The Most Perfect Pumpkin Bread

This The Most Perfect Pumpkin Bread strikes the ultimate balance between moist texture, warm spices, and rich pumpkin flavor. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this easy recipe fills your home with the comforting aromas of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The moist and tender texture is unbeatable.

Packed with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Versatile enough to serve for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

Easy to customize with optional toppings or mix-ins like nuts.

Makes your kitchen smell like a fall wonderland!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pumpkin Bread:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

¼ tsp ground cloves

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

¼ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Topping (Optional):

2 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add the pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring well to combine.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.

Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
For the topping, brush melted butter over the batter, then sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture if desired.
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.

Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: 10–12 slices

Calories: 250 kcal per slice

Variations

Chocolate Chips: Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.

Raisins: Add ½ cup of raisins for a chewy texture and added sweetness.

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Vegan: Use flax eggs, plant-based milk, and coconut oil for a vegan version.

Zesty: Incorporate a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus note.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator: Keep it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat.

Freezer: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up before serving.

Related Recipes:

• Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
• Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. Just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid adding too much moisture.

How do I prevent my bread from becoming dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or applesauce for a healthier option.

Why is my bread sinking in the middle?

This could be due to underbaking or too much moisture. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

This pumpkin bread is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of fall with its tender crumb and warm spices. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a quick snack from the freezer, it’s sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and let the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice fill your home!

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