The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall

Nothing says autumn quite like a warm slice of pumpkin bread. With its moist crumb, fragrant spices, and rich pumpkin flavor, this bread is the perfect comfort food for chilly mornings or cozy evenings. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers a foolproof, bakery-worthy result every time.

Why Pumpkin Bread is a Fall Favorite

Pumpkin bread captures everything we love about fall in one bite. The combination of pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates that nostalgic aroma that makes your kitchen smell like autumn. Unlike heavy desserts, this bread is light enough for breakfast yet sweet enough to serve as a treat.

It’s also versatile. You can enjoy it plain, slathered with butter, or dressed up with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a maple glaze. Plus, it makes two loaves, so you’ll have one to enjoy now and one to freeze or gift.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with pantry staples:

• All-purpose flour for structure
• Granulated sugar for sweetness and moisture
• Baking soda and baking powder for a fluffy rise
• Spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for cozy fall flavor
• Salt to balance sweetness
• Eggs for richness
• Oil (vegetable or olive) to keep the crumb soft and moist
• Pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) for that signature taste

Optional add-ins include chocolate chips, raisins, or chopped nuts for extra texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

1. Mix the dry ingredients – Whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
2. Mix the wet ingredients – In another bowl, combine eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree.
3. Combine – Gently mix wet into dry, being careful not to overmix.
4. Bake – Pour into two greased loaf pans and bake at 350°F for about 50 minutes.
5. Cool and serve – Let the bread rest before slicing to lock in the moisture.

Pro tip: Use oil instead of butter—this keeps the bread moist even after refrigeration.

Serving Ideas

Pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile. Try it:

• Warmed with a pat of honey butter
• Spread with cream cheese or almond butter
• Topped with a drizzle of maple glaze
• Paired with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate

It also makes a wonderful edible gift. Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment and tie with twine for a cozy homemade present.

Storage & Freezing

• Store: Keep wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge for 3–5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil or place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Thaw: Let it sit overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread – Stir in a cup of chocolate chips.
• Nutty Pumpkin Bread – Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Cranberry Pumpkin Bread – Mix in dried or fresh cranberries.
• Streusel Pumpkin Bread – Top with a cinnamon-sugar crumb topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Soft and moist every time
• Packed with fall flavor
• Easy, one-bowl prep
• Perfect for freezing or gifting
• Customizable with your favorite add-ins

Pumpkin bread is more than a recipe—it’s a fall tradition. One bite of this sweet, spiced loaf will make you want to bake it all season long. Save this recipe, try it today, and share it with friends. 🍂

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