Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a beloved fall favorite that brings cozy flavors and a moist, tender crumb. This easy pumpkin bread recipe, made with a whole can of pumpkin, delivers the perfect balance of warm spices and natural sweetness. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, as a snack, or as a homemade gift, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your autumn baking routine.

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Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a Must-Try
This pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bake something quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity—there’s no mixer required, and it comes together in just 10 minutes. The use of a whole can of pumpkin ensures a rich, moist loaf, while the warm spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, provide that quintessential fall flavor. If you love pumpkin, this recipe is one you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the bread, creating a soft crumb.
• Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, flavor, and the signature pumpkin taste. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its slightly crisp crust.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the moisture and brings a caramel-like richness to the bread.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the bread a soft texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender. Can be swapped for coconut oil for a different flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor and complements the spices.
• Pumpkin spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger that imparts that familiar, warm fall flavor.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise, ensuring a soft, fluffy loaf.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you prefer a more personalized touch, here are some ingredient swaps you can try:
• Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Chocolate chips: Incorporate up to ½ cup of chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every bite.
• Coconut oil: Use this instead of vegetable oil for a slightly tropical flavor.
• Homemade pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have pumpkin spice, simply mix cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a homemade version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients: Gradually whisk in the flour mixture until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan: Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After about 30 minutes, loosely cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it using the parchment paper. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Tips & Tricks
• Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to avoid a dense texture.
• Check for doneness: Since this bread is dense, a toothpick may not reach the center. Use a cake tester or long wooden skewer for better results.
• Let it cool: Allow the bread to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to ensure the loaf sets properly.
• Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Try it with a spread of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped butter for an extra indulgent treat. You can also add a sprinkle of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on top for a crunchy, Starbucks-inspired twist.
Looking for more variety? Turn this recipe into pumpkin muffins by scooping the batter into muffin tins and baking for about 18 minutes. For an added flavor boost, swirl in some cream cheese before baking to create a decadent pumpkin cream cheese bread.
Health Benefits and Seasonal Joy
Pumpkin is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making this pumpkin bread a wholesome treat for the fall season. It’s an excellent way to enjoy the flavors of autumn while still getting a healthy dose of nutrients. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or as a gift, this pumpkin bread recipe is a delicious and nutritious option that celebrates the best of the season.
By following this easy pumpkin bread recipe, you’ll create a moist, flavorful loaf that is sure to impress. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, it’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is the perfect treat to welcome fall into your kitchen. With a simple set of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a soft, moist loaf of pumpkin goodness in no time. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this recipe ensures success every time. From its rich pumpkin flavor to its cozy spice notes, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead snack for busy days ahead. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this Pumpkin Bread Recipe without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg) or use unsweetened applesauce. These swaps will keep the bread moist and help it rise.
2. How can I make this Pumpkin Bread gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free.
3. How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully cooked?
Since pumpkin bread is dense, it may take longer to cook. Test for doneness using a cake tester or a long wooden skewer. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and packed with warm fall spices. Made with a whole can of pumpkin, it’s simple to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of hands-on time. Perfect for an autumn treat or a homemade gift, this bread offers a rich pumpkin flavor and a soft, tender crumb that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice (or cinnamon)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×5 loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin spice, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the flour mixture until there are no lumps.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover the top with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then remove from the pan using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter, as it can affect the bread’s texture.
- Check for doneness with a long wooden skewer or cake tester since a toothpick may not reach deep enough.
- If you want extra flavor, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or pepitas to the batter.
- This pumpkin bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 412 kcal
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 308mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
