As a child, I remember the comforting aroma of my grandmother’s kitchen, where her culinary magic transformed simple ingredients into memories. Every fall, when the leaves turned golden and the air turned crisp, she would whip up her famous Pumpkin Spice Bread. The way she poured love into every loaf—measuring cinnamon with a wink and a smile—made her recipe more special. It wasn’t just about the bread; it was about family gatherings where laughter mingled with the sweet scent of spices. This cherished recipe brings that warmth to every home it graces, making it perfect for the season when we gather together to celebrate.
This Pumpkin Spice Bread is not only a delicious treat, but it also conjures the joy and comfort of autumn. The rich pumpkin flavor combined with aromatic spices and a tender crumb creates a slice of heaven that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything mixed in one bowl.
- Kid-Approved: A hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for lunchboxes.
- Moist & Flavorful: Infused with warm spices that embrace the spirit of fall.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in another bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Combine
- Stir until just combined—resist the urge to overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth.
Pour and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Variations
- Add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for extra texture.
- Spices: Adjust the spice blend to your taste; add more cinnamon for warmth or skip the cloves for a milder flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or use a dairy-free milk alternative.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 200
- Servings: 10 slices
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can! Just ensure the pumpkin is well-pureed and not too watery. -
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use applesauce or melted coconut oil for a healthier option. -
Is there a gluten-free version?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. -
How do I know when the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Enjoy this Pumpkin Spice Bread with a warm cup of chai or coffee for a delicious breakfast. Pair slices with cream cheese frosting or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert.
Final Thoughts
As you bake this delightful Pumpkin Spice Bread, I hope it brings the same love and warmth to your home as it did for mine. I encourage you to share your own versions of this recipe or leave a comment about your memories associated with fall baking! Cooking is a beautiful way to connect to our roots and share joy with others. Happy baking!
Print
Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Total Time: 85
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful Pumpkin Spice Bread infused with warm spices, perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices in another bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Stir until just combined—resist the urge to overmix! The batter should be thick but smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For extra texture, stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins. Adjust spices to your taste, and consider dairy-free options.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 70
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg