Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make treat to bring a bit of cozy autumn warmth into your kitchen, this Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is the perfect choice. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and featuring the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin, this bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for fall. Whether you're enjoying it with your morning coffee, serving it as a snack, or sharing it at a holiday gathering, this pumpkin spice bread is sure to become a favorite in your household.

this Recipe

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin Spice Bread is a moist, spiced quick bread made with pure pumpkin puree and a mix of aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It’s typically sweetened with sugar or brown sugar and has a dense yet tender texture. This easy recipe comes together without the need for yeast, making it a quick and convenient baked good that’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Enjoy it plain or dress it up with a simple glaze, nuts, or chocolate chips.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pumpkin Spice Bread. Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you might already have everything on hand!

For the Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar for a richer flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a nutty texture)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for added chew and sweetness)

Substitutions and Variations

You can customize this recipe based on your dietary preferences or flavor preferences. Here are some substitution ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour to make the bread gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: This recipe is already dairy-free if you use vegetable oil, but if using butter, replace it with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce the sugar by half or replace it with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener.
• Spice Adjustments: If you don’t have all the individual spices, you can replace them with 1-2 tablespoons of pre-made pumpkin pie spice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s go through the process of making this Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread step by step. It’s a straightforward recipe, perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.

4. Mix the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser texture. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, fold them in gently at this stage.

5. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. You can smooth the top of the batter for an even bake or leave it slightly rustic for a more natural look.

6. Bake the Bread

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

7. Cool the Bread

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 before slicing. This step is crucial for the bread to fully set and for easier slicing.

8. Slice and Serve

Once cooled, slice your Pumpkin Spice Bread into thick pieces and serve! It’s delicious on its own, but you can also spread it with butter, cream cheese, or a simple glaze for added sweetness.

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

Here’s a quick recap of the essential steps to make your Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by greasing and flouring it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in a medium bowl.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix pumpkin puree, oil (or butter), eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense or tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread light and tender.
• Using Too Much Pumpkin: Be sure to measure out the pumpkin puree carefully. Too much pumpkin can make the bread too dense and moist, affecting the texture.
• Underbaking: If your bread looks done on the outside but isn’t fully cooked in the middle, lower the oven temperature slightly and extend the baking time. Check for doneness with a toothpick or cake tester.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin spice bread is delicious as-is, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:

• Cream Cheese Spread: Spread softened cream cheese on a slice of bread for a tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced flavors.
• Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Toast a slice and top it with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a warm, comforting snack.
• Glaze or Drizzle: For added sweetness, drizzle the top of the loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream. You can even add a touch of maple syrup or vanilla to the glaze.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

This Pumpkin Spice Bread is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Serve it warm or at room temperature, with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy treat to enjoy with family and friends. You can also toast slices and serve them with butter or jam for a hearty, comforting breakfast.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here are a few fun and creative ways to present your Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and bake smaller loaves, which are perfect for gifting during the holidays.
• Decorative Topping: Before baking, sprinkle the top of the loaf with cinnamon sugar, chopped nuts, or pumpkin seeds for a pretty and delicious topping.
• Sliced and Plated: Serve the sliced bread on a wooden board or platter, surrounded by fall decorations like mini pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, and colorful leaves.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Pumpkin Spice Bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Measure Flour Properly: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down, which can result in a denser bread.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them into the batter for a smoother, more evenly mixed batter.
• Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Yes! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth. Use the same amount of homemade pumpkin puree as the recipe calls for canned.

Q: How long will pumpkin spice bread last?
A: Pumpkin spice bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the refrigerator if stored in an airtight container. You

can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can double the recipe and either bake two loaves or use a larger baking pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins?
A: Yes! You can pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is the perfect way to bring the warm, cozy flavors of fall into your home. With its tender texture, sweet pumpkin flavor, and blend of warm spices, it’s a delicious and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Follow this simple recipe, get creative with add-ins and toppings, and enjoy a loaf of this autumnal classic with family and friends. Happy baking!

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