Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you’re craving cozy fall flavors or just love a simple, moist quick bread, this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe is about to become your new baking obsession. Reminiscent of the best bake-sale treats and family holiday breakfasts, this recipe delivers two luscious loaves brimming with real pumpkin and spice. You’ll love how foolproof it is, whether you’re sharing one loaf with a friend or keeping both for yourself (I won’t judge!). Every bite feels like a warm, spiced hug—especially when served fresh from the oven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simplicity is the secret here: every ingredient in this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe brings a special touch, from rich moisture to sweet aromatic spice. You probably have most of these on hand already, and just wait until the scent fills your kitchen!

• Oil: Choose coconut oil for subtle sweetness or classic vegetable oil for a neutral flavor that keeps every slice perfectly tender.
• Granulated sugar: Brings the right level of sweetness and helps create that dreamy soft crumb.
• Eggs: Three large eggs add wonderful lift and richness—don’t skip them!
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash smooths out all the flavors, adding warmth and depth.
• Solid pack pumpkin: The heart and soul of this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe, real pumpkin keeps the bread ultra-moist and brings that gorgeous orange glow.
• All-purpose flour: A sturdy base that holds everything together and keeps the loaf sliceable.
• Salt: Amplifies the sweetness and spices, making every flavor pop.
• Baking soda and baking powder: This dynamic duo ensures a wonderfully light rise—no dense pumpkin bricks here!
• Ground cinnamon: The classic spice for cozy pumpkin bread—warming, fragrant, and absolutely essential.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves; it brings that unmistakable fall flavor to each bite.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF, the ideal temperature for careful, even baking. Grease and flour two 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pans. For ultimate ease (and picture-perfect loaf removal), line each pan with a strip of parchment paper—just a little step that makes a big difference.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix the oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and pumpkin. It’s honestly so satisfying to see that vibrant pumpkin come together with the golden oil and eggs! Mix until smooth and glossy—this is your flavor-packed powerhouse for the whole loaf.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This quick step disperses all the leavening and spicing evenly, ensuring every bite of your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe sings with warm flavor.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry—But Don’t Overdo It

Add the dry ingredients directly to your pumpkin mixture and stir gently just until you can’t see any more dry flour. Overmixing is the enemy of tender bread, so be gentle! The batter will be thick and richly golden.

Step 5: Divide and Bake

Split the batter equally between your prepared pans and smooth the tops. Slide the pans into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. When a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect), your loaves are done. If the tops brown too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Finish

Cool the bread in the pans for 10 minutes—hard as it is to wait! Then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For an optional flourish, dust the tops with a snowy sifting of powdered sugar. Now try to resist cutting a warm slice!

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Garnishes

This bread looks charming on its own, but a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds elegance in seconds. Try a light glaze of vanilla icing or scatter chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, especially if you want a bakery-style finish. A dollop of whipped cream or a pat of sweet butter never goes amiss, either!

Side Dishes

Serve a thick slice alongside a mug of hot coffee or spiced chai for a perfect fall breakfast. If you want something heartier, pair with a simple fruit salad or tangy yogurt. The gently sweet, spiced flavor even matches beautifully with mild cheeses—think cream cheese or fresh ricotta.

Creative Ways to Present

Because this Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe yields two loaves, it’s perfect for gift-giving! Tie a loaf with twine and a handwritten tag for a neighbor, or slice and wrap individual pieces for lunchbox treats. If you’re hosting brunch, cut the bread into cubes and serve as part of a festive breakfast board with spreads and fresh fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your loaves tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. The bread will stay moist and delicious for up to three days, making mornings extra special.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap each loaf in a layer of plastic, then foil, and tuck into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and enjoy like you just baked it!

Reheating

For that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop the loaf back in the oven (covered loosely with foil) at 300ºF for about 10 minutes. The fragrance alone is worth it!

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree your pumpkin until smooth, then measure out an equal amount (2 cups). Be sure to drain any excess liquid for the best texture in your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

What’s the difference between pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon?

Pumpkin pie spice is a cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, which adds extra warmth and complexity. Ground cinnamon is one component—using both ensures a balanced, aromatic result.

Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle?

Most often, underbaking or overmixing is the culprit. Always check with a toothpick before removing from the oven, and mix batter just until combined to keep your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe beautifully domed.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Stir in up to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture. Your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe will be even more decadent.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. It may alter the texture slightly, but the bread will still turn out moist and delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe just might become your new kitchen tradition, offering comfort, flavor, and sharing opportunities all season long. Bake a batch, savor the first slice, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked for the recipe—after all, the best treats are meant to be shared!

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