Homemade pumpkin bread is a cozy, moist, fragrant treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This recipe is incredibly simple, uses common ingredients, and yields a delicious loaf packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread recipe will soon become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start baking your pumpkin bread.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan
Before mixing any ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking your bread evenly.
Next, prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Spray it well with a non-stick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This lining helps the bread release easily from the pan after baking and keeps the loaf intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the 1½ cups of all-purpose flour. To this, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice — this is what gives the bread that signature warm, spicy flavor, reminiscent of classic pumpkin pie.
Then mix in ½ teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients help the bread rise perfectly and balance the sweetness and moisture for the right texture.
Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Begin by whisking the pumpkin puree and sugar together until smooth. Then pour in the vegetable oil and continue whisking. The eggs should be cracked separately into a small bowl first to avoid any shell pieces, then added to the mixture one at a time, whisking well after each. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
This combination should be smooth and uniform, a rich orange color with a slightly glossy surface.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. It’s best to add it gradually and gently fold it in using a spatula or wooden spoon rather than vigorous mixing with a whisk. Over-mixing can develop gluten in the flour and make the bread tough rather than tender.
Make sure you combine just until no dry flour pockets remain. The batter should be smooth and thick but pourable, with a lovely pumpkin color speckled by the spices.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Place the pan in your preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 60 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again every 5 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Remove from Pan
Once baked, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This rest period allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
After 15 minutes, carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife or thin spatula and lift the bread out using the parchment paper edges. Place the loaf on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before slicing.
Tips and Variations
- Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to keep the flavor neutral and sweeten with the sugar as specified. You can make your own puree by roasting a small sugar pumpkin for a fresher taste.
- Spices: If you like more spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves along with the pumpkin pie spice.
- Add-ins: For texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Storage: Store the pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin bread is delicious served slightly warmed with butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for an autumnal snack or breakfast.
Essential Equipment Guide
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient (per serving, approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Values estimated for 8-10 servings based on standard pumpkin bread profiles from similar recipes.
Pairings
- Hot coffee or chai for breakfast
- Whipped cream as a dessert topping
- Cream cheese spread for extra richness
- Vanilla ice cream for a warm-cold contrast
Variations
- Add chocolate chips to the batter for sweetness
- Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
- Use whole wheat flour partially for a healthier twist
- Swirl in cream cheese filling for a stuffed version
Recipe Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-80 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
This homemade pumpkin bread recipe is straightforward, quick to prepare, and creates a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with seasonal spices and pumpkin goodness. Following these steps will help you bake a perfect loaf every time, filling your kitchen with cozy fall aromas and delighting family and friends with a classic treat.
Enjoy your baking adventure and the delicious results of this pumpkin bread recipe!
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How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Bread: A Step-by-Step Recipe
Homemade pumpkin bread is a cozy, moist, fragrant treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This recipe is incredibly simple, uses common ingredients, and yields a delicious loaf packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread recipe will soon become a household favorite.
- Total Time: 1 Hr 35 Mins
Ingredients
- 1½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup pumpkin puree
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Pan
Before mixing any ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven reaches the perfect temperature for baking your bread evenly.
Next, prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Spray it well with a non-stick cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This lining helps the bread release easily from the pan after baking and keeps the loaf intact.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, add the 1½ cups of all-purpose flour. To this, add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spice — this is what gives the bread that signature warm, spicy flavor, reminiscent of classic pumpkin pie.
Then mix in ½ teaspoon each of baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients help the bread rise perfectly and balance the sweetness and moisture for the right texture.
Set this bowl aside for now.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients:
- ½ cup pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
- 1½ cups sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Begin by whisking the pumpkin puree and sugar together until smooth. Then pour in the vegetable oil and continue whisking. The eggs should be cracked separately into a small bowl first to avoid any shell pieces, then added to the mixture one at a time, whisking well after each. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
This combination should be smooth and uniform, a rich orange color with a slightly glossy surface.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture. It’s best to add it gradually and gently fold it in using a spatula or wooden spoon rather than vigorous mixing with a whisk. Over-mixing can develop gluten in the flour and make the bread tough rather than tender.
Make sure you combine just until no dry flour pockets remain. The batter should be smooth and thick but pourable, with a lovely pumpkin color speckled by the spices.
Step 5: Pour Batter and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Place the pan in your preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for about 60 minutes. Around the 50-minute mark, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and check again every 5 minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Remove from Pan
Once baked, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This rest period allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
After 15 minutes, carefully loosen the edges with a butter knife or thin spatula and lift the bread out using the parchment paper edges. Place the loaf on a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 Mins
- Cook Time: 1 Hr 20 Mins
