The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Cozy Fall Baking

As the leaves change color and the crisp autumn air settles in, there’s nothing better than filling your home with the warm aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as an after-dinner treat, this pumpkin bread is a must-have for the season.

This recipe is simple, full of cozy spices, and makes enough to share (or freeze for later!). Let’s dive into how to make the perfect loaf of pumpkin bread.

🍂 Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

• Perfectly Moist – The combination of pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil creates a rich, tender texture.
• Warm Spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger make this bread taste like fall in every bite.
• Easy to Make – No complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake!
• Makes a Large Batch – Great for gifting, sharing, or saving for later.

🎃 Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious pumpkin bread, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree – Not pumpkin pie filling! Pure pumpkin gives it the best flavor.
• 4 large eggs – Helps bind the ingredients together and gives structure.
• 1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist and soft.
• ⅔ cup water – Enhances the bread’s texture.
• 3 cups white sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread, providing structure.
• 2 teaspoons baking soda – Helps the bread rise properly.
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Gives the bread its signature fall flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves – A touch of spiced intensity.
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger – Rounds out the spice blend with a hint of warmth.

🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans (or use parchment paper for easy removal).

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sugar until smooth.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

4. Mix It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.

5. Bake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Cool & Enjoy

Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

🍁 Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

✔ Use Pure Pumpkin – Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
✔ Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears for a soft, tender loaf.
✔ Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
✔ Add Mix-Ins – Try chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a fun twist!
✔ Freeze for Later – Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

🍂 Serve & Store

This pumpkin bread tastes amazing on its own or slathered with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of maple glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.

Now that you have the best pumpkin bread recipe, it’s time to get baking! Whether you enjoy it as a morning treat or a cozy evening snack, this bread is sure to become a fall favorite.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! 🍁🎃