Pumpkin Bread Recipe (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jessica Robinson · This post may contain affiliate links

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Pumpkin Bread is incredibly moist, plenty of pumpkin flavor, pumpkin spice, makes two loaves and ready in about an hour. Anyone can successfully make this pumpkin bread recipe using canned pumpkin along with basic pantry ingredients.

This pumpkin quick bread is a breeze to whip together in one bowl- no mixers required in about 10 minutes! And the loaves get even more delicious the second day!

I developed this pumpkin bread recipe nearly 20 years ago and it’s one of our most cherished family recipes.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (1)

This quick bread recipe is flavorful and moist pumpkin bread that’s perfect for fall. Moist pumpkin bread recipe is one that anyone can make and ready to go into the oven in less than 10-minutes!

If you LOVE pumpkin, you’ll have to try this pumpkin bread recipe! It’s one of our most loved fall recipes! I’ve been making this quick bread for years and it’s one of our absolute favorites! Also try our Pumpkin Cake that’s made in a 9×13-inch pan.

Looking for a great fall drink for entertaining? Be sure and try our Apple Cider Sangria and Holiday Punch.

Why this recipe works

  • Made in one bowl – Easy to make pumpkin bread all mixed together in ONE bowl.
  • Uses simple ingredients – You’ll find most of the ingredients for this pumpkin bread recipe readily available in your local grocery store.
  • Prep ahead of time– Make this old fashioned pumpkin bread a day ahead of time. It’s the type of quick bread that becomes even more moist the second day.

What you’ll need

  • Pumpkin– Use canned pumpkin or mashed pumpkin. Just be careful not to buy pumpkin pie mixture, as that is already pre-seasoned.
  • Granulated sugar – Adds some sweetness to the mashed pumpkin.
  • Granulated maple sugar – The granulated form of pure maple syrup. Adds a unique flavor to this recipe. (Note: Do not substitute maple syrup as it will change the formulation of this recipe!) Order it here!
  • Eggs – We always use large eggs in our baking recipes and be sure to let them come to room temperature.
  • Vegetable or canola oil – Adds plenty of moisture to this pumpkin spice bread.
  • Cinnamon and Nutmeg– Warm spice of cinnamon and nutmeg adds plenty of fall pumpkin spice flavor to this quick bread recipe.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (2)

I first made this pumpkin bread recipe for the sugar house years ago. I’ve perfected it over the years. And whether you call it pumpkin pound cake or pumpkin bread- anyone who loves pumpkin spice agrees, it’s delicious!

Every time you make this pumpkin bread recipe, you will get perfect, super soft, moist pumpkin bread with tons of spiced pumpkin flavor! Just like Starbucks pumpkin loaf.

  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Apple Hand Pies
  • Pumpkin Donuts
  • Pumpkin Waffles
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (7)

Granulated maple sugar is the granulated form of pure maple syrup. If you can’t find it locally or order it on Amazon. Maple sugar is delicious on buttered toast, French Toast, in your coffee, and sprinkled on bacon before you cook it in the oven.

If you are looking for the perfect pumpkin bread recipe – you’ve found it! Simple ingredients and super easy to make this delicious pumpkin cake!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (8)

How to make Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread recipe is super simple to prepare! You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and one bowl.

  • Combine the ingredients – Mix granulated sugar, maple sugar, mashed pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla, sifted flour, baking soda, spices, and salt in a large mixing bowl with a whisk or an electric hand mixer.
  • Pour into loaf pans – Pour the batter evenly into two (9×5-inch) loaf pans lined with paper liners.
  • Bake – Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 60 minutes. Test with a toothpick when inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool – Let the loaves of pumpkin bread cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or adding cream cheese frosting.
  • Make cream cheese frosting (if desired) – Make cream cheese frosting. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside as the pumpkin bread cools. Or simply dust with powdered sugar.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (9)
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (10)
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (11)

Loaf pan liners are a life-saver! I keep them in stock all the time for any loaf cakes Coffee Cake, Banana Bread, Lemon Loaf Cake or Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake. Pound cakes and banana bread come out like a breeze with these babies!

Paper pan liners help get cakes out of loaf pans easily. Order them here.

Tips for Baking

  • Remember each oven is different. It’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  • Place the loaf pans on a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Should any cake batter fall on the sheet pan, clean up is easy.
  • Carefully turn the cakes half way through the baking process. Be very careful not to move the pans too much or you chance the cakes falling.
  • Let cakes cool completely before removing them from the loaf pans. Loaf pan liners are a life-saver.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe (12)

This Pumpkin bread is deliciously moist with just the right flavors of pumpkin spice. It’s the kind of cake that gets even more moist the second day.

Be sure and try my Homemade Banana Bread too! This time of year I love anything apple or pumpkin, including Apple Fritters, Apple Hand Pies, Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkin Waffles, and Pumpkin Donuts.

Recipe FAQs

How do you know when pumpkin bread is done?

Check the middle of the loaf with a toothpick. A toothpick when inserted comes out clean. Pumpkin bread typically develops a crack in the top of the loaves. That’s where you can insert the toothpick to check doneness.

Can I freeze pumpkin bread?

Yes! Wrap the entire loaf in a twist tie bag and plop in the freezer. Or, wrap slices individually well with plastic wrap and freeze. It will last in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How do you defrost a loaf of pumpkin bread?

Thaw a loaf of pumpkin bread by removing it from the freezer and simply placing it on a clean dry kitchen cloth or paper towels on your kitchen counter. There is no need to remove it from the plastic bag. It should thaw completely in a few hours.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (13)

Pumpkin cake topped with cream cheese frosting or simply dusted with powdered sugar is the perfect fall dessert. Place the frosted cake in the fridge to set the frosting or just indulge right away!

These cute little pumpkin candies can be found at Walgreens or Food Lion in the seasonal aisle. Or order them on Amazon.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (14)

More Fall Desserts

  • Apple Fritters
  • Apple Pie
  • Apple Hand Pies
  • Banana Bread
  • Banana Muffins
  • Caramel Apple Pie
  • Caramel Apples
  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Pumpkin Cake
  • Pumpkin Donuts
  • Pumpkin Pie

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5 from 8 votes

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (15)

PrintRate this Recipe

Pumpkin Bread

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Homemade Pumpkin Bread is made with canned pumpkin, sugar, maple sugar, and simple spices.

Course: Breakfast or Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 2 loaves

Calories: 2372kcal

Author: Jessica Robinson

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bread

  • 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup granulated maple sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 2 cups mashed pumpkin
  • 4 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • ½ cup vegetable shortening
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 2-3 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

Pumpkin Bread

  • Mix the granulated sugar, maple sugar, mashed pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla, sifted flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt in a large mixing bowl with a whisk or an electric hand mixer.

  • Use a spatula to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl occasionally.

  • Pour the batter evenly into two (9×5-inch) loaf pans lined with paper liners.

  • Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 60 minutes. Test with a toothpick when inserted comes out clean.

  • Let the pumpkin bread cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, fresh whipped cream and a dusting of ground cinnamon.

  • Or, if you prefer. Make cream cheese frosting and spread it on top of each loaf.

Recipe Notes

Pumpkin Bread:

You can used canned pumpkin for this recipe!

Cupcakes:

Fill cupcake paper liners ⅔ full. Bake at the same temperature for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick when inserted comes out clean.

Bundt Cake:

This recipe will make one Bundt cake. Bake about 60 minutes or until a toothpick when inserted comes out clean.

Make Ahead:

This can be prepped a day ahead of time. Wrap in a twist tie baggie or cover with plastic wrap. Can be left on the counter or placed in the fridge if it’s hotter temperatures outside.

Nutrition

Calories: 2372kcal | Carbohydrates: 354g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 95g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Cholesterol: 486mg | Sodium: 1534mg | Potassium: 931mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 241g | Vitamin A: 39503IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 12mg

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Disclosure: As an Affiliate Marketer, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a product affiliate link on A Farmgirl’s Kitchen and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you! Iown every cooking product I recommend and love how they perform.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carolyn White says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (16)
    Absolutely the best, softest, and moistest pumpkin bread ever!! I used pumpkin from my freezer and didn’t have maple sugar so I added maple extract and the cup of granulated sugar. Perfect with a cup of coffee!!

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Thank you so much Carolyn!!! What a great swap out for granulated maple sugar!

      Reply

  2. Caroline says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (17)
    oh my goodness!! this is delicious!! I added mini chocolate chips and made it in a greased and floured Bundt pan. it’s so light… definitely one of our new favorites…thank you for the recipe!!

    Reply

  3. Cheryl says

    I can’t afford almost $50 for maple sugar. Is there something I can substitute?

    thank you

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Granulated maple sugar is about $20 for a very large container. It never goes bad if kept properly in a cool, dry place like your pantry. Should you not want to invest in that, you can substitute sugar in the raw or brown sugar.

      Reply

  4. Lynne says

    What is maple sugar?

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Lynne,
      Maple sugar is the granulated form of pure maple syrup. You can substitute it anywhere a recipe calls for granulated sugar or brown sugar and it won’t change the makeup of the recipe because it’s still dry.

      Reply

  5. Crissy Benton says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (18)
    This is by far the best Pumpkin Bread recipe I have ever made! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Thank you so much Crissy!! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it so much!

      Reply

  6. Cindy says

    Hi Jessica. I would love to try this recipe! Is the nutritional information listed for the entire amount, or per loaf? Thank you

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      The calories/nutritional information is for 2 loaves of pumpkin bread. You’ll likely get 6-8 slices per loaf, depending on how thick you slice it.

      Reply

  7. Sue Calderon says

    I don’t see where the nutmeg and cloves are added.

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Sue,
      I’ve added those into the directions. They are all mixed together with the dry ingredients.

      Reply

  8. Donna says

    Can you add the amount of baking soda neededto your recipe?

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      thanks Donna for noticing that! I appreciate you letting me know!
      It’s 2 teaspoons baking soda. I’ve updated the recipe.

      Reply

  9. Kathleen D says

    I’m going to make this with butter since I no longer buy oil other than coconut or olive. Where does one find maple sugar?

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Kathleen,
      I’d recommend sticking with oil. I prefer canola but coconut might work. I would NOT use butter in this particular recipe.
      You can click on the link within this recipe and order maple sugar right on Amazon.

      Reply

  10. Julie says

    Can you use canned pumpkin in this recipe. Thank you

    Reply

    • Jessica Robinson says

      Julie,
      ABSOLUTELY! That’s what I use in this recipe!

      Reply

  11. Jamie says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (19)
    This pumpkin pound cake looks so moist! I’d love to have a slice for this with my morning tea!

    Reply

  12. Jess says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (20)
    Oh my goodness! Cutest pumpkin cake ever! What a delicious combo of pumpkin and pound cake! Two of my favorites!

    Reply

  13. Sara Welch says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (21)
    What a delicious recipe and perfect for fall! Looking forward to enjoying this all season long!

    Reply

  14. Katie says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (22)
    So moist and the perfect pumpkin flavor. Made this for a party and it was a hit!

    Reply

  15. Andrea Metlika says

    Pumpkin Bread Recipe (23)
    Pumpkin pound cake looks amazing. I could eat this as breakfast too!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Pumpkin Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you put too much pumpkin in pumpkin bread? ›

You might think you could overcome the lack of flavor by adding more pumpkin purée to your recipe, but you'd be mistaken: By the time you've added enough purée to taste it, your baked good would have a soggy texture on account of all that moisture.

Why is my pumpkin bread not moist? ›

Try cutting the amount of flour, or adding more milk. It's also possible your oven was too hot, or you baked the pumpkin bread for too long. Try reducing the oven temperature and cutting the baking time.

How do you know when pumpkin bread is done baking? ›

So, to know when pumpkin bread is done, look for the crack on the top of the bread, which is a tell-tale sign it's either done or close to being done. Then stick a skewer or toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it's ready to come out of the oven.

Is pumpkin bread supposed to be dense? ›

Pumpkin bread, like most quick breads, is dense and heavy. Most recipes call for about an hour of baking time. Sometimes a quick bread will look golden brown around the sides and edges of the pan but it might not be completely baked on top.

What happens if you use too much baking soda in pumpkin bread? ›

Here's what could happen if you use too much baking soda: Bitter Taste: Excessive baking soda can leave a bitter taste in the bread. Baking soda is alkaline, and an excessive amount of it can result in an unpleasant flavor. Unpleasant Texture: Too much baking soda can lead to a coarse and crumbly texture in the bread.

What are the side effects of too much pumpkin? ›

When taken by mouth: Pumpkin is likely safe when eaten in foods. It is possibly safe to take pumpkin seed or pumpkin seed oil in medicinal amounts. Side effects from pumpkin products are rare, but might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.

Why did my pumpkin bread come out gummy? ›

If your pumpkin spice bread is gummy or undercooked in the center, it's typically because it either 1) needed more time to bake in the oven or 2) the batter was too wet, which led the bread to collapse in on itself a bit (this happens if you measure ingredients by volume, rather than by weight: it's easy to ...

Why is my pumpkin bread so heavy? ›

Pumpkin bread can become dense if there is not enough hydration or wet ingredients in the recipe. Another cause is overcooking the bread which can cause it to dry out. Remember, it's always easy to keep cooking if it isn't done but impossible to take cooking time back.

How can I make my bread more moist? ›

Fats keep your bread moist. If your loaf was too dry, try adding a tablespoon or two more oil next time you make it. Likewise, water does more than hydrate your dough. It helps yeast do its thing, activates gluten and determines the volume of your loaf—all crucial for the right results.

How long does it take to bake bread at 350? ›

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Bake bread for about 30-33 minutes, or until golden brown on top. Give the top of a loaf a gentle tap; it should sound hollow. Invert the baked loaves onto a wire cooling rack.

Can I Rebake undercooked pumpkin bread? ›

It is pretty simple to salvage an undercooked bread and create a decent loaf. Heat the oven to 350 F, return the bread to the oven, and bake for another 10 to 20 minutes. This will work even if the loaf has cooled, which is similar to par-baking bread.

What temperature should I bake my pumpkin? ›

For a 2-3 pound sugar pumpkin (also called a pie pumpkin), we like to bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 Celsius) for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the skin is tender when pierced with a fork. Let the pumpkin cool slightly before handling.

How do I make my bread fluffier? ›

Add Sugar

Adding sugar weakens the gluten structure, absorbs water, and eventually makes the bread lighter and softer. As a result, sugar improves the bread's taste, structure and texture. Yeast also eats up sugar to produce carbon dioxide, which raises the dough and makes bread fluffy.

How many cups is a 15 oz can of pumpkin? ›

How Many Cups in a Can of Pumpkin, Really? Fifteen ounces of canned pumpkin is just shy of 2 cups (16 ounces would be 2 cups). By comparison, a 3-pound pie pumpkin will likely give you enough puree for a recipe that calls for a can of pumpkin.

Why does my pumpkin bread fall apart when I cut it? ›

You will have less luck with a low-fat recipe or one that is high in sugar. Ones with a lot of mix-ins like nuts, chips, crumble etc. tend to fall apart more easily than a pumpkin bread that has less texture.

How does pumpkin affect baking? ›

Not only does pumpkin purée act as a sweetener, a creamy moisturizer, and a fat substitute in everything from muffins to soup — but it also tastes delicious in everything! But because canned pumpkin is unlike any other baking ingredient, it tends to be mistreated in recipes.

Is there such thing as too much pumpkin? ›

Pumpkin is very healthy and considered safe for most. However, some people may experience allergies after eating pumpkin (32). It's also considered mildly diuretic, which means eating a lot of pumpkin may induce a “water pill”-like reaction, increasing the amount of water and salt your body expels through urine (33).

What does pumpkin replace in baking? ›

SUPERFOOD SWAP

Using nutritious pumpkin instead of eggs, oil and butter is a delicious way to feel good and enjoy the recipes you love.

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