Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Brown Sugar and Spice

Pumpkin Bread
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Pumpkin bread is the quintessential autumn comfort food that transforms your kitchen into a cozy sanctuary filled with warm spices and irresistible aromas. Picture this: it’s a crisp October morning, golden leaves are dancing outside your window, and you’re craving something that captures the very essence of fall in every bite. That’s exactly what this incredible pumpkin bread recipe delivers – not just one loaf, but five gloriously moist and spiced loaves that will have your family and friends begging for the secret.

There’s something magical about baking homemade pumpkin loaf that goes beyond just following a recipe. It’s about creating memories, filling your home with warmth, and sharing the joy of fall’s most beloved flavors. This easy pumpkin bread recipe has been perfected to ensure every single loaf comes out perfectly moist, beautifully spiced, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another pumpkin bread recipe – it’s your ticket to becoming the neighborhood’s unofficial fall baking champion. What makes this moist pumpkin loaf so special is its perfect balance of warm spices and incredibly tender crumb that stays fresh for days. The secret lies in the careful ratio of pumpkin puree to butter, creating that coveted moisture that makes each slice absolutely divine.

I discovered this best fall bread recipe during a particularly hectic autumn when I needed to bring treats to five different events in one week. Instead of stressing about multiple recipes, I decided to perfect one amazing spiced pumpkin bread that could work for everything from school bake sales to elegant dinner parties. The result? This foolproof quick pumpkin loaf recipe that consistently delivers bakery-quality results every single time.

Looking for the perfect complement to your fall baking? Explore more quick & easy dinner recipes here to create complete autumn meals that pair beautifully with freshly baked bread.

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to create these five spectacular loaves of homemade pumpkin bread:

Dry IngredientsAmountWeight
All-purpose flour (spoon and level method)1 ¾ cups220g
Baking soda1 teaspoon
Salt¾ teaspoon
Cinnamon2 teaspoons
Ground ginger¼ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg¼ teaspoon
Ground allspice¼ teaspoon
Wet IngredientsAmountWeight
Large eggs (room temperature)2
Granulated sugar1 ¼ cups248g
Pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)1 ½ cups341g
Butter, melted8 tablespoons (1 stick)113g
Milk¼ cup57g

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples that combine to create something truly extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor that makes this the ultimate fall comfort food.

Craving more seasonal meal inspiration? Find more delicious lunch ideas here to round out your autumn menu planning.

Step-by-Step Directions

Creating these five magnificent loaves of pumpkin bread is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfect results every time:

Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease five mini loaf pans or two standard 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice until evenly combined. This ensures your spices are distributed perfectly throughout your pumpkin bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add granulated sugar and mix until well combined. Stir in the pumpkin puree, melted butter, and milk until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous.

Step 4: Create the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until combined – overmixing will result in tough bread instead of the tender, moist texture we’re aiming for.

Step 5: Fill and Bake
Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans, filling each about ¾ full. Bake mini loaves for 35-40 minutes, or standard loaves for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the loaves to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This patient cooling process helps maintain the perfect moisture level in your finished pumpkin bread.

Exact Timing to make Pumpkin Bread

Here’s your complete timeline for baking success:

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 35-40 minutes (mini loaves) or 55-65 minutes (standard loaves)
  • Cooling Time: 10 minutes in pan, 30 minutes on rack
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours
  • Active Time: 25 minutes

The key to perfectly timed pumpkin bread is having all ingredients at room temperature before you begin. This simple step reduces mixing time and ensures even baking throughout each loaf.

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional profile of your homemade pumpkin bread helps you enjoy this fall treat as part of a balanced diet:

NutrientPer Slice (1/12 of loaf)% Daily Value
Calories1859%
Total Fat6g9%
Saturated Fat3.5g18%
Cholesterol45mg15%
Sodium220mg10%
Total Carbohydrates32g12%
Dietary Fiber2g7%
Total Sugars21g
Protein3g6%
Vitamin A4,200 IU84%
Vitamin C3mg5%
Iron1.2mg7%
Potassium180mg4%

The pumpkin puree in this recipe provides exceptional amounts of beta-carotene (converted to Vitamin A), which supports eye health and immune function. Each slice also contains beneficial antioxidants from the warm spices, making this pumpkin bread both delicious and nutritionally valuable.

Healthier Alternatives

Transform your Pumpkin Bread into a more nutritious treat with these smart substitutions that maintain incredible flavor:

Original IngredientHealthier AlternativeBenefitsSubstitution Ratio
All-purpose flourWhole wheat pastry flourHigher fiber, more nutrients1:1 replacement
Granulated sugarCoconut sugar or maple syrupLower glycemic index, minerals¾ cup coconut sugar or ½ cup maple syrup
ButterGreek yogurt or applesauceReduced fat, added protein½ cup for butter replacement
Whole milkUnsweetened almond milkLower calories, dairy-free1:1 replacement
Regular eggsFlax eggsVegan option, omega-3s2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water

Additional Nutritional Boosters:

  • Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for healthy omega-3 fatty acids
  • Include 2 tablespoons chia seeds for extra fiber and protein
  • Substitute half the flour with almond flour for increased protein content

These modifications ensure your pumpkin bread becomes a guilt-free indulgence that supports your wellness goals without sacrificing the warm, comforting flavors that make fall baking so special.

Looking for more seasonal treats? Explore more delicious Desserts here to complete your autumn baking repertoire.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Comfort Pairings: Serve warm slices of pumpkin bread with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for the ultimate fall breakfast experience. The combination of creamy butter melting into the moist bread creates an irresistible texture that pairs beautifully with morning coffee or spiced chai tea.

Elegant Dessert Presentation: Transform your pumpkin bread into an sophisticated dessert by serving it with a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans. This elevated presentation makes it perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings where you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Make-Ahead Breakfast Solutions: Toast day-old pumpkin bread and top with cream cheese and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds for a quick, nutritious breakfast that provides sustained energy throughout busy mornings. This combination offers the perfect balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Batter: The most frequent error when making pumpkin bread is mixing the batter too vigorously or for too long. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they’re incorporated – lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in dense, tough bread instead of the tender, moist texture you’re seeking.

Incorrect Oven Temperature: Many home bakers rush the process by increasing oven temperature, but this leads to pumpkin bread that’s burnt on the outside and raw in the center. Always preheat your oven fully and use an oven thermometer to verify accuracy, as many ovens run hot or cold, affecting your final results.

Skipping the Cooling Process: Removing pumpkin bread from pans too early or cutting into it while still warm might seem tempting, but this causes the structure to collapse and creates gummy texture. Allow proper cooling time – your patience will be rewarded with perfectly sliced, beautifully textured loaves.

Storing Tips

Room Temperature Storage: Store your freshly baked pumpkin bread at room temperature for up to 4 days by wrapping each loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place wrapped loaves in an airtight container to maintain optimal moisture levels and prevent the bread from drying out or absorbing other flavors.

Freezer Storage for Long-Term: Pumpkin bread freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped. Double-wrap each loaf in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags with all air removed. Label with the date and thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to enjoy – the texture and flavor remain virtually unchanged.

Refrigeration Guidelines: While not necessary, refrigerating pumpkin bread extends its life to about one week, making it ideal for meal prep or when you want to keep loaves fresh for gift-giving. Wrap tightly and allow to come to room temperature before serving, or toast lightly to restore that just-baked warmth and texture.

FAQs

How do I know when my pumpkin bread is perfectly baked?

Your pumpkin bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched. Additionally, the edges will start to pull slightly away from the sides of the pan, and the internal temperature should reach 200°F when measured with an instant-read thermometer.

Can I make pumpkin bread ahead of time for special occasions?

Absolutely! Pumpkin bread actually improves in flavor after resting for 24 hours, making it perfect for advance preparation. Bake your loaves up to 3 days before your event and store them wrapped at room temperature, or freeze them up to one month ahead. This make-ahead quality makes it an ideal choice for holiday gift-giving or party planning.

What’s the secret to achieving extra moist pumpkin bread every time?

The key to incredibly moist pumpkin bread lies in using the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients and not overbaking. Ensure your pumpkin puree is at room temperature, measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing, and remove the bread from the oven as soon as the toothpick test passes. Additionally, allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing helps redistribute moisture evenly throughout each loaf.

Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle or turn out dense?

Dense or sunken pumpkin bread typically results from overmixing the batter, using expired leavening agents, or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Always check that your baking soda is fresh (replace every 6 months), mix ingredients just until combined, and resist the urge to peek until at least 75% of the baking time has passed. Proper oven temperature and accurate measurements also play crucial roles in achieving perfect texture.

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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread


  • Author: julia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours
  • Yield: 5 mini loaves or 2 standard loaves 1x

Description

Bake up the taste of fall with this irresistibly moist pumpkin bread, rich with brown sugar and warm spices. Perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, this easy pumpkin bread recipe is the ultimate autumn comfort food. A must-try for anyone who loves recipes for dinner or seasonal baking recipes quick and easy.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ¼ cups (248g) granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ cups (341g) pumpkin puree
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) melted butter
  • ¼ cup (57g) milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease five mini loaf pans or two 9×5-inch loaf pans. Line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice until combined.
  3. In another bowl, beat eggs until smooth. Add sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and milk. Stir until smooth.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, folding gently until just mixed. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide batter evenly among pans, filling each about ¾ full. Bake mini loaves for 35–40 minutes or standard loaves for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Ensure ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for even baking. This pumpkin bread stays moist for days and can be frozen for up to three months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 230
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: pumpkin bread, fall baking, recipes quick, recipes for dinner


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