Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, comforting flavors, and nothing says fall quite like Pumpkin Spice Bread. This easy, moist, and flavorful bread is packed with pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a perfect snack with coffee, a lovely addition to breakfast, or even a sweet treat to share during the holidays. Best of all, it’s simple to make and fills your kitchen with the wonderful aroma of autumn spices!

Let’s get started with this quick and easy recipe that will bring a taste of fall right to your table.

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin Spice Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with real pumpkin purée and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This bread is soft and tender, with a rich pumpkin flavor and a touch of sweetness. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require yeast or any special equipment. Enjoy it plain, with a spread of butter or cream cheese, or even with a drizzle of glaze for extra sweetness.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious pumpkin spice bread:

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
¼ cup milk (or water)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

¾ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ideas for customizing this pumpkin spice bread recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk, coconut milk, or any plant-based milk.
Sweetener Swap: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour in place of half of the all-purpose flour for added fiber.
Extra Spices: For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or allspice to the spice mix.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your own Pumpkin Spice Bread:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt until well combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
If you’re adding any extras (like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries), fold them into the batter now.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once the bread has cooled, slice it and serve. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or your favorite jam.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick overview of how to make Pumpkin Spice Bread:

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt.
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
Pour and bake: Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool, then slice and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pumpkin Spice Bread turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

Overmixing the batter: Stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough loaf.
Not testing for doneness: Ovens vary, so check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester around the 55-minute mark. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Not letting the bread cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then transfer it to a wire rack. This helps the bread firm up and makes slicing easier.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin Spice Bread is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few tips to make it even more enjoyable:

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

Warm with butter: Serve slices warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for a classic, comforting treat.
With coffee or tea: Pair it with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for the perfect fall snack.
With whipped cream or caramel sauce: For a dessert-style treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle it with caramel sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar: Dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar before serving for a pretty, snow-like effect.
Top with a glaze: For a sweeter loaf, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread.
Decorate with nuts or seeds: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the batter with chopped pecans or pumpkin seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures they incorporate smoothly and evenly into the batter.
Pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling: Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Yes, homemade pumpkin purée works well in this recipe. Just make sure it’s thick and not too watery. If your purée is watery, strain it through a cheesecloth or simmer it until it reduces slightly.

2. How long does Pumpkin Spice Bread last?
Pumpkin Spice Bread can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

3. Can I add a glaze to this bread?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze made with 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1-2 tablespoons of milk is a great way to add extra sweetness. You could also try a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.

4. Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes! You can turn this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Conclusion

There you have it—your go-to recipe for Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread! This moist, flavorful bread is loaded with warm spices and pumpkin, making it the ultimate fall treat. Whether you enjoy it plain, with butter, or topped with a sweet glaze, it’s sure to bring a cozy, seasonal flavor to your table.

So grab a can of pumpkin, gather your spices, and get ready to fill your home with the delicious aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice bread!