Do Share Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe | Moist, Spiced & Easy to Make

I recently baked a loaf of pumpkin bread recipe that turned out warm, cozy, and absolutely delicious — and I’m excited to share the recipe with you. There’s something so comforting about the scent of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen while the bread bakes. I love how simple the steps are, yet the result feels special and homey.

If you follow along, you’ll end up with soft, moist loaves that are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. You can also enjoy similar comfort in meals like Asian Chicken Crunch Salad for a light, flavorful lunch. Here’s how I made my version of this pumpkin bread — I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I did!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need — and why each ingredient matters for a perfect pumpkin bread:

2 cups of all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled — gives the bread structure without making it dense.
½ teaspoon salt — balances sweetness and enhances all the warm flavors.
1 teaspoon baking soda — helps the bread rise properly.
½ teaspoon baking powder — adds extra lift and makes the texture softer.
1 teaspoon ground cloves — brings deep warmth and a cozy aroma.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon — adds classic pumpkin-spice sweetness.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg — gives a nutty depth to the spice blend.
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened — keeps the bread moist and rich.
2 cups sugar — sweetens the bread and enhances its soft crumb.
2 large eggs — bind the batter and add richness.
1 (15-oz) can 100% pure pumpkin — provides moisture, flavor, and that beautiful pumpkin color.

Note: This recipe makes two loaves.

Variations

You can easily adapt this pumpkin bread to suit your preferences:

Dairy-free: Use vegan butter or coconut oil.
Lower sugar: Reduce sugar by ¼ to ½ cup.
Add-ins: Mix in pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or raisins.
Extra spice: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for more warmth.
Muffin version: Bake the batter in muffin cups for about 20–25 minutes.

If you enjoy baked comfort foods, you might also like a hearty Chicken Parmesan Casserole for dinner — it’s just as satisfying and full of flavor.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 65–75 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Loaf pans (8 x 4-inch) — shape the pumpkin bread
Mixing bowls — for combining wet and dry ingredients
Whisk — to evenly blend dry ingredients
Electric mixer or sturdy spoon — to cream butter, sugar, and eggs
Wire rack — cools the bread properly
Oven mitts — for safe handling

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Here’s how to put everything together, step by step.

Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing two loaf pans lightly with butter and flour. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and spices. Make sure everything is combined well so the spices distribute evenly in the batter.

Cream Butter, Sugar, Eggs, and Pumpkin

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition so the batter stays smooth. Stir in the canned pumpkin — the mixture may look slightly curdled at this point, which is completely normal.

Combine Mixtures and Bake

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until everything is just combined. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake for 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaves cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are some things I learned while making this recipe:

I sometimes reduce the sugar slightly for a more balanced sweetness.
I love adding chopped nuts for crunch and extra texture.
If I want a stronger spice flavor, I increase the cinnamon a little.
I always let the bread cool fully before slicing to keep it from crumbling.

How to Serve Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread tastes amazing on its own, but you can dress it up too. I like serving it warm with a little butter or honey. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an extra pretty touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top or add a few nuts before serving.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per slice:

Calories: 166
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 6 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage at room temperature:
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It stays fresh for 2–3 days.

Freezing:
Slice the bread or freeze it whole, wrapped tightly. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating:
Warm slices in the oven or toaster for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this pumpkin bread has become a favorite in my kitchen:

It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for beginners.
The warm spices make your home smell like fall.
It’s versatile — adjust the sweetness, spice, or mix-ins to your liking.
It works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
It freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy homemade pumpkin bread anytime.

Ben Carraoli