Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Fall’s Coziest Homemade Loaf

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Nothing quite beats a slice of fresh and moist homemade pumpkin bread in the fall!

The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall

There’s something undeniably comforting about the scent of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the house, signaling the arrival of fall. With its rich, spiced aroma and moist, tender crumb, this beloved homemade treat captures the essence of the season in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a morning indulgence with coffee or a cozy evening snack, pumpkin bread is a timeless favorite that brings warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen.

Let’s explore the secrets to baking the perfect loaf—and you don’t even need a mixer. Every fall I crave the simplicity of pumpkin bread. This is the recipe I have been using for over 40 years and it never disappoints.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 1 Hour

Yield: 1 Loaf

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour (leveled)

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ¾ cup light or dark brown sugar (packed)

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• 2 large eggs at room temperature

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)

• ½ cup canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil (no butter)

• ¼ cup orange juice (or you can substitute milk)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven 350°F or 177°C

Step 1After preheating your oven, lower the oven rack to the bottom position to prevent the top of your bread from over-browning. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray and set aside.

Step 2 In a large bowl, whisk the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt together until combined with no clumps.

Step 3 In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin, orange juice, and oil together. 

Once combined, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. (If you choose to add in chocolate chips, nuts, raisins, or cranberries, add them here.) Do not over-mix.

Step 4 Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. 

Bake for 60-65 minutes. 

Cover the bread with aluminum for the final 20 minutes of the cooking time to keep the top from browning too much. This also ensures the middle of the loaf will cook thoroughly while the top stays golden.

Step 5 When you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean (or with only a few small crumbs), the bread is done.

Begin checking your bread every 5 minutes around the 55-minute mark since ovens can cook differently. (Pumpkin bread should register between 200°F and 205°F on a digital thermometer).

Step 6 When the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to completely cool on a wire rack in the pan. 

Step 7 Once the bread is completely cooled, you can slice it and serve. 

Step 8 Pumpkin bread can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or at room temperature for 3 or 4 days (if it lasts that long!)

Print the Recipe Here:

Pumpkin Bread Recipe.pdf

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Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

If you choose, you can add in chocolate chips, raisins, walnuts, pecans, or cranberries for more flavor.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Pumpkin Bread

Place your pumpkin bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap and then seal it in a resealable plastic bag for up to 4 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a week.

If you freeze your bread, wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a tightly sealed container.

Baked pumpkin bread can be frozen for up to 2–3 months. When thawing, place the bread in your refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature in its packaging before serving.

A Slice of Autumn Comfort

As the last slice of pumpkin bread is eaten, it's clear that this homemade delight is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a celebration of the simple pleasures that autumn brings.

With each bite, you're reminded of the warmth and comfort that come from baking with love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with new flavors, pumpkin bread is a versatile and satisfying way to embrace the season. So, as the days grow cooler, why not relish the cozy tradition of baking your own loaf and sharing it with those you love?