Fall is officially here, and you know what that means—pumpkin EVERYTHING! While pumpkin spice lattes usually steal the spotlight, today, I’m here to talk about something just as delicious and maybe even cozier: pumpkin bread. There’s something magical about baking this golden loaf that makes you feel like you’re welcoming fall with open arms.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone who rarely turns on the oven, pumpkin bread is the ultimate cozy treat that will make your whole house smell like fall. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it on repeat all season long. So grab your mixing bowl, and let’s dive into the recipe that will make your autumn even sweeter!
Why Pumpkin Bread is a Fall Essential
First of all, let’s talk about pumpkin. I don’t know who decided to make it the unofficial mascot of autumn, but I’m so glad they did! Not only does pumpkin add an amazing flavor to baked goods, but it also makes your bread super moist and fluffy. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin A, so we can totally pretend we’re being healthy here, right?
But really, pumpkin bread is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes:
- Easy to make: This recipe is totally beginner-friendly. Even if you don’t consider yourself a baker, you can definitely handle this.
- Comforting: It’s the edible equivalent of a warm sweater and a cup of tea. You just feel good eating it.
- Flexible: Want to add chocolate chips? Go for it! Want to throw in some nuts? Totally doable. You can even make it into muffins if you’re feeling fancy.
The Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Okay, enough chit-chat—let’s get to the good stuff. This pumpkin bread is super simple, and I promise it’ll become a fall staple in your house.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (because that little hint of molasses is EVERYTHING)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves (trust me, just a little bit adds so much warmth)
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, just straight-up pumpkin)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those yummy spices.
- In a separate bowl, mix the eggs, pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and vanilla until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—lumpy batter is totally fine!
- Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your house is going to smell amazing by this point!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long).
Pro Tips to Make it Extra Delicious:
- Add-ins: If you want to take this pumpkin bread to the next level, throw in some chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans. It adds a little crunch or melty goodness that pairs perfectly with the soft, spiced bread.
- Toppings: Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a warm slice. Or if you’re feeling indulgent, try a little maple syrup glaze over the top!
- Muffin Magic: Want to make this more portable? Just pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for perfect pumpkin muffins.
Why You’ll Want to Make This Again (and Again)
Here’s the thing about pumpkin bread: It’s the perfect treat to keep around all season long. It makes a great breakfast with your coffee, an afternoon snack with tea, or a comforting dessert. Plus, if you’ve got guests coming over, it’s a surefire way to make your house smell like fall in the best possible way.
So, grab that can of pumpkin puree and get baking! Whether it’s your first time making pumpkin bread or you’re a seasoned pro, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fall tradition. And honestly, who can resist?
There you have it—pumpkin bread that’s as easy to make as it is to devour! Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or as a late-night treat (no judgment here!), this recipe is sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen. The best part? It’s versatile, comforting, and fills your home with the warm, cozy scents of the season. So go ahead, embrace the pumpkin craze, and bake yourself a loaf (or two). After all, fall only comes around once a year, so why not enjoy every delicious bite?
What are your favorite pumpkin recipes? Let’s keep the fall love going in the comments!
XOXO,
Katie
