Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

You don't need professional baking skills to create a delicious pumpkin spice bread that'll impress your friends and family. Fall's most comforting quick bread is easier to make than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you'll transform basic pantry staples into a warm, aromatic loaf that fills your kitchen with the ultimate autumn aroma. Want to know how to nail this seasonal favorite? Let's uncover the secrets to perfect pumpkin spice bread.

Recipe Highlights

• This simple pumpkin spice bread recipe requires minimal ingredients, combining canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice for a foolproof autumn treat.
• Key baking techniques include sifting dry ingredients, whisking wet ingredients thoroughly, and using a toothpick to test for perfect doneness.
• The recipe is accessible for both novice and experienced bakers, featuring easy steps like mixing ingredients and baking in a standard loaf pan.
• Enhance moisture and flavor by using room temperature ingredients, adding vegetable oil, and incorporating quality spices for a rich, fragrant result.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, pairing with butter or cream cheese, and enjoy as a versatile autumn breakfast, snack, or dessert option.

History

Pumpkin bread's roots stretch deep into American culinary history, tracing back to Native American and early settler cooking traditions. Indigenous peoples first cultivated pumpkins, teaching European settlers how to transform these nutrient-dense gourds into hearty, sustaining foods.

You'll find that early American cookbooks featured simple quick breads using locally available ingredients, with pumpkin emerging as a versatile staple.

As agricultural practices evolved, so did pumpkin bread recipes. You can trace the modern pumpkin spice trend to the late 20th century, when commercially prepared pumpkin pie spice became widely available.

Home bakers quickly embraced this convenient blend, transforming traditional recipes into the aromatic, sweet quick breads we now enjoy during autumn months. The result? A beloved seasonal treat that connects us to centuries of culinary innovation.

Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Bread is the quintessential autumn baking project that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, fragrant loaf bursting with seasonal flavor. This easy recipe captures the essence of fall in every slice, bringing the comforting aroma of spices and pumpkin to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an after-dinner treat, this bread strikes a delightful balance between moist texture and rich, warming spices. The combination of canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice ensures a consistent and foolproof result that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and pumpkin pie spice to ensure even distribution of the spices.

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, and sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-integrated.

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dense bread.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

For the best results, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the bread set and makes it easier to slice.

If you want to enhance the moisture and richness, consider adding 1/4 cup of vegetable oil to the wet ingredients, which will create an even more tender crumb and extend the bread's shelf life.

Cooking Steps

You'll want to start by carefully combining your dry flour ingredients in one bowl, ensuring the pumpkin pie spice is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Next, whisk your wet ingredients – pumpkin puree, eggs, and sugar – until they form a smooth, uniform mixture that'll create a rich, moist texture in your final bread.

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula, and then bake until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 1. Combine Dry Flour Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and sift together the all-purpose flour and pumpkin pie spice, creating a uniform dry ingredient base for your autumn-inspired bread. This essential step ensures even spice distribution and prevents clumping, which can lead to uneven flavor throughout your loaf.

Key considerations while combining dry ingredients:

• Use a fine-mesh sifter for optimal ingredient integration
• Gently tap the sifter to allow flour and spices to blend smoothly
• Whisk the dry ingredients after sifting to further guarantee thorough mixing
• Look for a consistent, light-brown color indicating proper spice incorporation

Sifting not only combines ingredients but also aerates the flour, contributing to a lighter, more tender bread texture. Take your time with this foundational step, as it significantly impacts the final result of your pumpkin spice bread.

Step 2. Whisk Wet Ingredients Thoroughly

Whisk the wet ingredients with precision and care, ensuring a smooth, homogeneous mixture that'll serve as the flavor foundation for your pumpkin spice bread.

Start by grabbing a medium-sized mixing bowl and adding your 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree, ensuring it's at room temperature for optimal blending. Crack your 2 large eggs directly into the bowl, then measure out 1 cup of granulated sugar carefully.

Use a sturdy whisk to combine these ingredients, creating a uniform mixture. Beat vigorously yet smoothly, watching for:

• Consistent color
• No sugar granules
• No egg streaks
• Silky, glossy appearance

Aim for about 45-60 seconds of whisking, rotating your bowl periodically to incorporate ingredients evenly.

Your wet mixture should look creamy and well-integrated, ready to marry perfectly with the dry ingredients.

Step 3. Pour Batter Evenly

After whisking your wet ingredients to a smooth, creamy consistency, the next step involves transferring the pumpkin spice bread batter into your prepared loaf pan with care and precision.

Use a spatula to scrape every bit of batter from the mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution across the pan. Follow these key techniques:

• Center the batter in the 9×5-inch pan
• Gently spread mixture to touch all corners
• Tap pan lightly on counter to release air bubbles
• Create a smooth, level surface with your spatula

The goal is uniform baking and a beautiful, consistent crumb. Aim for an approximately 1-inch depth throughout the pan, which helps the bread rise evenly and prevents dry or undercooked sections.

Your careful attention now ensures a perfectly textured pumpkin spice bread that'll impress everyone who takes a bite.

Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown

The golden-brown transformation of your pumpkin spice bread begins in a preheated 350°F oven, where precise temperature and careful monitoring will turn your batter into a delectable autumn treat.

Position the loaf pan in the center rack, ensuring even heat distribution:

• Bake for 50-55 minutes
• Watch for a rich, golden-brown color across the top
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center
• Look for the toothpick to emerge clean, without wet batter

Your bread's exterior will develop a beautiful, slightly crisp crust while maintaining a moist interior.

The kitchen will fill with warm, spicy aromas as the pumpkin and spices caramelize.

Resist opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause uneven baking and potential deflation. Trust the recipe's timing and your oven's consistent heat.

Step 5. Cool Bread Completely

Cooling your freshly baked pumpkin spice bread isn't just a final step—it's a critical phase that ensures your loaf's perfect texture and prevents potential structural collapse.

First, let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, allowing it to stabilize and firm up. This brief waiting period helps prevent crumbling when you remove it.

Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack, positioning it in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources. The rack's open design allows air to circulate completely around the bread, promoting even cooling and preventing condensation.

• Wait 10 minutes in pan
• Use wire rack for complete cooling
• Avoid warm spots or drafts
• Let bread reach room temperature naturally

Your patience will reward you with a perfectly textured, slice-ready pumpkin spice bread.

Final Thoughts

When you're craving a quintessential autumn treat, this pumpkin spice bread delivers comfort and nostalgia in every slice. Its simplicity makes it a go-to recipe for bakers of all skill levels, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You'll find this bread versatile enough for multiple occasions: breakfast, afternoon snacking, or a post-dinner dessert.

Key takeaways for perfect results:

• Always use room temperature ingredients
• Don't overmix the batter
• Check doneness with a toothpick test
• Allow complete cooling before slicing

The recipe's five-ingredient approach means you can whip up a delicious loaf without complicated preparation.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this pumpkin spice bread promises a warm, fragrant experience that captures the essence of fall in every bite.