Pumpkin Bread - freshly baked bread

Pumpkin Bread

Quick Breads

Warmly spiced pumpkin bread that captures the essence of fall. Moist, tender, and filled with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Prep Time

15 min

Bake Time

55 min

Servings

10

Calories

250

Ingredients

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

  2. 2

    Mix Wet Ingredients

    Combine melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl.

  3. 3

    Add Dry Ingredients

    Add flour, baking soda, and salt. Fold gently until just combined — do not overmix.

  4. 4

    Bake

    Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50–55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

  5. 5

    Cool

    Cool in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Baker's Notes

The number one rule of quick breads: do not overmix. A few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine — overmixing develops gluten and makes the bread tough.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

This quick bread is one of those recipes that feels like autumn itself — warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves woven through a moist, tender crumb. What makes it special is how simple it is: just a handful of pantry staples mixed together and baked. Canadian home cooks have loved it for decades because it delivers big seasonal comfort without any fuss, perfect for weekend mornings or an afternoon tea with family.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

Fold the batter gently — a few lumps are fine, and overmixing will give you a dense loaf. A crack on top is normal and desirable; it signals the bread rose well. If you're in a hurry, test at 50 minutes with a toothpick, but resist the urge to pull it out too early.

What to Serve With It

Slice thick and serve with a pat of butter, or try it alongside a steaming mug of coffee or tea. It pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar or a creamy Brie for a savoury-sweet contrast. On cold October mornings, I like mine toasted lightly with a smear of maple butter.

Storage & Reheating

Keep the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually in freezer bags for up to three months. Reheat frozen slices in the microwave for 20 seconds or toast them straight from the freezer.

Nutrition Facts

250

cal

5g

Protein

4g

Fat

43g

Carbs

2g

Fiber

251mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute applesauce for the butter?+

Yes — use an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat loaf, though the crumb will be slightly denser.

Why is my bread dry?+

Most likely it was overbaked. Start testing at 50 minutes and remove it the moment a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Do I need a loaf pan, or can I use a different size?+

A standard 9x5-inch pan works best. You can use a smaller 8x4-inch pan, but expect a taller loaf and add 5 to 10 minutes to the bake time.

Should I use fresh pumpkin or canned purée?+

Canned is ideal — it's consistent, available year-round, and has less moisture than fresh roasted pumpkin, giving you reliable results every time.

Can I cut back on the sugar?+

You can reduce it to ½ cup without affecting the texture, though the crust won't brown quite as deeply and the flavour will be less rich.

Tips & Tricks

  • Do not overmix — a few lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
  • A crack on top is normal and desirable — it means the bread rose well.
  • Quick breads often taste even better the next day as flavours meld.

Reviews (4)

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. The Baker's Notes really helped me understand the technique. My new favourite bread to bake on weekends.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.