There’s no aroma quite like baking pumpkin bread on a crisp autumn day. That warm, cinnamon-spice scent that fills your home is the true signal that fall has arrived and it’s time for all things cozy. But often, homemade loaves can turn out dry and disappointing.
Here at Viral Food Hacks, we love transforming seasonal favorites into simple, foolproof recipes you can master in your own kitchen. This easy pumpkin bread recipe is our answer to creating a bakery-quality loaf that is unbelievably moist, tender, and packed with flavor. For the ultimate fall combo, pair a warm slice of this bread with our Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe it’s a match made in cozy heaven.
Let’s get into how to make this soft, moist, and flavorful homemade pumpkin bread from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Moist, Tender, and Perfectly Spiced: This is the heart of the recipe. The crumb is incredibly soft and packed with the perfect balance of warm fall spices.
- Made with Real Pumpkin Puree: We use real pumpkin for an authentic, wholesome flavor that shines through in every bite.
- Simple Ingredients & No Mixer Needed: This is a straightforward, one-bowl recipe. You don’t need any fancy equipment to get perfect results.
- Freezes Beautifully: This bread is perfect for making ahead. Bake a loaf (or two!) and freeze it for a delicious treat anytime.
- Completely Customizable: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or a delicious cream cheese glaze. It’s your perfect fall creation!
Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show! Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. According to USDA FoodData Central, pumpkin is a nutrient-rich ingredient packed with vitamins A and C, making this treat both wholesome and delicious.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for our soft bread.
- Brown Sugar and White Sugar: A combination of both gives the bread a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture.
- Eggs: To bind the ingredients together.
- Vegetable Oil: This is the secret to an ultra-moist loaf that stays fresh for days. You can also use melted butter if you prefer.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: To help the bread rise and become light.
- Warm Spices: A classic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this bread its signature fall flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Chocolate chips or chopped walnuts are fantastic additions.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
This is a simple “dump-and-mix” recipe. First, whisk together your dry ingredients (flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and spices) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently combine them until just smooth. The most important tip is: don’t overmix! Overmixing develops gluten and can make the bread tough.
Step 2: Pour and Bake
Pour the finished batter into a greased and floured 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 3: Cool and Slice
This step is crucial! Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing it while it’s still warm can cause it to be gummy and fall apart. Patience is key for that perfect slice!
Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread
- Use Pumpkin Puree, Not Pie Mix: Pumpkin pie mix is already sweetened and spiced, which will throw off the recipe’s balance.
- Don’t Overbake: Check the bread a few minutes early. A slightly under-baked loaf will be moister than an over-baked one.
- Add a Twist: For a decadent variation, swirl some softened cream cheese into the batter before baking, or add a cup of chocolate chips.
- Storage is Key: Store the completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain its moisture.
Popular Variations
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
Gently fold 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter at the very end.
Healthy Pumpkin Bread
For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar instead of white sugar.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
To make this vegan, replace the eggs with two flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water) and ensure you’re using oil, not butter.
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store
Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freeze
This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat
To get that just-baked feeling, warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. It will be warm, soft, and perfect!
Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread (The Moistest Recipe Ever!)
Equipment
- 1 9×5 inch Loaf Pan Standard size is best for this recipe.
- 2 Large Mixing Bowls One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Wire Cooling Rack Essential for cooling the bread properly.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups All-Purpose Flour Spooned and leveled, not packed
- 1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar Can use a mix of white and brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Cloves
- 1 (15-ounce) can Pumpkin Puree Not pumpkin pie filling
- ½ cup Vegetable Oil Or melted coconut oil/butter
- 2 Large Eggs
- ¼ cup Water
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips or Walnuts Optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and water until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Moisture is Key: Using oil is the secret to a super moist pumpkin bread that stays fresh for days.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter only until the flour is no longer visible. Overmixing will result in a tough, dense bread.
- Storage: Store the completely cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just make sure you cook, drain, and puree the fresh pumpkin until it’s very smooth.
How do I make pumpkin bread extra moist?
The key is using oil and being careful not to overbake it. Pull it from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make it without eggs?
Absolutely. You can use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a vegan substitute.
How long does homemade pumpkin bread last?
It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for about 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
What spices are best for pumpkin bread?
A classic pumpkin pie spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is the best for that signature fall flavor.
Conclusion
This homemade pumpkin bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a slice of fall comfort that brings warmth and joy to any occasion. It’s a simple, forgiving recipe that delivers a perfectly moist and flavorful loaf every single time.
Craving more cozy fall flavors? Explore our Best Pumpkin Recipes for Fall, featuring pies, soups, and your favorite pumpkin spice latte!
We’d love to see your creations! Bake a loaf, share it with your loved ones, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @ViralFoodHacks.