Pumpkin Bread
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This classic Pumpkin Bread recipe is moist, tender, and packed with warm fall spices—just like the one Mom used to make! It’s an easy recipe that makes two flavorful loaves, perfect for enjoying now and freezing for later.
There’s something about the smell of pumpkin in the fall that is so comforting.The best way to make your house smell this way is by baking a delicious loaf of pumpkin bread! Well, actually this recipe makes two loaves, so you can either share it with a friend, eat two loaves or freeze one of them!
This recipe was my grandma’s and I stole it out of my mom’s recipe cards. Don’t worry, I copied it and left her a copy! Another one of her recipes I’m always sure to make is Zucchini Bread.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This easy pumpkin bread recipe only requires one bowl so clean up is a breeze.
- Makes two loaves so you can enjoy one and share one or freeze the second loaf.
- Tender, moist and delicious pumpkin loaf with the perfect amount of spice.
My go to every year!! So moist and delicious.
Ingredients For Pumpkin Bread
- Flour – Use all-purpose flour for this bread.
- Sugar – We use plain old granulated white sugar.
- Baking soda – This is the rising agent for this yummy bread.
- Salt – Balances the sweetness of this pumpkin bread.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg – These warm spices really enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin puree – Make sure you grab the pumpkin puree in the can not pumpkin pie filling.
- Vegetable oil – Adds moisture and lightens up the crumb. You can also use canola oil, avocado oil or melted, unsalted butter.
- Eggs – Large eggs will bind the bread so it stays together.
How To Make Pumpkin Bread
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin, oil, eggs and water. Add in dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared loaf pans.
- Place loaf pans in preheated oven and bake 60-65 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Allow to completely cool on wire rack.
Pro Tips
- To release the pumpkin loaf from the pan, run a knife along the outer edges of the loaf to loosen it.
- I know it will be difficult to wait, but make sure the bread has cooled slightly before slicing into it.
Storage
Cover your pumpkin bread with plastic wrap or place in a plastic bag once it is completely cool to prevent it from drying out. Pumpkin bread will last 1-2 days at room temperature.
Fridge: Store pumpkin bread in a ziptop bag for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Wrap cooled bread tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap and then place in a heavy duty freezer bag. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or for 30 minutes on the counter before eating.
How Can I Tell When Pumpkin Bread Is Done?
You’ll want to look for the bread to start pulling away from the pan. Another way to test if quick bread is done is to use a toothpick and insert it in the middle of the bread loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
You could also use an instant read thermometer to test the internal temperature, which should be 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why Didn’t My Pumpkin Bread Rise?
If you overfill your loaf pan it may not rise because as the batter reaches the top of the pan, it still needs to rise and then collapses.
Another reason could be that your baking soda is stale. Check your expiration date before baking.
Pumpkin bread will quickly become your new go-to baked loaf this fall season. You’ll have plenty to share since this recipe makes two loaves, or freeze one for yourself for another time!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Pumpkin Bread
Video
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or whisk
Ingredients
- 3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (1 can)
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- ⅔ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare two 5x9x3 inch loaf pans with non-stick spray, set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl combine pumpkin, oil, eggs and water until fully combined. Add dry ingredients and mixed until combined. Spoon evenly into prepared loaf pans.
- Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes and remove from pan to wire rack.
Tips
Nutrition Information
How To Serve Pumpkin Bread
Whether this bread is served as part of breakfast or a midday snack, you’re going to want to pour yourself a nice comforting cup of coffee or tea to go with it.
If your pumpkin bread is part of a breakfast spread, I recommend serving Ham and Egg Cheese Muffins and Cinnamon Roll Waffles. Egg In A Hole is also a great one to whip up in the morning to get everyone ready for the day.
More Great Pumpkin Recipes
- If you still have zucchini to use up from the garden, you will love the combo of pumpkin and zucchini in this quick Pumpkin Zucchini Bread. My favorite part is the cinnamon swirl in the middle!
- Light, fluffy Pumpkin Donuts are rolled in cinnamon sugar, the best way to enjoy a donut! Plus they are ready in 30 minutes.
- For rich dessert lovers, Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars are the perfect choice. This bar is easy to put together and serve a crowd and the unique spiced graham crumb crust screams fall!
- A twist on a classic cinnamon roll, Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are fluffy and flavorful with a cinnamon swirl and covered in rich cream cheese frosting. This is a great recipe for baking beginners and pros alike!
M says
Yummy!
Julie Evink says
Thank you!
Hannah F says
Have you ever tried adding cream cheese in? Could I do this and it turn out the same?
Brooke Kill says
Yes, I think you should be able to add it in.
Johanna says
Made this today, I added some walnut pcs
Still baking as I’m writing this
Julie Evink says
Hope you enjoyed it!
Esther says
Why pumpkin bread came out a very dark color. Not a pu.pkin color like your picture. It was very moist and delicious.
Jacqueline Wilde says
My go to every year!! So moist and delicious.
Sharon says
Julie, Is it possible to use Stevia instead of granulated sugar in these recipes? My son is a type 1 diabetic and would love to eat some of these sweet breads. He is really missing eating some of these recipes.
Julie Evink says
Hi Sharon, I have only baked with the Truvia baking substitute not Stevia. The Truvia works but I’m not sure if he can have that?
sandy says
can you use sweet potato instead of pumpkin?
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry I’ve never tested it with sweet potato.
Willa Hill says
Found this recipe for sweet potato bread.
https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/6666/sweet-potato-bread-i/
Karin says
Absolutely the best and easiest pumpkin bread around!!!
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Karin! Thanks so much for commenting and rating this recipe!
Jane says
Can you make them as muffins?
Julie Evink says
Yes or just use my pumpkin muffin recipe – https://www.julieseatsandtreats.com/pumpkin-muffins/
Paula says
Wonder if I can use unsweetened applesauce in place of oil
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry I have never tested it that way, but if you do I’d love to hear your results!
Melissa Mayer says
Amazingly delicious and super easy!
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Melissa! Thanks for rating and commenting on the recipe!
EMILY S HORNEV says
The VERY BEST EVER!!!! I did add chopped walnuts
Julie Evink says
Wonderful to hear Emily!!