The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread Recipe for a Cozy Thanksgiving
Nothing says fall quite like the aroma of warm, spiced pumpkin bread baking in the oven. This recipe isn’t just a recipe; it’s a gateway to comfort, a taste of home, and the perfect treat to share with loved ones. Whether you’re looking for a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving spread or a simple way to bring autumnal joy into your kitchen, this moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe is easy to make, even for beginners, and it’s incredibly versatile. Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure happiness!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Perfectly moist and tender crumb every time.
- Easy enough for even beginner bakers.
- Infused with warm spices that evoke the spirit of Thanksgiving.
- Delicious for breakfast, dessert, or a satisfying snack.
- A fantastic make-ahead option for your Thanksgiving feast.
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Substitutions: For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan option, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Make sure all the clumps are fully incorporated.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. The mixture should look relatively homogenous.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is smoothly incorporated. Don’t over-mix at this point.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Be patient, it needs time to completely cool before slicing.
- Slice & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread! This is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use a reliable oven thermometer: Oven temperatures can vary, so using a thermometer ensures accurate baking.
- Let it cool completely: Cooling completely allows the bread to firm up and makes it easier to slice.
Variations: For a vegan thanksgiving option, use flax eggs and ensure ingredients are vegan-friendly. For a spicier bread, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also add chocolate chips for a decadent treat or a cream cheese swirl for more flavor. You can also make this pumpkin bread recipe gluten-free using a 1-to-1 gluten free flour.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with other Thanksgiving treats. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
- Enjoy a slice with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Make it part of a Thanksgiving breakfast spread with a side of scrambled eggs and bacon.
- Use it to make French toast for a truly indulgent breakfast.
- Serve it alongside a warm bowl of chili for dipping.
Storage & Reheating
To store, wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To reheat, wrap a slice of bread in foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds. You can also toast it for a crispy texture.
FAQ about Pumpkin Bread
Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
A: No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices that will alter the recipe’s flavor and texture. Stick with pure pumpkin puree for the best results. This is especially important as you construct your thanksgiving menu.
Q: How can I make healthy Thanksgiving recipes using Pumpkin Bread?
A: Reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour, and substitute oil with applesauce for a healthier version.
Q: Can I freeze pumpkin bread?
A: Yes! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. This helps to make the thanksgiving feast easier!
Q: My pumpkin bread is dry. What did I do wrong?
A: You may have overbaked it or added too much flour. Be sure to measure your flour accurately and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
Q: What kind of Thanksgiving recipes work best with pumpkin bread?
A: Pumpkin bread can be an delicious after Thanksgiving dinner as a yummy sweet treat.
Final Thoughts on Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread recipe is more than just a treat; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and the joy of baking. Whether you’re planning your thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a taste of autumn, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. So, grab your aprons, preheat your ovens, and let’s bake some happiness! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for easy access and share it with your friends and family. Leave a comment below and let us know how your pumpkin bread turned out! Subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and baking tips.
The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread Recipe for a Cozy Thanksgiving
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- oven
- – Mixing bowls
- – Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 15-ounce can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined and homogenous.
- Add Pumpkin Puree: Stir in the pumpkin puree until smoothly incorporated. Avoid over-mixing.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay; don’t overmix.
- Add Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in chopped walnuts or pecans if using.
- Pour into Pan: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice & Enjoy: Slice and enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread!
