Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Nothing says fall like the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice, and this Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is the perfect way to celebrate the season. With its moist, tender crumb and fragrant spices, this quick bread is not only simple to make but also packed with autumn flavors. Whether you're enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or serving it up as dessert, this pumpkin spice bread will fill your home with the cozy scent of fall and satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings.

Ready to bake a loaf of pumpkin goodness? Let’s get started!

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin Spice Bread is a quick bread made with pure pumpkin puree and a blend of warm spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Unlike traditional yeast breads, this quick bread is leavened with baking soda and baking powder, which makes it fast and easy to prepare. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for fall. You can enjoy it plain, with butter, or even topped with cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here’s everything you’ll need to make a loaf of Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread:

For the Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

For Serving (optional):

• Butter or cream cheese
• Cream cheese frosting
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust it to suit your preferences:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: This recipe is naturally dairy-free if you use vegetable oil, but you can also substitute the oil with melted coconut oil or another plant-based oil.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a slightly healthier twist, replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the bread.
• Sugar-Free Option: Substitute the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Be sure to adjust the amount according to the product’s sweetness level.
• Spiced Variation: If you love extra spices, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg or add ¼ teaspoon of allspice for an even more aromatic flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make your delicious pumpkin spice bread step by step:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until combined. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
3. Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
2. If you're using any optional mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Step 5: Pour the Batter and Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
3. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve the bread plain or with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough bread. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together until just combined for a light and tender texture.
• Using Pumpkin Pie Filling: Be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced. Using the wrong kind can throw off the flavor and texture of the bread.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing, as cutting into it too early can make the texture gummy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are a few ways to make your pumpkin spice bread even more delicious and presentable:

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top of the loaf with powdered sugar once it’s fully cooled.
2. Serve with Spreads: Pumpkin spice bread is delicious on its own, but spreading a little butter, cream cheese, or even apple butter on top makes it even more indulgent.
3. Add a Glaze: Drizzle a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for a sweet finish.
4. Slice and Toast: For an extra treat, slice the bread and lightly toast it in the oven. Spread with butter or cream cheese for a cozy snack.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

This bread is versatile and can be served in many ways:

• For Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a quick and delicious breakfast.
• As a Snack: Serve it as an afternoon snack with a hot beverage or pack it for a lunchbox treat.
• Holiday Brunch: This bread is perfect for holiday brunches and breakfast gatherings during the fall or winter seasons.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Here are a few creative ways to present your Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• Gift Loaves: Wrap small loaves in parchment paper or place them in decorative bread bags for a lovely homemade gift during the fall or holiday season.
• Mini Loaves: Make mini pumpkin spice loaves in smaller loaf pans or even in muffin tins. They make great party favors or individual servings.
• Festive Toppings: Decorate the top of the loaf with whole pecans or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds before baking for a festive and rustic look.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these tips in mind while making your Pumpkin Spice Bread:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing them in. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter and results in a better-textured bread.
• Check for Doneness: Every oven bakes differently, so start checking the bread at around 50 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices individually, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! Pumpkin spice bread can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make it in advance and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add a cream cheese swirl?
A: Absolutely! To add a cream cheese swirl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla, then layer or swirl it into the batter before baking.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Simply roast a pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a blender until smooth. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the puree before using.

Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled if you want to make two loaves. Simply double all of the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.

Q: Can I make this bread into muffins?
A: Definitely! To make pumpkin spice muffins, divide the batter evenly into a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread is the perfect way to bring the warm, cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this moist, flavorful bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends. With its rich pumpkin flavor, fragrant spices, and soft texture, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make and perfect for the autumn season. Ready to bake a loaf of deliciousness? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice!

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