Name: Perfect Pumpkin Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée; 4 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 cup neutral oil (e.g., extra virgin olive oil); 1 tablespoon bourbon or vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon fine salt; 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided; Oil or baking spray, for preparing pans

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A classic fall favorite, this pumpkin bread is moist, tender, and infused with warm spices. With its perfect balance of sweetness and pumpkin flavor, this recipe makes two delicious loaves that are ideal for enjoying at home, sharing with friends, or freezing for later enjoyment.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin bread recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The batter comes together quickly, requiring just basic baking skills, while the finished bread offers that perfect combination of moist interior and slightly crunchy top. The aromatic spices fill your home with the quintessential scent of autumn as it bakes. Plus, making two loaves at once means you can enjoy one now and save the other for later or share it with someone special. It's an excellent way to use up canned pumpkin and creates a versatile treat that works as breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin purée provides moisture and that distinctive earthy flavor that makes this bread so special. Be sure to use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.

Eggs bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread while contributing to its rich texture. Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter.

Neutral oil creates incredible moisture and tenderness in the finished bread. While the recipe suggests extra virgin olive oil, any neutral cooking oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil works beautifully.

Bourbon or vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile. Bourbon brings a subtle caramel note, while vanilla offers its classic sweet aroma.

Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps create that slightly crisp top crust when sprinkled over the batter before baking.

Dark brown sugar adds moisture and a rich molasses flavor that complements the pumpkin perfectly. The combination of white and brown sugars creates a complex sweetness.

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread. The recipe uses a relatively high ratio of wet to dry ingredients, resulting in a moist loaf that still holds its shape.

Baking soda and baking powder work together as leavening agents to help the bread rise properly. The combination ensures the perfect texture.

Salt enhances all the flavors in the bread and balances the sweetness. Don't skip this crucial ingredient!

Pumpkin spice brings the signature warm, aromatic flavor profile that makes pumpkin bread so irresistible. This blend typically includes cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice.

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9x5-inch loaf pans with oil or baking spray. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar in each pan to coat the bottom evenly.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, bourbon or vanilla, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice until well blended.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking to incorporate. Once mostly mixed, stir by hand for an additional 50 strokes to ensure a smooth batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining sugar over the tops of each loaf for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each loaf comes out clean.
Remove the loaves from the oven and carefully turn them onto a cooling rack. Let the loaves cool completely before slicing. The flavors will develop even more if you wait until the next day to enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 standard 9x5-inch loaves, yielding approximately 16 slices (8 per loaf). Each slice contains about 280 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling time)

Variations

Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or pepitas to the batter for texture and nutty flavor.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate-pumpkin combination.

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread: Instead of sugar, top the loaves with a simple streusel made from ½ cup brown sugar, ½ cup flour, 4 tablespoons cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Cream Cheese Swirl: Reserve 1½ cups of batter. To the remaining batter, add 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 egg, and ¼ cup sugar (mixed together). Layer the batters in the pans and swirl with a knife.

Glazed Pumpkin Bread: After cooling, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Keep the bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration: To extend freshness, store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature before serving or lightly toast slices to refresh.

Freezing: This bread freezes exceptionally well. Wrap cooled loaves or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil or place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thawing: Thaw frozen bread overnight in the refrigerator or for several hours at room temperature while still wrapped.

Reheating: If desired, reheat individual slices in a toaster or toaster oven until just warm. You can also microwave slices for 10-15 seconds to restore their soft texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée, but ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture. Cook and puree a sugar pumpkin, then strain through cheesecloth for several hours to remove excess water before measuring the amount needed.

Why is my pumpkin bread dense or gummy?

Dense or gummy bread usually results from overmixing the batter or inaccurate measurements. Follow the mixing instructions carefully, and ensure your leavening agents (baking soda and powder) are fresh.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar by up to 25% without significantly affecting the texture, though it will be less sweet. The sugar contributes to moisture and tenderness, so reducing it further may result in drier bread.

What can I use instead of pumpkin spice?

Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 teaspoons ground ginger, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice. Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already include it for better texture.

How can I tell when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The bread should also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top should feel firm when gently pressed.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of loaves?

Absolutely! Fill muffin cups about ⅔ full and bake at 350°F for approximately 18-22 minutes. This recipe should yield about 24 standard-sized muffins.

Why do you recommend stirring the batter 50 times by hand?

This specific mixing technique ensures the gluten is properly developed for structure while preventing overmixing. It creates the perfect texture—not too dense but still moist and tender.

Why should I wait until the next day to slice the bread?

Allowing the bread to rest overnight gives the flavors time to meld and develop. The texture also improves as the moisture distributes evenly throughout the loaf, making it easier to slice cleanly.

Conclusion

This Perfect Pumpkin Bread recipe embodies everything we love about fall baking—warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and that comforting aroma that fills your home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and reliability; it consistently produces moist, flavorful loaves that please everyone from picky eaters to discerning bakers. Whether you're enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, serving it as an afternoon treat, or wrapping it as a heartfelt gift, this pumpkin bread delivers that perfect taste of autumn in every bite. The dual loaves make it practical for families or for sharing, while the make-ahead potential means you can always have this seasonal favorite ready when the craving strikes.