Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread that tastes and smells like Fall

There is something about homemade pumpkin spice bread that makes fall officially feel like fall. It is warm, soft, fragrant, and just sweet enough to work as breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert.

The best part is that pumpkin bread looks far more impressive than the effort required to make it. There is no yeast, no kneading, and no complicated equipment. A couple of bowls, a loaf pan, and basic pantry ingredients are enough to make a bakery-style loaf at home.

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This easy pumpkin spice bread recipe combines pumpkin puree with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic autumn flavor. The pumpkin keeps the crumb moist, while brown sugar adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness.

And yes, your kitchen is going to smell incredible.

Why This Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Is So Good

Pumpkin is particularly well suited to quick breads because it adds both flavor and moisture. Instead of producing a dry, cake-like loaf, pumpkin puree helps create a tender bread that stays soft after it cools.

The spices are just as important. Cinnamon provides most of the familiar pumpkin spice flavor, while ginger adds warmth, nutmeg brings a slightly nutty note, and cloves give the bread a deeper finish.

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The result is a loaf that tastes distinctly like pumpkin without being overwhelmed by spice.

Another advantage? This recipe is flexible. Add chocolate chips for something sweeter, chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch, or pumpkin seeds on top for a simple bakery-style finish.

Easy Homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 50 to 60 minutes
Servings: About 10 slices
Makes: 1 loaf

Pumpkin Spice Bread Ingredients

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You will need:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts

Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can change the flavor and texture of the finished bread.

How to Make Moist Pumpkin Spice Bread

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• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan and, if desired, line it with parchment paper so the bread is easier to lift out after baking.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla and milk until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Avoid aggressively mixing the batter once the flour has been added. Overmixing can make quick bread heavier and tougher.
• If you are adding chocolate chips or nuts, gently fold them into the batter.
• Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for approximately 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
• Waiting until the loaf has cooled before slicing gives it time to set and makes cleaner slices.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Extra Moist

The biggest secret is surprisingly simple: do not overbake it.

Pumpkin naturally provides plenty of moisture, but leaving the bread in the oven too long can undo that advantage. Begin checking the loaf around the 50-minute mark since ovens and loaf pans can produce slightly different baking times.

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Brown sugar also helps maintain a softer texture, while oil tends to create an especially moist loaf. Melted butter can be substituted if you prefer a richer, more buttery flavor.

Another useful trick is to make the bread a day ahead. Once completely cooled and properly wrapped, pumpkin bread can become even more flavorful overnight as the spices settle into the loaf.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Add-Ins Worth Trying

A classic loaf is excellent on its own, but a few additions can turn the same basic recipe into something different.

For chocolate pumpkin bread, fold semisweet or dark chocolate chips into the batter. For extra texture, try toasted walnuts or pecans.

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A handful of pumpkin seeds scattered across the top before baking creates a simple seasonal finish. You can also sprinkle the batter with coarse sugar before it goes into the oven for a slightly crisp, sweet crust.

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For a more dessert-like version, add a simple vanilla glaze once the loaf has completely cooled.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Spice Bread

A thick slice works perfectly with hot coffee, chai, tea or a cold glass of milk. For breakfast, try warming a slice briefly and adding a little salted butter.

Pumpkin bread also makes an easy addition to a fall brunch table alongside fruit, eggs and coffee.

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For dessert, warm the bread slightly and serve it with whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Suddenly, humble quick bread becomes a legitimate fall dessert.

How to Store Homemade Pumpkin Bread

Let the loaf cool completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Pumpkin bread can generally be kept at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in a tightly sealed container.

It also freezes well. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices securely before freezing. Freezing individual slices is especially convenient because you can remove only what you need and let each slice thaw before serving.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

Pure pumpkin puree is the better choice. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional sugar, spices and other ingredients, so substituting it directly can make the bread overly sweet or alter its texture.

Can homemade pumpkin bread be frozen?

Yes. Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf or individual slices securely and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Individual slices are particularly easy to thaw as needed.

What spices are used in pumpkin spice bread?

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Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves create the classic pumpkin spice flavor. Allspice can also be added if you prefer a stronger spice profile.

A Fall Baking Recipe You Will Want to Make Again

Homemade pumpkin spice bread delivers everything people want from fall baking without turning the kitchen into a major project. It is moist, warmly spiced and simple enough to make on an ordinary afternoon.

Serve it warm with butter, add chocolate chips for a sweeter version or keep the recipe classic. Either way, one loaf has a suspicious tendency to disappear quickly.

And if there happens to be a second can of pumpkin in the pantry, making another loaf is not exactly a bad idea.