Pumpkins usher in the fall season. And who doesn’t love a yummy and sweet bread? So prepare to make your new Autumn favorite; my best pumpkin bread recipe!
It’s a quick bread that yields a moist and delicious loaf, ideal for breakfast or as a snack, and it is made with simple ingredients like canned pumpkin, flour, and warm fall spices.
You can customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor. The best part is that it can be made in a large bowl, and the batter comes together quickly, making it a great recipe for first-time bakers or seasoned pros alike.
And below the main recipe, I also give you options for a brown sugar crumb topping, healthy vegan option, and a cream-cheese filled pumpkin bread!
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Bread
There’s something special about homemade pumpkin bread, especially during the fall season. This easy pumpkin bread recipe is a delightful way to embrace the flavors of autumn. With simple ingredients like canned pumpkin, flour, and warm spices, it’s a quick bread that yields a moist loaf, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Using a large bowl to mix wet ingredients such as vegetable oil, organic brown sugar, and eggs ensures a smooth batter. The addition of maple syrup and vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making it a favorite among many. If you’re looking to add a twist, chocolate chips or nuts can be folded in for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve the best results, gather your ingredients ahead of time. You’ll need canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree, a cup of oil (vegetable or coconut), and a mix of sugars. The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice, which together create a rich flavor profile.
Don’t forget the optional toppings! A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds or chocolate chips on top not only adds visual appeal but also a delightful crunch. For those who prefer a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat flour or reducing the sugar slightly.
Mixing It All Together
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures easy removal after baking. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, allowing the baking soda and spices to blend well.
In your large bowl, combine the wet ingredients until they are well mixed. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed to avoid overmixing. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture. If you’re adding chocolate chips, gently fold them in with a rubber spatula for an even distribution.
Baking and Cooling
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. The bake time typically ranges from 50 to 60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a cake tester into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean with moist crumbs.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling process helps maintain the loaf’s moisture. For easy storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, ensuring they stay fresh for the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Homemade pumpkin bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm with a spread of cream cheese or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of orange zest or a drizzle of maple syrup.
This bread also makes for a great gift during the fall season. Wrap it in aluminum foil or place it in a decorative box, and you’ll have a thoughtful present that’s sure to impress. Whether for a gathering or a cozy night in, this pumpkin bread is bound to receive rave reviews.
Storing Your Pumpkin Bread
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you plan to enjoy it later, consider freezing slices for a quick treat. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
With its delicious pumpkin flavor and moist texture, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This homemade pumpkin bread features a rich pumpkin flavor enhanced by pumpkin pie spice and is perfect for sharing. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 8 slices. For best results, store any leftovers in an airtight container, and enjoy the next day for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, softened butter, organic brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in chocolate chips and pumpkin seeds with a rubber spatula.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy storage.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: 220kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened (e.g., Earth Balance)
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 min)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin purée, oil, softened vegan butter, brown sugar, white sugar, flax eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in vegan chocolate chips and/or pumpkin seeds, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information (per slice)
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories: ~210 kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, oil, butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in chocolate chips and/or pumpkin seeds if using.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Pour half the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, then pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top and smooth the surface.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (but not through the cream cheese layer).
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Crumb Topping
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 1 cup canned pumpkin or homemade pumpkin purée
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or white whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
Brown Sugar Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, oil, softened butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in pecans and/or pumpkin seeds if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- To make the crumb topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms moist clumps.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check after 45 minutes and loosely tent with foil if the crumb topping is browning too quickly.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes–1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition Information (per slice, approx.)
- Servings: 10 slices
- Calories: ~290 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
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