Posted in

Easy Homemade Pumpkin Bread – Bakery-Style & Delicious 2025

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Nothing says cozy autumn comfort like the sweet aroma of pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen. This ultimate guide will walk you through every step to create a moist, spiced, and utterly irresistible pumpkin bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you’re craving a warm, nostalgic treat. Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing for guests, or simply treating yourself, this pumpkin bread will quickly become a household favorite.


Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread 🍂

  • Ultra-moist with the perfect crumb
  • Filled with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
  • Easy to make with simple pantry staples
  • Versatile with optional mix-ins and toppings
  • Freezer-friendly and perfect for gifting

Ingredients Breakdown

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Why These Ingredients Work

Each component plays a specific role:

  • Pumpkin puree keeps the bread moist and naturally sweet.
  • Butter and oil provide richness and a tender crumb.
  • Brown sugar adds depth and molasses-like flavor.
  • Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang.
  • Spices create the signature warm and cozy flavor.

Equipment Needed

  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk and rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Parchment paper or cooking spray
  • Wire rack
See also  Mastering Croffle (Croissant Waffle) Sandwiches: Tips, Tricks & Delicious Variations 2025

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger

Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk until smooth:

  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar and brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil and melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Greek yogurt

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—this ensures a tender texture.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins

Gently fold in any of your desired additions, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 45 minutes if the top browns too quickly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.


Serving Suggestions 🍁

  • Enjoy warm with a pat of butter
  • Toast and spread with maple butter
  • Top with cream cheese frosting for a dessert-style loaf
  • Pair with a latte or chai tea for the ultimate fall moment

Variations to Try

Gluten-Free Option

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend 1:1 in place of wheat flour.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or applesauce. Swap butter with additional oil.

See also  Healthy Matcha Pancakes with Coconut Whip – Ready in Under 30 Minutes! 2025

Mini Loaves or Muffins

Divide the batter into muffin tins or mini loaf pans. Reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes for muffins.

Streusel Topping

Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle over batter before baking.


Storage & Freezing Tips

Room Temperature:

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Refrigerated:

Keeps fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freezing:

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.


Troubleshooting & Pro Tips 👩‍🍳

Why Did My Pumpkin Bread Sink in the Middle?

  • It may have been underbaked or the batter overmixed.

How Do I Make It Extra Moist?

  • Add a few tablespoons more of Greek yogurt or use applesauce in place of some oil.

Can I Reduce the Sugar?

  • Yes, reduce both granulated and brown sugar by 1/4 cup each for a less sweet version.

Want a More Spiced Flavor?

  • Add a full teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice in addition to or in place of individual spices.

Want a Lighter Version?

  • Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes! Roast or steam fresh pumpkin, puree until smooth, and drain excess water.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg), use dairy-free yogurt, and skip butter.

3. How can I tell when it’s done?

Insert a toothpick—if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

See also  Fluffy Cottage Cheese Waffles – Easy, Healthy & Delicious! 2025

4. Can I add glaze or frosting?

Absolutely. Try a vanilla glaze or a cream cheese drizzle once cooled.

5. Is it okay to add fruit like bananas or apple chunks?

Yes, bananas add sweetness and extra moisture. Apples add texture and flavor.


Nutritional Snapshot (per slice, based on 10 servings)

  • Calories: ~260 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Carbs: 34g
  • Protein: 3g

(Note: Values may vary depending on mix-ins and substitutions.)


Final Thoughts 💬

This moist pumpkin bread is the kind of bake that turns ordinary days into special moments. With its soft crumb, rich pumpkin flavor, and aromatic spices, it’s the kind of treat that brings warmth and joy to everyone who tries it. Perfect for gifting, freezing, or indulging fresh from the oven—this recipe is bound to become a tradition.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *