Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

When the leaves start changing colors and there’s a crisp in the air, nothing says autumn quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice bread wafting through your kitchen. This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in one incredibly moist and flavorful loaf.

Perfect for breakfast with your morning coffee, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to create a bread so deliciously spiced and tender that it will become your go-to autumn baking recipe year after year.

What is “Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread”?

Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is a quick bread that combines the natural sweetness and moisture of pumpkin puree with a perfect blend of warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this is a quick bread that uses baking soda as a leavening agent, meaning you can have fresh bread on your table in just over an hour.

The “easy” in the name comes from its straightforward preparation method – simply mix the wet and dry ingredients separately, combine them together, and bake. No kneading, no rising time, and no complicated techniques required. This makes it perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced ones looking for a reliable, foolproof recipe.

Ingredients List for Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ⅓ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Cook Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is straightforward, but following these detailed steps will ensure you get the perfect loaf every time:

1. Prepare Your Kitchen:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
• Lightly dust the greased pan with flour, tapping out any excess.
• This preparation prevents sticking and ensures easy removal after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
• Add the baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Whisk everything together until well combined and no lumps remain.
• This step ensures even distribution of spices throughout the bread.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate medium bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and eggs until well combined.
• Add the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract.
• Mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform in color.
• Make sure there are no streaks of egg white visible.

4. Create the Batter:

• Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
• Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together.
• Mix just until the flour is incorporated – don’t overmix, as this can result in tough bread.
• The batter should be thick but pourable.

5. Bake the Bread:

• Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
• Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack.
• Allow it to cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
• Serve at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is quite adaptable to different dietary needs and taste preferences:

• Flour: Substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture, or use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for those avoiding gluten.
• Oil: Replace vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor, or use applesauce for a lower-fat option.
• Sugar: You can reduce the total sugar by ¼ cup, or substitute with coconut sugar or maple syrup (reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons if using maple syrup).
• Spices: Create your own spice blend or add ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
• Add-ins: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling Instead of Puree: Always use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the recipe balance.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in dense, tough bread.
• Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Packing flour into the cup can result in too much flour and dry bread.
• Opening the Oven Door Too Early: Resist the urge to check on your bread before the 50-minute mark, as temperature fluctuations can cause the bread to sink.
• Not Testing for Doneness: Always use a toothpick to test the center – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread

This versatile bread can be enjoyed in numerous ways throughout the day:

For Breakfast: Serve slices lightly toasted with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Pair with your morning coffee or a warm cup of chai tea for the perfect autumn breakfast.

As a Snack: Enjoy at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or hot apple cider. The natural sweetness makes it satisfying without being overly indulgent.

For Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar also makes for an elegant presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread

Make your pumpkin spice bread look as good as it tastes with these simple presentation ideas:

• Rustic Charm: Slice the bread and arrange on a wooden cutting board with small bowls of butter, honey, and cinnamon sugar for a farmhouse-style presentation.
• Elegant Touch: Dust the top of the whole loaf with powdered sugar and garnish with a few whole cinnamon sticks and star anise for a sophisticated look.
• Individual Servings: Cut thick slices and plate individually with a light drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds.
• Gift-Worthy: Wrap cooled loaves in parchment paper tied with twine and attach a handwritten recipe card for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

Here are my best tips for ensuring your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every time:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing for better incorporation and a more tender crumb.
• Quality Spices Matter: Use fresh spices for the best flavor – if your spices have been sitting in your cabinet for over a year, it’s time to replace them.
• Don’t Skip the Resting: Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to allow the flour to fully hydrate.
• Test with Multiple Spots: When checking for doneness, test the center and slightly off-center with your toothpick to ensure even baking.
• Cool Completely: Though it’s tempting to slice immediately, letting the bread cool completely will give you cleaner slices and better texture.

How to Store Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread

Proper storage will keep your pumpkin spice bread fresh and delicious for days:

Room Temperature: Wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate wrapped bread for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or toast slices lightly to restore texture.

Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Individual Slices: Pre-slice the bread and freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap. This way, you can thaw just what you need for a quick breakfast or snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?
A: Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes, this bread actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day. The spices meld together, and the texture becomes even more moist.

Q: What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?
A: You can substitute with the same amount of pureed sweet potato, butternut squash, or even applesauce, though the flavor will be different.

Q: How do I know when the bread is done?
A: The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, and the top springs back when lightly touched.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
A: You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup total, but keep in mind this may affect the bread’s moisture and browning.

Q: Why is my bread dense?
A: Dense bread usually results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Mix just until combined and measure flour carefully.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe is everything you want in a fall baking recipe – simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a bread that’s incredibly moist and flavorful, while the straightforward method makes it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re looking to fill your home with the cozy aromas of autumn, need a reliable recipe for holiday gatherings, or want to create thoughtful homemade gifts, this pumpkin spice bread delivers on all fronts. The recipe’s flexibility also means you can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs or personal preferences.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different add-ins and serving suggestions. Most importantly, take time to enjoy the process of baking and the wonderful results. There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of homemade bread with the people you care about. Happy baking!