This moist pumpkin bread is light, tender and full of warm spices. It’s a simple one-bowl recipe that doesn’t require a mixer and takes only 10 minutes to make – perfect for a lazy fall or winter morning.
I didn’t grow up eating pumpkin in desserts, so it wasn’t until later in life that I began adding it to baked goods. Like anything with sugar, I immediately fell in love with the moisture pumpkin adds and how it complements some of my favorite warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether it’s pumpkin cupcakes or pumpkin pie, you can bet that I’ll love it!
This pumpkin bread recipe is similar to my favorite pumpkin muffins and is a perfect Thanksgiving dessert idea. I’ve added in some cloves to make the perfect pumpkin spice blend and switched the milk for sour cream to give it an extra rich crumb (milk will still work fine). Just like in my easy banana bread or applesauce bread, the fruit adds moisture to the cake and makes it tender without becoming too dense.
This easy pumpkin bread is the recipe I keep coming back to anytime I’m craving something sweet with warm spices. It doesn’t require a mixer and comes together in minutes, giving you time to prepare for the busy holiday season.
How to make pumpkin bread
The best pumpkin bread recipe has to have the perfect spice blend. I use a combination of my favorite warming spices – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves – and brown sugar to give this moist pumpkin bread the perfect flavor and crumb. Brown sugar not only adds even more moisture, but also gives the pumpkin spice bread a caramel note that highlights the warm spice and pumpkin.
The actual pumpkin bread recipe is so simple to make.
- Start by whisking together your dry ingredients, which helps make sure the spices and baking soda are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, mix the eggs with the sugar, then add in the oil. Once combined, add in the pumpkin puree and sour cream, whisking just until combined.
- Then, add the dry ingredients in two additions. Be careful not to over mix the batter, as this will lead to a dense bread instead of the soft and tender crumb you’re looking for. I like to use a rubber spatula for this step, which allows you to combine the ingredients by folding them in gently and produces the least amount of gluten, which is what can make the bread dense.
Baking the pumpkin bread
Pour the pumpkin bread batter into a greased pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the pumpkin spice bread starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes and continue baking. I bake with this gorgeous non-toxic loaf pan from Caraway because the cake releases like butter from the perfect non-stick sides. (affiliate link)
Now comes the hard part, waiting for it to cool. This moist pumpkin bread smells incredible as it bakes, but it needs to cool and firm up before you cut into it. This pumpkin bread actually becomes more moist as it rests over time, which means it’s even better the second day (if you have any left by then).
The pumpkin spice bread can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving so it’s perfectly soft and moist. It can also be frozen and thawed overnight, so I like to double the recipe and always have some extra whenever the pumpkin spice craving hits.
Can I add chocolate chips to my pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! This is actually the way I prefer to eat (while it is delicious on its own). If you want to add chocolate chips, mix in ⅔ of a cup to the final batter before baking.
With a moist and tender crumb and a flavor that is full of warm spices, this pumpkin bread rivals some of my other favorite quickbreads, like my Nutella banana bread. With cold weather around the corner, warm up with a slice of this pumpkin bread and a warm cup of hot cocoa or mulled apple cider.
Why is my pumpkin bread dry?
If your pumpkin bread turns out dry, it’s mostly likely due to:
- Measurement inaccuracy. Make sure to measure all ingredients exactly. The best way to ensure the best results for your pumpkin bread is by weighing your ingredients.
- Overbaking. Overbaking your pumpkin bread will dry it out because it causes the moisture to evaporate. Make sure not to exceed the baking time and that your oven is set to the right temperature. Because oven temperatures vary based on make and model, you can also purchase an oven thermometer to get an accurate reading of how hot your oven is.
- Overmixing. Overmixing the pumpkin bread batter will produce more gluten than desired, creating a more tense, tough, and dry bread. Fold the ingredients together with a rubber spatula only until everything is incorporated.
More of my favorite pumpkin recipes:
- Pumpkin Pie: This perfect pumpkin pie has a flaky, buttery crust and is filled with a smooth and creamy pumpkin custard filling.
- Pumpkin Muffins: These pumpkin muffins are so moist and tender and full of those delicious, warm fall spices.
- Pumpkin Scones: Crumbly, delicate scones full of fall flavors, topped with sticky maple glaze.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: A fall twist on classic cheesecake. Creamy and rich, mix up your Thanksgiving dessert repertoire with this crowd pleasing pumpkin cheesecake.
- Pumpkin Cookies: Soft and cake-like, these magical pumpkin cookies are drizzled with a sticky maple glaze.
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ⅔ cups (230g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light (or dark) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable or canola oil
- 1 ½ cups (340g) pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, I use canned)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream (or whole milk)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C. Grease a 9×5 inch pan.
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In a large bowl whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar and brown sugar until combined. Add oil and whisk until combined. Add pumpkin puree and sour cream and whisk until combined. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture and mix gently just until combined.
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Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. To prevent the bread from browning too much while baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil, about halfway through baking. Allow to cool in pan on a wire rack.
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Keep the bread in the fridge for up to 5 days, but make sure to serve it at room temperature so it’s soft and moist when served. The bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
Lynn Meadows says
There are two things that I love in the Fall and Winter season… It’s baking and Pumpkin recipes =)
I made this the other day and it was so delicious thank you Shiran. Your instructions were so easy to follow.
Alicia says
Delicious and super easy to make. One of the best recipes I’ve ever tried!
Minu says
Baked the pumpkin bread today. It was delicious and the neighbours dropped flowers for the yummy bread!
Tracy says
Can you substitute melted butter for the canola oil?
Shiran says
It would change the flavor and texture, but it would work 🙂
MJ says
Diabetic friendly version: This must be easy b/c even MINE came out ultra moist and delicious. EVERYONE loves it. This may be the best thing I have made. About to make several more. I have to watch my sugar so I subbed 2/3 cup of garbanzo bean flour for 2/3 of the wheat flour to boost protein and reduce carb content; used fresh-milled hard white wheat for the other cup. Used Truvia brown sugar and splenda granules for sweetener (went slightly light on sweetener too).
Lin Bogobowicz says
I have been searching for the best pumpkin loaf recipe for years and this recipe is THE ONE. It was so good I couldn’t stop eating it. The instructions for not over-mixing & over-baking were super helpful. The sour cream made it so moist. I have a feeling I will be making more pumpkin bread soon. So yummy!
Talia @ Pretty. Simple. Sweet. says
So happy you enjoyed this recipe, Lin! Pumpkin bread is my weakness in the fall 🙂
Jessica says
I have made this twice now and as somewhat of a pumpkin bread connoisseur – this is the best recipe I have ever made. The last time I made it, I used a silicone spatula to very lightly turn over my dry ingredients into wet, just until combined. This gave the best results vs using a large metal spoon, the loaf came out dryer with the spoon. If you will be consuming the loaf within 2-3 days I would recommend leaving it wrapped up on the counter. I refrigerated one of my loaves and it ruined the taste/texture.
Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. says
Hi Jessica, thank you for your lovely comment! So glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Marie R. says
If I don’t have sour cream, can I use greek nonfat yogurt instead?
Stephanie @ Pretty.Simple.Sweet. says
Hi Marie, you can. Using a yogurt without reduced fat will produce a better flavor. I prefer using plain Icelandic yogurt from the Siggi’s brand when substituting for sour cream. I personally don’t like the baking results from using a nonfat sour cream either. Whatever your preference will be fine because the oil provides enough fat in this bread recipe anyway. 🙂 Hope this helps.