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. Moist, flavorful, easy to make, and versatile, this pumpkin bread is guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Equipment
- 9x5 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 9x5 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!
Notes
Pro Tips: Don't overmix the batter to avoid tough bread, use a reliable oven thermometer for accurate baking, and let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Variations: For a vegan version use flax eggs, add cayenne pepper for spice, chocolate chips for decadence, or a cream cheese swirl for extra flavor. Gluten-free flour blend works for gluten-free pumpkin bread.