If you’re looking for that perfect fall treat that’s not only packed with autumn flavor but also incredibly simple to make, then you’re in for a treat. I’m sharing my Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe that’s become a cozy classic in my kitchen. It’s one of those recipes where you don’t have to fuss, yet the results are absolutely fan-freaking-tastic — soft, tender, and fragrantly spiced. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, you’ll find this pumpkin bread hits all the right notes every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Bowl Wonder: You only need one bowl for the whole recipe, so cleanup is a breeze.
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the balance of oil and pumpkin puree, it stays soft for days.
- Classic Fall Spice Blend: A warm mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that makes your kitchen smell amazing.
- Crowd Favorite: My family can’t get enough, and I bet yours will go crazy for it too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This easy moist pumpkin bread recipe uses simple pantry staples that all work together to create that soft crumb and rich flavor you want from your pumpkin bread. Here’s a little guide to the key ingredients I love to use and why they matter.
- All-purpose flour: The base of our bread, providing structure without weighing it down.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a beautiful crust.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leavening agents are the secret to that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the warm flavors.
- Spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, allspice): The ultimate fall spice blend that’s fragrant and comforting.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a mellow sweetness that brings everything together.
- Eggs: Bind the bread and add moisture—you want these at room temperature for best results.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Milk: Adds moisture and helps the bread stay tender.
- Canola or vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft even after a few days.
Variations
I love making this pumpkin bread my own by switching up add-ins or adjusting spices. Feel free to personalize it to fit your taste or dietary needs — it’s a recipe that embraces creativity!
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: When I first tried adding a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips, my family went nuts! It adds a lovely melty surprise in each bite.
- Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a delightful crunch and pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures like flour, and you’ll still get a moist, tender crumb.
- Lower Sugar: If you prefer it less sweet, just reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup — I’ve done this and it still tastes amazing.
How to Make Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Dry Ingredients Upfront
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grab a large bowl and whisk together your flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those cozy spices. Taking this step first ensures that your spices are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
Make a little well in the center of your dry mix, then add your eggs, oil, milk, pumpkin puree, and that splash of vanilla. Whisk the wet ingredients just for about 30 seconds until combined — you want them blended, but don’t overwork it here!
Step 3: Fold Wet into Dry and Pour
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry just until everything is moistened — a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can make your bread dense, so keep it light. Then, line a loaf pan with parchment paper (this trick makes clean-up and removal SO easy) and pour in your batter.
Step 4: Bake with Care for Moist Perfection
Bake the loaf for 30 minutes uncovered. Then tent it loosely with foil to prevent the top from over-browning — I discovered this trick after several burnt crust attempts! Continue baking for about 20 more minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing to keep it from falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temp helps them mix better, resulting in a lighter crumb.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: I’ve learned that folding lightly keeps the bread soft and airy instead of tough.
- Tent the Bread Mid-Bake: Covering with foil halfway ensures your loaf has a tender golden top without burning.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg pack a punch and make the flavor shine brighter.
How to Serve Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I often like to add a light spread of butter or cream cheese on a warm slice — it melts in perfectly and adds just the right creamy touch. For a festive flair, a drizzle of maple glaze or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top elevates the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai latte or coffee for breakfast or snack time. If I’m serving it as part of brunch, a fresh fruit salad or a smear of ricotta with honey on the side really rounds out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays, I’ve wrapped individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine and a cinnamon stick—such a charming way to gift pumpkin bread! Or, stack thick slices on a rustic platter surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts for an inviting fall centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually wrap my leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days — it stays moist and fresh that way. If you want it to last longer, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge works well too.
Freezing
If I bake extras (which happens often, because it disappears fast!), I slice the loaf first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. They freeze beautifully and thaw quickly for a quick snack or breakfast treat.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the toaster oven for just a couple of minutes until warm. It revives that fresh-baked softness without drying it out. A quick spread of butter or cream cheese afterwards is always a winner.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this easy moist pumpkin bread recipe, just make sure you’re using pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. Pure pumpkin gives you the best texture and authentic flavor.
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How can I make this pumpkin bread dairy-free?
You can easily swap the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and the oil keeps the bread moist, so you won’t miss butter. This tweak keeps the bread deliciously moist and perfect for those with dairy sensitivities.
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Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dry?
Dry pumpkin bread usually happens if the batter gets overmixed or the bread is baked too long. Make sure to fold the wet and dry ingredients gently until just combined, and keep an eye on your oven so you can pull it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
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Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Adding a half cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips can be a fun way to customize this easy moist pumpkin bread recipe. Just fold them into the batter right before pouring it into your pan.
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How long does this pumpkin bread keep fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this easy moist pumpkin bread recipe has become such a staple in my home — especially as the leaves start to turn and the air cools down. It’s comforting, not fussy, and perfect for sharing with friends or sneaking a slice for yourself with a cup of coffee. I’m confident that once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to fall recipes too. So grab that can of pumpkin, and let’s get baking!
Print
Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bread is a perfect autumn treat that’s simple to make and packed with warm spices. Using pantry staples like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this recipe yields a tender loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dry ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Mix wet ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the eggs, canola oil, milk, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Whisk the wet ingredients together for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare the loaf pan and bake: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the pumpkin bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, loosely cover the loaf pan with tin foil to prevent the top from over-browning. Continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your moist, spiced pumpkin bread!
Notes
- This pumpkin bread is incredibly moist and full of warm autumn spices, making it perfect for fall occasions.
- The recipe uses just one bowl, making cleanup easy and the prep hassle-free.
- Using parchment paper to line your loaf pan ensures your bread will come out cleanly without sticking.
- Covering the bread with foil halfway through baking prevents excessive browning while ensuring it’s baked through.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for variation if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/16 of the loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg