistent, convenient, and gives the bread its signature texture and color. Just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices. If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree sugar pumpkins for the most flavorful homemade version.

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Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread

Each ingredient in this pumpkin bread serves a key role in creating the perfect loaf:

• All-purpose flour: Gives the bread structure while keeping it soft.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavors.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices bring warmth and seasonal flavor.
• Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient for flavor, moisture, and color.
• Sugar (white and brown): Brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of molasses, while white sugar provides sweetness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet aromatic note.
• Water: Helps loosen the batter just enough for the right texture.

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How To Make the Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, both sugars, eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine and Stir

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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How to Serve and Store Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Each loaf makes about 10 generous slices, so the full recipe serves around 20 people—perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

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What to Serve With Pumpkin Bread?

Coffee or Chai Latte

The warm spices in pumpkin bread pair beautifully with a cozy cup of coffee or a frothy chai latte.

Whipped Maple Butter

Spread a little whipped maple butter on a slice for a luxurious touch.

Greek Yogurt and Berries

Make it a hearty breakfast by serving with a side of protein-rich yogurt and fresh fruit.

Cream Cheese Spread

A dollop of sweetened cream cheese makes every bite even more indulgent.

Fall Fruit Salad

Balance the richness with a refreshing mix of apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds.

Pumpkin or Butternut Soup

Turn it into a comforting meal by pairing it with a bowl of savory soup.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Warm a slice and serve with vanilla ice cream for an easy fall dessert.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast and puree a sugar pumpkin for best results. Be sure to drain excess moisture so your bread doesn’t turn out too wet.

How do I make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the mix includes xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the structure.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Add up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.

Why did my bread crack on top?
That’s completely normal for pumpkin bread. The crack forms as the dense batter expands during baking. It’s actually a sign of a beautifully baked loaf!

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest fall baking board so you can come back to it any time.
Check out more fall and everyday baking recipes on my Pinterest at Meals We Share By Sally.
Let me know in the comments how your loaf turned out. Did you add nuts or chocolate chips? Maybe a glaze? I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome—let’s bake smarter together!

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Conclusion

This pumpkin bread is everything you want in a fall treat: moist, flavorful, easy to make, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you serve it warm with coffee, freeze it for later, or share it with friends and family, it’s bound to become a seasonal favorite in your home.

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