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Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade pumpkin bread with this easy baking recipe that delivers perfect results every time. Featuring real pumpkin puree, warm autumn spices, and a foolproof technique that guarantees a moist, tender loaf that's perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf of pumpkin bread with a beautifully cracked top, sliced to reveal its moist, orange-hued crumb studded with warm spices. The bread rests on a weathered wooden board dusted with cinnamon, surrounded by scattered maple leaves and whole cinnamon sticks. Golden afternoon light casts a warm glow across the scene, highlighting the bread's caramelized edges and the steam rising from a freshly cut slice. A small pot of whipped cinnamon butter sits alongside, partially melting into a thick slice, emphasizing the bread's warmth and inviting texture.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cinnamon</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp ground nutmeg</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground cloves</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp ground ginger</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">115g unsalted butter, melted</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g light brown sugar, packed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">250g pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">80g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 13cm (9-inch x 5-inch) loaf pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wire cooling rack</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 23cm x 13cm loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out later. Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with butter or cooking spray.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until thoroughly combined. This even distribution of leavening agents and spices ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout your bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The melted butter helps create a denser, moister crumb than creamed butter would. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar remaining.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness to your pumpkin bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Gently fold in the pumpkin puree and milk until just combined. Don't worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled; this is normal and will resolve once the dry ingredients are added. The pumpkin puree provides moisture and that distinctive autumn flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no dry flour remains visible. Over-mixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher bread. If using nuts, fold them in now.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps create an even texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after about 30-35 minutes of baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before using the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Cutting into the bread while it's hot can cause it to become gummy and collapse, as the starches haven't had time to set properly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Once completely cooled, slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices have time to meld.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Pumpkin Bread Recipe?

This pumpkin bread uses plain flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, unsalted butter, granulated and brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree (not pie filling), milk, and optional nuts. The combination creates a perfectly spiced, moist loaf.

How to cook Pumpkin Bread Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Pumpkin Bread Recipe by first combining dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another. Fold them together gently, pour into a lined loaf tin, and bake at 180°C for 55-65 minutes until a skewer comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Allow proper cooling for the best texture and flavour development.

How can I tell when my pumpkin loaf is perfectly baked?

Your pumpkin loaf is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer inserted in the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). The top should have a beautiful crack and be firm to touch. The edges will pull slightly away from the pan, and the internal temperature should reach about 95°C.

Can I add chocolate chips or dried fruit to this autumn spiced bread?

Absolutely! Fold in 100g of chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or raisins when adding the nuts. White chocolate pairs beautifully with the pumpkin spices, while dark chocolate adds richness. For a festive touch, try adding 60g of candied ginger pieces for extra warmth and texture.

Why has my pumpkin bread sunk in the middle after baking?

A sunken middle usually indicates underbaking, opening the oven door too early, or too much leavening agent. Ensure your baking powder and soda are fresh, use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature, and avoid opening the oven during the first 45 minutes of baking.

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Line a 23cm x 13cm loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to easily lift the bread out later. Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with butter or cooking spray." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix dry ingredients", "text": "In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until thoroughly combined. This even distribution of leavening agents and spices ensures consistent flavor and texture throughout your bread." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Mix wet ingredients", "text": "In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. The melted butter helps create a denser, moister crumb than creamed butter would. Make sure there are no lumps of brown sugar remaining." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add eggs", "text": "Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. The eggs provide structure and richness to your pumpkin bread." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Add pumpkin", "text": "Gently fold in the pumpkin puree and milk until just combined. Don't worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled; this is normal and will resolve once the dry ingredients are added. The pumpkin puree provides moisture and that distinctive autumn flavor." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Combine mixtures", "text": "Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no dry flour remains visible. Over-mixing at this stage can develop too much gluten, resulting in a tougher bread. If using nuts, fold them in now." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Prepare for baking", "text": "Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps create an even texture." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Bake", "text": "Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after about 30-35 minutes of baking." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Cool", "text": "Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before using the parchment paper overhangs to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely, at least 1 hour. Cutting into the bread while it's hot can cause it to become gummy and collapse, as the starches haven't had time to set properly." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Serve and store", "text": "Once completely cooled, slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices have time to meld." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "178" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Marisol Rodriguez", "datePublished": "2023-10-02", "reviewBody": "Amazing fall flavors and super moist! This pumpkin bread has the perfect balance of spices and sweetness. My entire family loved it, and I've already made three loaves this season.", "name": "Perfect Fall Treat", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Anika Patel", "datePublished": "2023-10-05", "reviewBody": "I've tried many pumpkin bread recipes, but this one is truly exceptional. The texture is incredibly moist, and the spice blend is perfect. I added the optional walnuts for some crunch, and it was divine!", "name": "Best Pumpkin Bread Ever", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivier Dubois", "datePublished": "2023-10-10", "reviewBody": "This recipe is foolproof! The instructions were clear and precise, and the bread turned out perfectly. The aroma while baking was heavenly, and my kids devoured the entire loaf in one sitting.", "name": "Family Favorite", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Vasquez", "datePublished": "2023-10-15", "reviewBody": "I made mini loaves of this pumpkin bread as holiday gifts, and everyone raved about them! The flavor is definitely better than bakery versions, and it freezes beautifully for later. Will be making this regularly throughout the fall season.", "name": "Perfect Gift Bread", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sven Andersson", "datePublished": "2023-10-20", "reviewBody": "As a beginner baker, I was nervous to try this recipe, but it turned out to be the easiest quick bread ever! The detailed instructions helped me achieve a perfect loaf on my first attempt. The heavenly aroma while baking was worth it alone!", "name": "Simple Yet Delicious", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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