Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Craving something warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors? This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is the perfect way to celebrate autumn. With rich pumpkin flavor, warm spices, and a moist, tender crumb, this quick bread is great for breakfast, dessert, or a snack alongside a cup of coffee or tea. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just one bowl and simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just want to get into the fall spirit, this pumpkin spice bread will become your new favorite. Ready to bake? Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin Spice Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s often enjoyed during the fall and winter months when pumpkin-flavored everything is in season! This bread is incredibly easy to make because it doesn’t require any yeast or kneading—just mix, pour, and bake. The result is a soft, spiced loaf that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of autumn.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this easy pumpkin spice bread:

For the Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ¼ cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries

Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up or adjust the recipe for dietary preferences? Here are some ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that works as a 1:1 substitute for regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace the milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy milk alternative. You can also use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of the vegetable oil.
• Add a Streusel Topping: For extra crunch and sweetness, top the bread with a simple streusel made from ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoon melted butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.
• Make it Muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin to make pumpkin spice muffins instead of a loaf. Just reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

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

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves (if using). This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup of pumpkin puree, ½ cup of vegetable oil, ¼ cup of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle extra nuts or chocolate chips on top for a decorative touch.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake 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. If the top of the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for the best texture.
• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the recipe.
• Not Letting the Bread Cool: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. Cutting into it too soon can make it crumbly and hard to slice cleanly.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

• Serve Warm: This bread is delicious when served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: Pumpkin spice bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.
• Top with Cream Cheese: For a more decadent option, spread a layer of cream cheese or cream cheese frosting on top of the bread.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

• Sprinkle with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant touch, dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk or orange juice over the top of the loaf for added sweetness and presentation.
• Decorative Toppings: Add a handful of extra nuts, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds to the top of the loaf before baking for a pretty, bakery-style presentation.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure your eggs and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and ensures an even rise.
• Check for Doneness: Start checking the bread around the 50-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t overbake. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
• Double the Batch: This recipe doubles easily! Make one loaf for yourself and one to share with friends or freeze for later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I freeze pumpkin spice bread?

Yes! Pumpkin spice bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the bread thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

How long will this bread stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, this pumpkin spice bread will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. You should get about 12-14 muffins.

Can I add a glaze to this bread?

Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze (made with powdered sugar and a little milk or orange juice) is a great way to add extra sweetness. You can also drizzle a cream cheese glaze for a richer topping.

What should I do if my bread is too dense?

If your bread turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure the flour correctly (using the spoon-and-level method) and mix the ingredients just until combined.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is a must-have recipe for fall and beyond. With its warm, spiced flavors and moist, tender crumb, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own creative twists, this pumpkin spice bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. So go ahead, bake up a loaf, and enjoy the cozy taste of autumn in every bite!

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