Pumpkin Spice Bread - The Cozy Autumn Treat to Share This Holiday Season

This easy Pumpkin Spice Bread recipe is moist, flavorful, and perfect for all your fall gatherings.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes · Serves: 10 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Quick Answer:

This Pumpkin Spice Bread is made by combining pumpkin puree with warm spices, baking until a toothpick comes out clean, and enjoying its lovely aroma that fills your kitchen.

Introduction

As the leaves begin to turn and the light outside softens, there's a bustling energy in New York City that only comes with the arrival of fall. I love taking long walks in Central Park, the crunch of fallen leaves beneath my feet, and the cozy warmth of a café where the scent of spiced pumpkin muffins lingers in the air. With Thanksgiving and the winter holidays right around the corner, I find myself eager to bake something that captures the essence of this season. That's where my Pumpkin Spice Bread comes in-a recipe that's as comforting as a warm hug and perfect for sharing with friends and family during this joyful time.

This bread is not just another baked good; it's filled with rich, autumnal flavors and has a texture that makes it irresistibly moist. Whether you're hosting a holiday brunch or simply want to enjoy a slice while curled up with a good book, this bread is destined to become a favorite in your home.

A Cozy Fall Favorite

When the temperatures drop, nothing beats a warm slice of Pumpkin Spice Bread fresh from the oven. It's the perfect accompaniment for a warm beverage or as a delightful gift to bring to holiday gatherings.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Moist: The addition of pumpkin puree ensures each slice is tender and full of flavor.
• Spiced Just Right: The warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove make this bread a seasonal delight.
• Easy to Make Ahead: A perfect recipe to whip up when hosting or as a treat for unexpected guests.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with cream cheese, or as a part of your holiday spread.
• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap it in parchment and tie it with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

This recipe is incredibly simple, making use of just a few pantry staples.

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread (Step-by-Step)

Ready to fill your kitchen with amazing aromas? Let's get started!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. This helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until well combined. The fragrant spices will remind you of the warmth of fall.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract. The bright orange hue is already so inviting!

Step 4: Combine and Pour

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix! Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As the bread bakes, the nutty aroma of the spices fills your home, evoking the warmth of autumn. Once done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: This will result in a dense bread instead of a light, fluffy one.
• Not Measuring the Pumpkin Correctly: Too much moisture can cause the bread to be overly soggy.
• Skipping the Greasing Step: This can lead to a sticky situation when trying to remove the loaf from the pan.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices give a much stronger flavor than pre-ground.
• Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Chopped walnuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips can add texture and richness.
• Check Your Oven: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early.

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water.
• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for a gluten-free version.
• Additional Flavoring: Toss in some dried fruit like cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.

How to Serve

• Serve slices warm with a pat of butter.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream cheese for a decadent treat.
• Include it in a holiday brunch spread alongside other dishes (See also: Simple Garlic Roasted Green Beans).

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: This bread can be made up to 2 days in advance.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15 seconds or until heated through.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

I've made this Pumpkin Spice Bread numerous times, and I always appreciate how the flavors deepen as it rests. I also learned that sharing it with friends makes it taste even better-there's something special about gathering over homemade treats during the holiday season.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 1 loaf · Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~180 calories · 2g protein · 29g carbs · 7g fat

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just ensure it is cooked and pureed until smooth.

How long does this bread last?
It stays fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, and you can freeze it for later enjoyment.

Can I make mini loaves instead?
Absolutely! Just adjust baking times to about 30-40 minutes depending on your oven.

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