Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Fall is here, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious slice of homemade pumpkin spice bread. The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blended with pumpkin create a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Whether you're an experienced baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and sure to fill your home with the cozy scent of autumn spices. Read on to learn how to make this easy pumpkin spice bread, perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or even dessert!

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What Is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin spice bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with pumpkin puree and a blend of traditional fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It's a versatile treat that can be enjoyed plain or with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Quick breads are different from yeast breads, as they rely on baking soda or baking powder for leavening instead of yeast, making them quicker and easier to prepare. The result is a tender, cake-like loaf that captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Ingredients List for Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to make your pumpkin spice bread. Most of these items are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up this recipe whenever the craving hits.

• 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup (60ml) water or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients for Variations (Optional)

If you want to elevate your pumpkin spice bread with additional textures and flavors, consider incorporating any of the following optional add-ins:

• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips
• ¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries or raisins
• ¼ teaspoon orange zest (for a citrusy twist)
• A sprinkle of turbinado sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy topping

Substitutions and Variations

Pumpkin spice bread is an adaptable recipe, and you can easily make substitutions based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some simple swaps and variations:

1. Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour mix. Ensure your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
2. Healthier Option: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce the fat content without compromising moisture. You can also substitute coconut sugar or honey for the granulated sugar.
3. Vegan Pumpkin Spice Bread: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg) in place of regular eggs. Substitute almond milk or any plant-based milk for dairy milk, and use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil instead of butter.
4. Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar to ¾ cup or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may slightly alter the texture.
5. Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk, and opt for vegetable oil instead of butter.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making this easy pumpkin spice bread. This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment—just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and a loaf pan.

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and oil (or melted butter). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the pumpkin puree, water (or milk), and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, tough loaf. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the batter at this stage.
5. Pour into the Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
6. Bake: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

To recap, here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the loaf pan by greasing or lining it.
3. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl (flour, baking soda, spices).
4. Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl (sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin, vanilla).
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
8. Let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then cool completely on a wire rack.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a simple recipe like pumpkin spice bread, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bread comes out perfectly:

• Overmixing the batter: Stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, rubbery texture.
• Using too much pumpkin puree: Be sure to measure your pumpkin puree accurately. Too much can make the bread overly moist and heavy.
• Skipping the cooling process: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it. This helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.
• Baking at too high or low a temperature: Always preheat your oven to ensure the bread bakes evenly. Baking at the wrong temperature can cause it to rise unevenly or cook too quickly on the outside while remaining undercooked in the center.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin spice bread is delicious on its own, but with a few extra touches, you can make it truly special. Here are some serving and presentation ideas to impress your family and guests:

• With butter: Spread a little softened butter or cinnamon butter on a warm slice of pumpkin spice bread.
• With cream cheese: A smear of cream cheese, plain or sweetened with a touch of honey, pairs beautifully with the spices in the bread.
• As French toast: Use thick slices of pumpkin spice bread to make an indulgent French toast. Top with maple syrup and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an unforgettable breakfast.
• With a glaze: Drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk) over the top of the bread for a sweet, bakery-style finish.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

Pumpkin spice bread is versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• For breakfast: Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
• For dessert: Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• As a snack: It’s perfect for an afternoon snack or a lunchbox treat for kids.
• For a holiday gathering: Slice it up and serve it as part of a holiday brunch or dessert buffet.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

When serving pumpkin spice bread for a special occasion, presentation can elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:

• Rustic charm: Serve slices on a wooden cutting board with a small bowl of butter or cream cheese on the side.
• Holiday platter: Arrange slices on a festive autumn or holiday-themed platter, garnished with cinnamon sticks or small pumpkins for decoration.
• Gift-worthy: Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie it with twine for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

• Storage: Store leftover pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Add-ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Just be sure to fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
• Double the recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled if you want to make two loaves—one for now and one to freeze for later!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Simply roast or steam the pumpkin, then puree it in a blender or food processor. Be sure to drain any excess liquid before using, as fresh pumpkin puree can be more watery than canned.

Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can pour the batter into a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan. Adjust the baking time to around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

How do I prevent my pumpkin spice bread from being too dry?
Ensure you measure the flour correctly (spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife) and don’t overbake. Adding moisture-rich ingredients like pumpkin puree and oil helps keep the bread moist.

Conclusion

Pumpkin spice bread is a quintessential fall recipe that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. With its moist texture and warm spices, it’s the perfect treat for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a taste of autumn. Whether you follow the basic recipe or add your own personal touches, this bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household. Try this easy pumpkin spice bread recipe today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall in every bite!

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