This easy pumpkin bread recipe has a soft, moist crumb with a wonderful pumpkin flavor. It’s quick to pull together with ingredients from your pantry, and it makes two loaves, which is perfect for sharing.

Similar to our other fan-favorite quick bread recipes, like our Banana Bread, Cranberry Bread, and Zucchini Bread, this pumpkin bread keeps really well, but we’d be surprised if it went uneaten long enough to store because it’s that good.

Sliced pumpkin bread with pumpkins in background

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The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This pumpkin bread is a sweet bread or a dessert bread made with pumpkin puree, and it’s similar in consistency to banana bread but has all of the cozy flavors of Pumpkin Pie and smells just like Autumn.

Want to know a secret? This recipe is based on our popular Pumpkin Cake and easy Pumpkin Cupcakes. Several readers shared that they had converted the base to make pumpkin bread so I tested it and, sure enough – it became an instant hit. We slather it with a bit of our irresistible Honey Butter for a delicious Fall-flavored snack, dessert, or even breakfast.

This is a favorite, fail-proof recipe. So, these are just some of the reasons we love it:

  • Perfectly spiced Fall flavor and moist crumb
  • A short list of ingredients
  • No fancy equipment is needed, just a couple of mixing bowls and a whisk, and don’t forget the loaf pans! This makes two (8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″) loaves
  • Fast prep in just 10 minutes
  • Customizable. Check out our tips for making this recipe into chocolate chip pumpkin bread—yum!
Honey butter on a slice of fall dessert cake

Variations

Besides the amazing texture and taste, the best part of this pumpkin bread recipe is that it is customizable. Just like the famous Starbucks pumpkin bread recipe, you could also top the bread with pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or mix about a cup of extras into the batter. Try some of these additions and toppings:

  • chocolate chips
  • raisins
  • cranberries, dried, fresh, or frozen
  • chopped pecans, walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts
  • streusel topping like in our Berry Crumb Cake
  • teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice mixed into the dry ingredients
  • teaspoon of vanilla added to the wet ingredients
  • Maple glaze from our Cinnamon Roll recipe after the bread cools

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread

It’s easy to whip up this delicious pumpkin bread with just a few pantry staples, so there’s no need to wait. Let’s get cooking! (I mean baking!).

  • Flour – all-purpose give this easy quick bread recipe a great crumb
  • Sugar – sweetens the bread and holds moisture. Mix into the dry ingredients.
  • Baking soda and baking powder – the leavening agent in most quick breads.
  • Cinnamon – gives the pumpkin bread the fall smell and taste we love. We think it’s perfectly balanced, but for a more heavily spiced bread, add a tsp of pumpkin pie spice.
  • Salt – balances the sweetness
  • Eggs – room temperature, this helps the bread rise in the oven
  • Oil – use extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil so the flavor won’t overpower the bread.
  • Pumpkin puree – Double-check you are getting pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie mix. If using homemade pumpkin puree, be sure it is well-drained so the bread isn’t too wet.
  • Optional additions Vanilla is one of our favorite optional additions (as in the photo below). It’s not in our original recipe, but you can add a tsp to the batter if you’d like, and you can find more of our favorite additions, like chocolate chips, nuts, or pumpkin pie spice above.
Ingredients for Pumpkin bread recipe with pumpkin puree, eggs, cinnamon, flour, sugar, oil and vanilla

Pro Tip

Don’t swap the oil for butter here, because the oil is what helps keep that amazingly soft and moist crumb.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

This recipe couldn’t be easier. Simply mix the dry ingredients, mix the wet ingredients, and then combine them and bake.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon
  • In a second bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs
  • Whisk wet ingredients into dry ingredients, and then transfer to 2 buttered/ floured loaf pans, and bake.
step by step photos how to make pumpkin bread

Pro Tip

To get a light and airy crumb, be sure not to over-mix the batter, or else the bread could become tough. Mix until the ingredients are combined, but it’s okay to have a few lumps.

Common Questions

What is the best pumpkin puree?

We’ve used both homemade pumpkin puree and canned puree for this recipe. You can use any brand of pumpkin puree, but just be sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix (it has additional seasoning). We’ve also tried Libby’s and organic canned puree with great results.

Can I make a single loaf?

You can use a single loaf pan and cut the recipe in half and bake as directed.

What kind of pan is best for pumpkin bread?

This pumpkin bread recipe works great in any metal, glass or stone loaf pan, but the bake time may change. To check if the bread is done, insert a clean toothpick into the center, if it comes out clean, then the bread is done. If it becomes too brown on the top before the middle is cooked, tent the pan with foil.

Can I use a bundt pan?

You can use a larger pan such as a bundt pan, but check the bread as it bakes since the baking time will change.

Fall breakfast loaf ready to be wrapped and frozen

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

This sweet bread pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, but we’ve also been known to heat it up for a few seconds in the microwave and top with:

  • Homemade Honey Butter
  • Salted butter with a shake of pumpkin pie spice
  • Cream cheese
  • Almond butter

Make-Ahead

  • To store: Cover the bread in an airtight container or with plastic wrap, then it will stay moist for 3-5 days on the counter or refrigerator.
  • Freezing: Wrap loaf or slices in plastic wrap and foil or in a freezer zip bag for up to 3 months.
  • To thaw: Place loaf in the refrigerator overnight, or thaw at room temperature for a few hours then unwrap to serve.
Classic sliced moist pumpkin bread on a plate

This easy pumpkin bread recipe comes together quickly and tastes amazing. It makes two loaves—perfect for gifting or freezing. The moist crumb pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate in the fall and all year long. We know this will become one of your go-to treats.

Our Top Pumpkin Recipes

If you love all things pumpkin, try these next:

Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

4.96 from 643 votes
pumpkin bread sliced on a yellow napkin
Pumpkin bread has a soft and moist crumb with wonderful pumpkin flavor. It's easy, keeps really well, and can be made ahead.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients 

Servings: 16 slices (makes 2 loaves)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter and lightly dust with flour, two 8 1/2"x4 1/2" bread pans.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 tsp salt.
  • In a second medium mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 3 room temp eggs, 1 cup oil, and pumpkin puree.
  • Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients then whisk together until smooth. Divide evenly between 2 prepared bread pans and bake at 350˚F for 45-55 minutes*, or until a toothpick comes out clean (my oven took 50 min). Let cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool.

Notes

*Bake times can vary based on your oven and the color of your baking pan. A darker colored pan will bake faster and a lighter colored pan will take longer to bake. 

Nutrition Per Serving

270kcal Calories33g Carbs3g Protein15g Fat2g Saturated Fat2g Polyunsaturated Fat10g Monounsaturated Fat0.003g Trans Fat31mg Cholesterol155mg Sodium135mg Potassium1g Fiber20g Sugar4182IU Vitamin A1mg Vitamin C38mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
270
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Trans Fat
 
0.003
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Cholesterol
 
31
mg
10
%
Sodium
 
155
mg
7
%
Potassium
 
135
mg
4
%
Carbohydrates
 
33
g
11
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
20
g
22
%
Protein
 
3
g
6
%
Vitamin A
 
4182
IU
84
%
Vitamin C
 
1
mg
1
%
Calcium
 
38
mg
4
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin bread
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 270

Natasha Kravchuk

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

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Comments

  • Katina
    March 26, 2024

    A great dessert made better for people like me who need to limit fat and sugar. I sub’d 1 cup Stevia for sugar and 1 overfilled cup of vanilla non fat yoghurt w/o extra sugar. FANTASTIC ✔️🌈

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 26, 2024

      Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Katina! I’m so glad that worked.

      Reply

  • Lilia Cardenas
    March 17, 2024

    It was delicious and simple to make so fluffy and moist definitely adding pumpkin spice powder cloves and nutmeg next time

    Reply

  • Judy
    March 16, 2024

    I just baked your pumpkin bread. Very easy recipe. And it is delicious! I baked it in a 9X13 glass pan. Easier for me. I also added a few pecans. I appreciate how easy it was as I’m 80 years old and don’t much like cooking anymore. ♥️♥️ Again, thanks for a great tasting pumpkin bread .
    I live in the North Georgia Mountains.

    Reply

  • Betty
    March 11, 2024

    Everyone should see “The Oiling of America”. All oil including coconut +olive oil cause pancreatic cancer thet vegetarian Steve Jobs died do young from according to Dr Joel Wallach + others due to cooking his veg in oil. Is there a healthy substitue for the oil?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 12, 2024

      Hi Betty, I have only tried extra light olive oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil .

      Reply

    • Triciamarie
      March 28, 2024

      Thanks for the info, Betty. Our Grandmothers and my mother used only Butter or Bacon Fat. They lived to be in their late 90’s. My MiL is 97 and in better health than most of her sons.

      Reply

    • Triciamarie
      March 28, 2024

      Forgot to add:
      Replacing Oil with Butter ~ using a 1:1 ratio. Melt and cool the butter to room temperature. (However, replacing Butter with Oil is more complicated.)

      Reply

  • Angela Pasquale
    March 9, 2024

    This was absolutely delicious. Easy to make and so moist. Followed the recipe as written. Took your suggestion and added 1 tsp of vanilla extract. At the last minute, added some orange zest. Recipe is definitely a keeper!!

    Reply

  • Sharron
    February 28, 2024

    This is a wonderful recipe! The only thing I added was 1 tsp of ground cloves and mini chocolate chips . We luv the mini chips in our pumpkin bread😋 this recipe is easy and the bread is super moist too thank u for sharing!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 28, 2024

      So glad you enjoyed it, Sharron!

      Reply

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