This spiced pumpkin bread is a recipe I hold near and dear to my heart, a treasure passed down from my grandmother. Every time I bake it, the house fills with the sweet and spicy aroma of autumn, instantly transporting me back to my childhood kitchen.

It’s incredibly simple to whip up; a little mixing, a little stirring, and about an hour later, you have two perfect, moist loaves. This bread has been a staple at countless family gatherings and neighborhood parties, and it’s just as beloved today. I’m so excited to share this piece of my family’s history with you. You can also enjoy similar comfort with our Boursin Mashed Potatoes Recipe as a side.

Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Bread

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples to create its signature moist crumb and rich flavor. Using the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect texture and taste.

2 cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure for the bread. Spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense loaf.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This leavening agent helps the bread rise and gives it a tender texture.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with the baking soda to provide extra lift.
1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warm, pungent spice note that is essential to the classic pumpkin spice flavor.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a sweet and woody warmth that is a hallmark of autumn baking.
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
1½ sticks (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened: Using softened butter allows it to cream properly with the sugar for a lighter texture.
2 cups sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender, moist crumb.
2 large eggs: Act as a binder and add richness and structure to the bread.
1 (15-oz) can 100% pure pumpkin puree: This is the star of the show. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced.

Note: This recipe yields two loaves, providing several servings for sharing or saving. You can pair it with our Easy Garlic Rosemary Focaccia Muffins Recipe for a lovely breakfast or brunch spread.

Variations

While the classic recipe is a clear winner, there are many ways to customize it to your liking or dietary needs.

Nutty Crunch: Add 1 cup of toasted and chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.
Fruit-Forward: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a touch of tartness.
Glaze It: Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or maple syrup to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled loaves for an extra layer of sweetness.
Spice It Up: For a more intense spice flavor, consider adding ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Cook Time: 65 Minutes
Total Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes

Equipment You Need

Two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans: These are the vessels for baking your two beautiful loaves of pumpkin bread.
Electric mixer (or a large bowl and whisk): Used for creaming the butter and sugar and mixing the batter efficiently.
Medium bowl: For combining all your dry ingredients before adding them to the wet mixture.
Whisk: Perfect for thoroughly blending the flour, spices, and leavening agents.
Wire cooling rack: Essential for allowing air to circulate around the loaves as they cool, which prevents them from getting soggy.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

This recipe comes together with just a few simple mixing steps. The batter is straightforward, ensuring a perfect outcome even for novice bakers.

Prepare the Oven and Pans

First, position an oven rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 325°F. Generously grease and flour your two loaf pans to prevent the bread from sticking. Using a baking spray that contains flour is a great shortcut.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, gather your dry ingredients: the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until they are well combined. This step ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together on medium speed until they are just blended. Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Continue beating for a few minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add the Pumpkin and Flour

Beat the pumpkin puree into the butter and sugar mixture. Don’t be concerned if the batter looks a little grainy or curdled at this stage; this is completely normal. Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between your two prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 65 to 75 minutes. You’ll know the bread is done when a cake tester or wooden skewer inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack. This initial cooling period helps the bread set. Allow them to cool completely on the rack before slicing and serving.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take this already amazing recipe to the next level.

I always recommend using room temperature eggs. They incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a lighter and more even texture throughout the bread.
Don’t overmix the batter once you add the flour. I mix just until the streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender one.
I’ve found that the brand of pumpkin puree can make a difference. I prefer using Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin because it has a consistently thick texture and rich flavor that I can rely on every time.
For an extra crisp crust on day two, I like to toast individual slices in a toaster or a hot pan with a little butter. It brings back that fresh-from-the-oven texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but a few simple touches can make it even more special. Serve warm slices with a generous spread of softened butter or cream cheese. For a more decadent dessert, top a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

When serving to guests, arrange the slices on a rustic wooden board or a festive platter. You can garnish the display with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few whole spices like star anise for a beautiful, aromatic presentation that highlights the cozy flavors of the bread.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for this recipe.

Calories: 166 per slice
Protein: 2 g
Carbohydrates: 26 g
Fat: 6 g

Make Ahead and Storage

This bread stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for preparing in advance.

Properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the pumpkin bread will stay fresh for up to three days. Its crust is crispiest on the first day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the loaves for up to three months. After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it securely in aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To enjoy your frozen bread, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster to restore their fresh-baked texture and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this spiced pumpkin bread has become a cherished favorite.

Incredibly Easy to Make: The recipe involves simple mixing and stirring, with no complicated techniques required. It’s a perfect baking project for all skill levels, delivering impressive results with minimal effort.
Wonderfully Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a bread that is exceptionally moist and bursting with the classic taste of autumn. Each bite is comforting and delicious.
Perfect for Sharing and Gifting: Since this recipe makes two loaves, you have one to enjoy now and one to share with friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a thoughtful and welcome gift, especially during the holiday season.
Freezer-Friendly: This bread freezes exceptionally well, so you can bake a batch ahead of time and have a delicious treat ready whenever you need it. It’s perfect for holiday planning or satisfying a sudden craving.

Ash Tyrrell