Cozy Pumpkin Bread For Snacking

Warm up your autumn dessert table with Pumpkin Bread, a cozy loaf rich with cinnamon and nutmeg. Creaming softened butter with both sugars creates a tender, moist crumb, while canned pumpkin puree keeps it perfectly spiced and fragrant. This classic treat is ideal for sharing after dinner or enjoying with a cup of tea on a crisp afternoon.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating your perfect spiced quick bread with pumpkin puree. I always lay everything out on the counter before I start—it makes the whole process feel like a comforting rhythm.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the bread, creating that perfect tender crumb.
• Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
• Baking Powder – Works with the soda to give it that lovely lift.
• Salt – A must to balance out all the sweetness and spice.
• Ground Cinnamon – This cozy spice is essential for that classic pumpkin bread flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it.
• Ground Cloves – Just a pinch brings a hint of earthiness.
• Ground Ginger – Lends a subtle zing that complements the pumpkin.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and richness.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brings a touch of caramel-like flavor to the bread.
• Eggs – At room temperature for smoother incorporation into the batter.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash enhances all the other flavors.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree – Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Buttermilk – Also at room temperature, for moisture and a tender crumb.

Cook Time for Moist Pumpkin Bread

One of the things I love most about this baked autumn loaf with warm spices is how the baking time fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and then just over an hour letting the oven work its magic.

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	60 minutes
Total Time	75 minutes

If you’re looking for more quick and satisfying fall baking ideas, you might also enjoy our easy pumpkin muffins—they’re perfect for on-the-go mornings.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Making this easy homemade spiced pumpkin loaf is one of my favorite weekend rituals. There’s something so grounding about mixing the spices and watching the batter come together. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dust the pan with flour to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until the mixture is uniform and no clumps remain. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Mix in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring the batter remains thick and slightly lumpy—do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years of making this classic fall dessert bread recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even more special. Here are my favorite ways to personalize this beloved treat.

• Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor profile, try using ¾ cup of coconut oil instead of butter. It adds a subtle tropical note that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
• Diet Tweak: If you’re exploring healthier options, you can successfully make this into a gluten-free pumpkin bread by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Texture Fix: For an extra moist buttermilk pumpkin quick bread, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They provide a wonderful crunch in every bite.
• Storage Tip: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For more smart storage ideas, check out our guide to healthy baking recipes that keep well.

Warm up your autumn dessert table with Pumpkin Bread, a cozy loaf rich with cinnamon and nutmeg. Creaming softened butter with both sugars creates a tender, moist crumb, while canned pumpkin puree keeps it perfectly spiced and fragrant. This classic treat is ideal for sharing after dinner or enjoying with a cup of tea on a crisp afternoon.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward creating your perfect spiced quick bread with pumpkin puree. I always lay everything out on the counter before I start—it makes the whole process feel like a comforting rhythm.

Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – The base of the bread, creating that perfect tender crumb.
• Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
• Baking Powder – Works with the soda to give it that lovely lift.
• Salt – A must to balance out all the sweetness and spice.
• Ground Cinnamon – This cozy spice is essential for that classic pumpkin bread flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg – Adds warmth and depth—don’t skip it.
• Ground Cloves – Just a pinch brings a hint of earthiness.
• Ground Ginger – Lends a subtle zing that complements the pumpkin.

Wet Ingredients

• Unsalted Butter – Softened to room temperature for easy mixing and richness.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brings a touch of caramel-like flavor to the bread.
• Eggs – At room temperature for smoother incorporation into the batter.
• Vanilla Extract – A splash enhances all the other flavors.
• Canned Pumpkin Puree – Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Buttermilk – Also at room temperature, for moisture and a tender crumb.

Cook Time for Moist Pumpkin Bread

One of the things I love most about this baked autumn loaf with warm spices is how the baking time fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and then just over an hour letting the oven work its magic.

Cook Time

Step	Time
Prep Time	极 minutes
60 minutes
Total Time	75 minutes

If you’re looking for more quick and satisfying fall baking ideas, you might also enjoy our easy pumpkin muffins—they’re perfect for on-the-go mornings.

How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Making this easy homemade spiced pumpkin loaf is one of my favorite weekend rituals. There’s something so grounding about mixing the spices and watching the batter come together. Let’s walk through it step by step.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, then lightly dust the pan with flour to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients极

In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until the mixture is uniform and no clumps remain. Set the bowl aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Mix in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, ensuring the batter remains thick and slightly lumpy—do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks

Over the years of making this classic fall dessert bread recipe, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even more special. Here are my favorite ways to personalize this beloved treat.

• Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor profile, try using ¾ cup of coconut oil instead of butter. It adds a subtle tropical note that pairs wonderfully with the warm spices.
• Diet Tweak: If you’re exploring healthier options, you can successfully make this into a gluten-free pumpkin bread by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Texture Fix: For an extra moist buttermilk pumpkin quick bread, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They provide a wonderful crunch in every bite.
• Storage Tip: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For more smart storage ideas, check out our guide to healthy baking recipes that keep well.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

One of the joys of baking with real ingredients is knowing exactly what you’re enjoying. This homemade Pumpkin Bread recipe offers more than just comfort. Pumpkin brings its own set of wonderful qualities to the table, including vitamins and fiber.

I often get the question, “Is pumpkin bread good or bad for you?” The answer, like with most things, lies in balance and ingredients. Our recipe uses real pumpkin puree, which provides vitamin A and antioxidants. To make an even healthier version, you could reduce the sugar by a quarter cup or explore our guide to healthy holiday sides for more inspiration.

Nutrient	Per Slice (Approx.)
Calories	250
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	38g
Fiber	2g
Protein	4g

For more detailed information on the benefits of pumpkin, you can explore the pumpkin nutrition facts provided by health experts. And if you love the flavor of pumpkin in different forms, our pumpkin protein bars offer another great way to enjoy this seasonal favorite.

A Lighter Version of Homemade Pumpkin Bread

Sometimes you want all the cozy comfort of this spiced quick bread with pumpkin puree but with a lighter touch. I’ve experimented with several versions over the years, especially when my aunt started watching her sugar intake.

One of my favorite tweaks is replacing half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. It keeps the bread incredibly moist while cutting down on fat. You can also swap the buttermilk for plain Greek yogurt, which adds a lovely tang and extra protein. For more ideas on lighter baking, our collection of healthy muffin recipes has plenty of inspiration.

Another simple change is using whole wheat pastry flour instead of all-purpose. It gives the bread a heartier texture and more fiber without making it dense. If you’re looking for other creative ways to enjoy pumpkin, our pumpkin ravioli makes for a delightful savory option.

Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets

In our family, we have friends and loved ones with different dietary needs, so I’m always thinking about how to make our favorite recipes work for everyone. When my cousin was diagnosed as pre-diabetic, I started experimenting with sugar alternatives for our classic fall dessert bread recipe.

For a diabetic-friendly version, I’ve had great success using a natural sweetener like stevia blend made for baking. It provides sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels. You can also try reducing the overall sugar by a third and adding a mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness and moisture.

Another option is using xylitol, which has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. Just remember that some sugar alcohols can have a cooling effect, so I often combine it with a touch of maple extract to round out the flavor. Portion control helps too—slicing the bread thinner makes for a perfectly satisfying treat that’s more sugar conscious.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

I’ll never forget the autumn mornings growing up when my grandmother would slice still-warm Pumpkin Bread and serve it with a pat of melting butter. That memory is why I believe how you serve something is just as important as how you make it. This moist pumpkin bread is wonderfully versatile.

For breakfast, I love it lightly toasted with a smear of cream cheese. In the afternoon, it’s perfect alongside a cup of chai tea or coffee. For a special dessert, try warming a slice and serving it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re planning a holiday brunch, this bread pairs beautifully with other Christmas breakfast ideas from our collection.

Don’t forget about the seeds when you’re baking! If you ever work with a fresh pumpkin, our guide to roasted pumpkin seeds shows you how to turn them into a crunchy, delicious snack. It’s one of my favorite zero-waste kitchen tricks.

Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my share of baking blunders over the years—especially with this beloved fall classic. Nothing’s more disappointing than pulling a dry or sunken loaf from the oven. Here are a few common pitfalls and how to dodge them, so your Pumpkin Bread turns out perfect every time.

• Overmixing the Batter: It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything is perfectly smooth, but that can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Mix until the ingredients are just combined—a few lumps are totally okay. Your spiced quick bread with pumpkin puree will thank you with a tender crumb.
• Using Cold Ingredients: If your eggs, buttermilk, or butter are straight from the fridge, they won’t incorporate as well, which can affect the rise and texture. I always set them out about an hour before baking. It makes a world of difference in creating that moist buttermilk pumpkin quick bread we all love.
• Overbaking: It’s easy to get nervous and leave the bread in too long “just to be sure.” But overbaking is the quickest route to dry bread. Set a timer and trust the toothpick test. For more baking wisdom, check out our guide to healthy baking recipes that never fail.
• Wrong Pan Size: Using a pan that’s too small can cause the batter to overflow, while one that’s too large may yield a flat loaf. Stick to a standard 9×5-inch pan for the best results—it’s the secret to that classic domed top.

If you’re curious about how ingredients behave in baking, the history of pumpkin bread offers some fun insights into its evolution as a quick bread. And if you love pumpkin in all its forms, don’t miss our recipe for tender pumpkin ravioli—a savory twist on this autumn favorite.

How to Store Pumpkin Bread

My grandma always said that a well-wrapped loaf is a loved loaf. She’d bake several Pumpkin Breads at once each fall, wrapping them in tea towels and tucking them into the cool pantry. I still use her method when I want that old-school, just-baked texture.

For short-term storage, let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you prefer a crisp crust, store it uncovered in a bread box—though I always go for softness.

Want to keep it longer? This Homemade Pumpkin Bread freezes beautifully. Slice it first so you can grab a piece whenever a craving hits. Wrap individual slices in plastic, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or pop a slice right into the toaster.

If you’re looking for more make-ahead ideas, our healthy Thanksgiving desserts include several options that hold up well. And for another freezable favorite, try our cottage cheese banana bread—it’s just as moist and easy to stash away.

Try This Pumpkin Bread Yourself

There’s something truly special about pulling a warm, fragrant loaf of Pumpkin Bread from your own oven. I hope this recipe becomes a tradition in your home, just like it has in mine. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast or wrapping a loaf for a friend, this spiced pumpkin bread is always a gift from the heart.

If you loved this recipe, I’d be thrilled to hear how it turned out! Share your baking stories with me—I read every comment. And if you’re looking for more seasonal inspiration, try one of these other family favorites:

• Pumpkin Muffins – Perfect for on-the-go mornings, with a lovely spiced aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Pumpkin Cookies – Soft, cake-like cookies with a creamy frosting—ideal for lunchboxes or holiday plates.
• Pumpkin Cupcakes – Topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting, these are a hit at birthday parties and potlucks.
• Snickerdoodle Banana Bread – A comforting mashup of two classics, swirled with cinnamon sugar.
• Healthy Fall Dinners – Because even pumpkin lovers need savory ideas once in a while!

However you enjoy it, I hope this Pumpkin Bread brings a little warmth and sweetness to your table. Happy baking!

Frequently Asked Questions

More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed baking this Pumpkin Bread, here are a few more comforting recipes that feel like a hug from the inside. Perfect for slow weekends or treating someone you love.

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread – Just as tender and spiced, perfect for sensitive tummies.
• Healthy Morning Glory Muffins – Packed with carrots, apples, and warmth—great with coffee.
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Brussels Sprouts – A savory, colorful side that steals the show.
• Christmas Morning French Toast – Soaked in cinnamon and baked until golden—pure joy.