Introduction: There’s something about the warm aroma of pumpkin spice that just feels like fall. Pumpkin spice bread is a favorite seasonal treat that combines rich pumpkin flavor with the perfect blend of autumnal spices. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy pumpkin spice bread recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your recipe box all year long. Follow along as we walk you through each step to create a moist, flavorful pumpkin spice bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack. Read the full article to uncover all the tips, variations, and serving ideas to make this delicious bread perfect every time!

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin spice bread is a soft, moist, and spiced quick bread made with pumpkin puree and a blend of spices commonly associated with the fall season, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This bread captures the essence of autumn in every bite with its warm flavors and tender texture. Not only is it packed with pumpkin, but it also has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a wonderful addition to your seasonal baking list. It’s a versatile recipe that can be made as a loaf, muffins, or even mini-bundt cakes.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

To make the best pumpkin spice bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): The star ingredient that adds moisture and rich pumpkin flavor. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
All-Purpose Flour (1 ¾ cups): This forms the base of your bread, giving it structure.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the spices and pumpkin.
Brown Sugar (½ cup): Provides a deeper flavor and extra moisture.
Vegetable Oil (½ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
Eggs (2 large): Helps bind the ingredients together and adds structure.
Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): This leavening agent helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds an extra lift, ensuring your bread is light and fluffy.
Pumpkin Spice (2 teaspoons): A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, this is the key to that signature fall flavor.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavor of the spices.

Additional Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread (Optional Add-Ins)

If you want to take your pumpkin spice bread to the next level, consider adding these optional ingredients:

Chopped Nuts (½ cup): Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the pumpkin flavor perfectly.
Chocolate Chips (½ cup): For those who love a bit of chocolate, adding semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips can elevate this bread into a decadent dessert.
Dried Cranberries or Raisins (½ cup): These add a sweet and chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft bread.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra creamy touch, you can add a cream cheese swirl by mixing softened cream cheese with a bit of sugar and spreading it into the batter before baking.

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin spice bread is a flexible recipe, allowing for a variety of substitutions and variations to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Flour Substitutions:
- You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and added fiber. Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s meant for baking.
Sweetener Options:
- Instead of granulated sugar, try coconut sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- You can also reduce the sugar if you prefer a less sweet bread, or replace it with honey or maple syrup (just reduce the oil slightly if using a liquid sweetener).
Oil Alternatives:
- Replace the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Applesauce will make the bread slightly denser but still delicious.
Spice Variations:
- If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, you can make your own blend using 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
Egg Substitutes:
- For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or use a commercial egg replacer.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and salt.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: 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.
Add Optional Mix-ins: If using chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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

Cooking pumpkin spice bread is simple, but there are a few key steps to ensure success:

Prepping the Ingredients: Measure everything accurately, especially the dry ingredients like flour. Scooping flour directly from the bag can lead to over-measuring. Instead, use a spoon to scoop the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off with a knife.
Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour, making the bread tough instead of soft and tender.
Baking Time: Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Ovens can vary, so it’s important to start checking around the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from sticking to the pan and allows the bread to firm up slightly before slicing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature, as cold eggs can cause the bread to bake unevenly.
Overmixing the Batter: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can result in a dense, chewy texture rather than a light, tender crumb.
Not Measuring Flour Correctly: Too much flour can make the bread dry. Use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour for best results.
Skipping the Cooling Process: Cutting into the bread too soon can cause it to crumble or fall apart. Be patient and let it cool completely.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin spice bread is delicious on its own, but with a few extra touches, you can make it even more appealing. Here’s how to serve and present it:

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

Plain: Serve slices of warm pumpkin spice bread with a pat of butter for a simple and satisfying treat.
With Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of cream cheese or whipped cinnamon butter for added richness and flavor.
As a Dessert: Serve pumpkin spice bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
Toasted: Lightly toast slices of pumpkin spice bread and serve with a smear of apple butter or maple syrup for a delicious breakfast option.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Garnish with Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle the top of the bread with raw or roasted pumpkin seeds before baking for added crunch and a beautiful presentation.
Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar to give it a bakery-style look.
Mini Loaves or Muffins: Instead of one large loaf, divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. These make great gifts or individual servings.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

Storage: Store pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months.
Moisture Tip: For an extra moist bread, try replacing a small portion of the oil with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of pumpkin spice to suit your personal taste. You can add more for a spicier kick, or reduce it for a milder flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make pumpkin spice bread without sugar? A: Yes, you can reduce the sugar or substitute it with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly.

Q: How do I make this bread vegan? A: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer. Also, make sure to use a plant-based oil instead of butter.

Q: Can I freeze pumpkin spice bread? A: Yes, pumpkin spice bread freezes very well. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I make muffins with this recipe? A: Absolutely! Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Conclusion

Pumpkin spice bread is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves fall flavors. With its moist, tender crumb and warm, spiced pumpkin flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack with your afternoon coffee. Plus, with the variations and substitutions provided, you can customize this bread to your liking. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or even as a base for more elaborate creations, this easy pumpkin spice bread recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking!