Name: Pumpkin Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1–2 tbsp milk or water (optional, for adjusting batter consistency)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin bread is simple to make, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and stays moist for days. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for a casual family breakfast as it does for gifting or holiday spreads. With a deep pumpkin flavor and balanced spices, it’s the kind of comfort food that instantly makes you feel at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pumpkin puree
all-purpose flour
granulated sugar
brown sugar
eggs
vegetable oil
baking soda
baking powder
ground cinnamon
pumpkin pie spice
salt
vanilla extract
milk or water (optional, for adjusting batter consistency)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If the batter seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or water.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard loaf (about 10 slices).
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips before baking.
Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
Mini Loaves: Divide the batter between smaller pans and reduce bake time to 30–40 minutes.
Streusel Topping: Add a brown sugar and cinnamon crumb topping for extra texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh longer. To freeze, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toast lightly if desired.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure it’s well-pureed and not too watery. Drain excess moisture if needed.

Why is my pumpkin bread too dense?

Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until combined.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Yes! Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes.

How do I know when the bread is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut the sugar slightly without affecting the texture too much, but the flavor will be less sweet.

What’s the best way to keep it moist?

Keep it tightly wrapped or in an airtight container to preserve moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double the ingredients and divide between two loaf pans. Adjust the baking time as needed.

Can I add raisins or dried cranberries?

Absolutely! Fold in about ½ cup of your favorite dried fruit.

Do I need to sift the flour?

It’s not necessary, but whisking the dry ingredients well will help avoid clumps.

Why did my bread crack on top?

This is normal for quick breads and occurs as the batter rises and expands during baking.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bread is the ultimate fall comfort food—easy to make, deliciously spiced, and wonderfully moist. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, it’s a versatile recipe that never disappoints. With so many ways to customize and store it, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home.