Pumpkin Bread Recipe (Moist, Easy & Perfect Every Time)

November 20, 2025

Matt Treece

There’s something magical about the first bite of warm, spiced pumpkin bread, the kind that fills your kitchen with cosy fall aromas and feels like a hug in food form. This pumpkin bread recipe delivers exactly that. It’s soft, perfectly spiced, and so moist that each slice practically melts in your mouth.

You’ll love this recipe because it’s simple, reliable, and delicious enough to become your new go-to treat. It’s an easy pumpkin bread that still tastes like the best pumpkin bread you’ve ever made - rich, full of flavours, and completely homemade. Also, it all comes together as a one-bowl pumpkin bread, so there’s no fuss or complicated steps that you have to take.

No matter why you’re making it, maybe you want a good treat or just something sweet to enjoy with coffee, in any case, this pumpkin bread always comes out warm, and very, very delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a pumpkin bread that tastes amazing and is actually simple to make, this one checks every box. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to save, bookmark, and come back to every fall because it turns out perfect every single time. No stress, no fancy tools, just pure, cosy comfort in loaf form.

One bowl - everything comes together in one bowl, which means less mess and quicker clean-up.
No mixer required - you don’t need any special equipment. A whisk or wooden spoon is enough.
Perfectly moist - with this recipe, the texture is soft, tender, and stays fresh for days without drying out.
Freezes easily - you can make an extra loaf and freeze it for some busy mornings or when you want treats.
Balanced pumpkin spice flavour - warm cinnamon and spices complement the pumpkin without losing any flavours, which gives you that classic fall vibe everyone loves.

This is the kind of pumpkin bread you’ll be proud to share - and secretly happy when there’s a slice left just for you.

Ingredients

Before you start baking, put all your ingredients together so everything is ready to go. This recipe is simple, and most of these are kitchen basics, but each one has a key role in making your pumpkin bread soft, delicious, and perfectly spiced. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Wet ingredients:

1 cup pumpkin puree - gives it a rich flavour and natural moisture for a tender loaf
½ vegetable oil - keeps the bread soft and prevents dryness
2 large eggs - bind the ingredients together and give structure
⅓ cup milk - adds extra moisture and helps create a soft crumb
1 tsp vanilla extract - increases the pumpkin and spice flavours.

Dry ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour - the base for your loaf to provide structure
1 cup sugar - sweetens the bread without losing the main pumpkin flavour
1 tsp baking soda - helps the bread rise and stay light
1 ½ tsp baking powder - gives a little extra lift for a fluffy texture
½ tsp salt - balances the sweetness and flavours
1 tsp ground cinnamon - classic pumpkin spice warmth
½ tsp ground nutmeg - adds depth and a subtle, cosy kick
¼ tsp ground cloves - optional, but can add aromatic spice notes.

Optional add-ins:

Half of a cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - adds crunch and texture
Half of a cup of chocolate chips - melts slightly for pockets of sweetness
Half of a cup dried cranberries or raisins - gives a chewy, fruity surprise in every bite.

These ingredients together make a moist, flavourful pumpkin loaf that’s simple enough for a weekday treat and also special enough for any occasion.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to bake a classic pumpkin bread that’s delicious and perfect for any cosy fall day. With a few simple tips, you’ll end up with a moist pumpkin bread recipe that feels homemade and also tastes like the best pumpkin bread you’ve ever had.

Preheat your oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper. This makes it easy to remove your pumpkin loaf recipe without sticking.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth, but don’t mix too much. Overworking the batter can make your bread dense instead of soft.

Combine the dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. This can make sure the flavours and leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix until they combine perfectly, if you see small streaks of flour, that’s fine. Just don’t overmix as it can dry out your bread.

Add optional mix-ins

Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits as you like. This step is optional but it adds texture and extra flavour to your homemade pumpkin bread.

Bake the bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes and check with a toothpick around 50 minutes. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cool before slicing

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling makes sure your easy pumpkin bread slices neatly and keeps its soft, tender texture.

Once baked, your classic pumpkin bread will fill the kitchen with that irresistible fall aroma. Each slice is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, just like a homemade treat. If you want to enjoy it warm with a cup of coffee or save it for later, this pumpkin loaf recipe is sure to become a favourite in your fall baking rotation.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

Baking the pumpkin bread is easier than it seems; however, here are some simple tips to make it very delicious:

Don’t overmix the batter - fold the ingredients gently. Mixing too much can make your bread tough instead of soft and tender.
Measure flour correctly - spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour can dry out your loaf.
Let it cool before slicing - give your bread 10-15 minutes in the pan and then transfer to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents the slices from falling apart.
Use room-temperature ingredients - eggs and milk at room temperature mix more smoothly, which can give your bread a tender crumb.
Optional add-ins - nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit add texture and flavour, but try to fold them in gently to keep the bread light.

These simple steps will help you bake a moist pumpkin bread recipe that’s soft, flavourful, and perfectly spiced every time.

Variations

This pumpkin bread recipe is wonderfully versatile, so you can easily put your own spin on it. Here are some ideas to make it a little different each time you bake:

Chocolate chip pumpkin bread - sprinkle in some chocolate chips for little bursts of sweetness in every bite.

Cream cheese swirl - add a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese in the middle for a decadent surprise.

Streusel topping - top your loaf with a mix of brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for a golden and crunchy finish.

Healthier version - cut down on sugar and swap part of the flour for whole wheat for a slightly heartier, wholesome loaf.

Gluten-free options - use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you may need to bake a few extra minutes for a perfectly tender texture.

These variations make it easy to enjoy this classic pumpkin bread in lots of different ways, whether you’re craving something indulgent, a little crunchy, or a healthier twist.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Keeping your pumpkin bread fresh is easy. When you know the right way to store it, you can make sure every slice stays soft and full of original flavours.

Here are some ideas how you can properly store your one-bowl pumpkin bread:

Counter - wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days, which makes it perfect for quick snacking.
Refrigerator - for longer storage, place the wrapped loaf in the fridge. It can last up to 1 week, though you may want to warm slices slightly before serving to bring back that fresh-baked softness.
Freezer - pumpkin bread freezes easily. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it’s ready to enjoy.

When you make your loaf with pumpkin spice bread recipe and store it properly, you can have a nice treat for couple of evenings and enjoy them peacefully.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use cooked and mashed fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree. Make sure it’s well-drained and smooth for the best texture. You may need a little extra moisture, like a splash of milk, to keep your pumpkin bread soft.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans or a larger pan. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as a bigger loaf may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Why did my pumpkin bread turn out dry?

Dry bread usually happens from overmixing, too much flour, or overbaking. To prevent this, fold ingredients gently, measure flour carefully, and check your loaf a few minutes before the recommended baking time. Using oil and pumpkin puree, as in this recipe, also helps keep it wonderfully moist.