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September 24, 2025
Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Pumpkin bread is a moist, spiced quick bread that’s perfect for fall baking. Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it has a rich flavour and soft texture just like my Pumpkin Muffins Recipe. Sweet yet comforting, it’s delicious on its own, topped with butter, or even served as a dessert with cream cheese frosting.
In this blog post, you will learn how to make pumpkin bread.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and both sugars together.
Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and whisk together.
Then, add the softened, unsalted butter and mix until combined.
Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients while slowly mixing the wet and dry.
Lastly, add the milk and mix. If using chocolate chips, add them into the batter here.
Pour the batter into a 9”x13” greased loaf pan. Grease with either butter or a non-stick spray.
Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted comes out dry.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
Remove the pumpkin loaf from the pan and continue to let cool on a cooling rack.
Once cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place it in an airtight container or wrap and refrigerate it, where it will last about a week.
Pumpkin bread also freezes beautifully. To freeze your bread, wrap it in plastic and then foil (or place in a freezer bag) and store for up to 3 months.
To enjoy later, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Ingredients
All-Purpose/Plain Flour: all-purpose flour forms the structure of the bread, giving it stability and a soft crumb.
Baking Soda: baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise and remain light.
Cinnamon: cinnamon adds warmth and classic fall spice flavour.
Ginger: ginger brings a subtle kick and depth that complements the pumpkin.
Salt: salt balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavours.
Eggs: eggs provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together.
Granulated Sugar: granulated sugar sweetens the bread and adds lightness.
Brown Sugar: brown sugar deepens the sweetness with a hint of molasses flavour, making the bread rich and moist.
Pumpkin Purée: pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, giving the bread its moist texture, natural sweetness, and signature flavour just like in my Homemade Pumpkin Cookies Recipe.
Unsalted Butter: unsalted butter adds richness, moisture, and a tender crumb.
Whole Milk: whole milk keeps the bread soft and helps blend the flavours smoothly.
Tips
Try adding walnuts instead of chocolate chips for a nutty flavour!
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is easy to make and is a cozy, Fall dessert perfect for cool days. Made with pumpkin puree and spiced to perfection, you are going to love this Fall dessert recipe!
In a medium bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together.
Add the softened unsalted butter to the wet ingredients. Then add the pumpkin puree and mix in well.
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix together. Do your best not to overmix.
Add the milk and incorporate.
Lastly if adding chocolate chips add them here.
Bake for 1 hour or until a knife inserted comes out dry.
Let cool and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information Servings 8Calories 241 Carbs 37g Protein 6g Fat 8gNutritional Information is automatically calculated and should only be used as a guide.
Keyword Pumpkin Dessert, Pumpkin Loaf
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep pumpkin bread moist?
Avoid overmixing the batter and be careful not to overbake the bread. Measuring the flour correctly and using enough pumpkin puree will also help create a soft, moist loaf.
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for pumpkin bread. Make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree rather than canned pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree can be used, although the moisture content can vary. If your puree is particularly watery, drain some of the excess liquid before adding it to the batter.
Can I make pumpkin bread ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin bread is a great make-ahead recipe. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
Can I add nuts to pumpkin bread?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch and pair especially well with the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors.
Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle?
Pumpkin bread can sink if the batter is overmixed, contains too much moisture, or is removed from the oven before it has fully baked. Make sure a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
How do I know when pumpkin bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the pumpkin bread is ready. The top should also look set and lightly golden.
Can I make pumpkin bread without nuts?
Absolutely! Simply leave the nuts out of the recipe. The bread will still be soft, moist, and full of delicious pumpkin and cinnamon flavor.
What can I serve with pumpkin bread?
Pumpkin bread is delicious served warm with butter, cream cheese, honey, or maple butter. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or alongside a cup of coffee.
In this blog post, you learned how to make a homemade pumpkin loaf.