Pumpkin Bread Recipe: 7 Easy Tips for Moist Loaf

Name: Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe | Easy, Moist & Flavorful Loaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15 oz pumpkin puree; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp pumpkin spice; 1/2 tsp salt; Optional mix-ins: 3/4 cup chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, dried cranberries, cream cheese swirl, streusel topping, pepitas

Jump to Recipe

There’s something magical about the scent of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen. This pumpkin bread is tender, rich, and packed with fall flavor—think cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of clove all rolled into one glorious loaf. It’s the kind of homemade fall dessert that feels like a warm hug.

What makes this the best pumpkin bread recipe? One bowl. One can of pumpkin. And absolutely no fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or this is your first loaf, this beginner baking recipe is totally foolproof.

Personally, I’ve been baking this since I was a kid helping my mom stir batter with oversized wooden spoons. And let me tell you, it’s just as comforting now. You can gift it, freeze it, turn it into muffins or a loaf, or eat it warm for breakfast (highly recommended). It’s a reader favorite recipe for good reason.

Key Ingredients (with Notes)

Flour & Leavening

All-purpose flour for a soft but sturdy crumb.
Baking soda (not baking powder). Trust me, this is key.
Spoon flour into the cup, don’t scoop—dense bread is not the vibe.

Pumpkin Purée

15 oz can of pure pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling).
Fresh works if it’s thick and smooth, but canned is consistent.

Sugars & Oil

Granulated + brown sugar = moisture and flavor.
Vegetable oil (or coconut/canola). Keeps it plush for days.

Pumpkin Spice & Add-Ins

Pumpkin spice blend (or DIY with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger).
Optional mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips (pumpkin chocolate chip bread)
- Walnuts or pecans (pumpkin walnut bread, pumpkin pecan bread)
- Dried cranberries (pumpkin cranberry bread)
- Cream cheese swirl
- Streusel topping
- Pepitas on top for crunch

Pumpkin bread slice topped with cream on a wooden plate

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep your pan.
Grease a standard 9×5″ loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the batter doesn’t stick and your bread bakes evenly from the start.

2. Mix the wet ingredients.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk until smooth:

15 oz pumpkin puree
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

This combo builds the moist, rich base. Whisk thoroughly to break up any pumpkin clumps—smooth batter means even baking.

3. Add the dry ingredients.
Sift directly into the bowl:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp pumpkin spice
1/2 tsp salt

Use a spatula to fold, not whisk. You want everything just combined—streak-free but not overworked. Overmixing activates gluten and makes your bread tough. Now’s the time to fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.

4. Pour into the pan.
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Give it a few firm taps on the counter—this pops air bubbles and helps the loaf settle evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes up with a nice crown.

5. Bake.
Place on the center rack and bake for 50–60 minutes. Start checking at 50. Insert a toothpick in the center—you’re looking for moist crumbs, not wet batter. If it’s not done, give it another 5–10 minutes, checking every couple minutes after 55.

6. Let it cool.
This step matters! Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully lift it out and transfer to a wire rack. Cooling allows the steam to escape and firms up the structure so it slices clean.

Freshly sliced moist pumpkin bread loaf on a wooden board

Why This Works

Cooling = better structure.

One bowl = minimal cleanup.

Oil + pumpkin = mega moisture.

Don’t overmix. That’s the golden rule.

Why This Works

One bowl = minimal cleanup.
Oil + pumpkin = mega moisture.
Don’t overmix. That’s the golden rule.
Cooling = better structure.

Variations & Adaptations

Muffins: Bake 18–22 min in a muffin tin.
Cream cheese swirl: Swirl in a mix of 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 egg yolk.
Streusel: Top with a mix of 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes pumpkin bread moist?

Pumpkin, oil, brown sugar. And not overbaking. That’s your holy trinity.

Can I freeze pumpkin bread?

Yep. Wrap in plastic + foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Sure. Roast it, puree it, drain it. Make it smooth and thick.

Why is my pumpkin bread dense?

Too much flour or overmixing. Use the spoon-and-level method.

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pie filling?

Puree = just pumpkin. Pie filling = sugar + spice + trouble.

Can I add chocolate chips to pumpkin bread?

Yes, and you should. Try 3/4 cup for a classic pumpkin chocolate chip loaf.

Copycat Starbucks pumpkin bread – is this it?

Better. It’s homemade, moist, no preservatives, and way more customizable.

Pumpkin Bread Comparison Table

Type	Bake Time	Add‑Ins	Texture	Serving Size
Classic Pumpkin Bread	50–60 mins	Optional (nuts/chips)	Moist, soft	8–10 slices
Pumpkin Muffins	18–22 mins	Chocolate chips, nuts	Light, fluffy	12 muffins
Cream Cheese Swirl Bread	55–65 mins	Cream cheese filling	Rich, tangy	8–10 slices
Pumpkin Bread w/ Streusel	50–60 mins	Sugar crumble topping	Crunchy top	8–10 slices

If you enjoyed this pumpkin bread, here are more cozy loaves and fall treats to try:

Try this moist banana zucchini bread for breakfast
Or mix it up with chocolate chip zucchini bread as a twist on traditional loaves
Looking for something rich? This super moist chocolate chip banana bread never disappoints
Go classic with old-fashioned banana bread for cozy mornings
Or try the best banana bread with a soft and fluffy texture

Conclusion + Call to Action

This is the pumpkin bread you’ve been searching for: easy, moist, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. Whether you dress it up with nuts or chocolate chips or keep it classic, it’s the perfect loaf for holidays, gifting, or a cozy morning breakfast.

Ready to bake the best pumpkin bread recipe of your life? Get that oven going—and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!

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Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe | Easy, Moist & Flavorful Loaf

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