There’s something magical about slicing into a loaf of moist spiced pumpkin bread fresh from the oven, especially when the weather starts to turn crisp and the days grow shorter. This recipe is a celebration of autumn flavors: a tender crumb, a touch of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, all wrapped up in golden pumpkin puree. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll create a loaf that feels both comforting and celebratory. It’s the kind of quick bread that never fails to spark smiles—whether you’re serving it as a dessert after dinner or sneaking an extra slice with your morning coffee.
Savor the warmth of fall with this incredibly moist spiced pumpkin bread, a perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned home cook, you’ll appreciate how beginner-friendly this recipe is. From whisking the spiced flour to folding in optional nuts or chocolate chips, each step feels like a cozy ritual. In just 15 minutes of prep, 60 minutes in the oven, and a 15-minute rest, you’ll have a loaf that clocks in at around 220 calories per slice—ideal for a guilt-free snack or a dessert that earns you compliments at every turn. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s turn your kitchen into an autumn haven.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN MOIST SPICED PUMPKIN BREAD
Before diving into the method, let’s talk about the stars of the show. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building structure, flavor, and that irresistible moistness. From the base of all-purpose flour to the bold spices and rich pumpkin puree, here’s what you’ll need and why:
- All-purpose flour
Provides the primary structure and creates that tender crumb we love. It balances moisture and lift, giving the loaf its classic texture.
- Baking soda
Acts as a leavening agent that reacts with brown sugar and pumpkin’s acidity, helping the bread expand and become light.
- Baking powder
Adds extra lift and ensures a perfectly risen loaf, even when the batter is rich and dense.
- Salt
Enhances sweetness and balances the spice blend, making every flavor note pop.
- Ground cinnamon
Infuses a warm, sweet-spicy depth that’s synonymous with autumn baking.
- Ground nutmeg
Offers a subtle, nutty warmth that complements the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
- Ground cloves
Provides a bold, aromatic kick that elevates the overall spice profile.
- Ground ginger
Gives a bright, slightly spicy zing to round out the sweeter spices.
- Unsalted butter
At room temperature, it brings rich flavor, moisture, and a velvety texture when creamed with sugars.
- Granulated sugar
Sweetens the batter and helps create a golden crust as it caramelizes during baking.
- Brown sugar
Adds deep, molasses notes and extra moisture, contributing to the bread’s tender bite.
- Large eggs
Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and trap air for a light, fluffy result.
- Pumpkin puree
The heart of the recipe—its moisture, color, and natural sweetness make this loaf distinctive and lush.
- Milk
Thins the batter just enough to keep it moist and easy to pour, ensuring an even bake.
- Vanilla extract
Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note that enhances both pumpkin and spice.
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Adds texture and extra flavor—roasted nuts bring crunch, while melting chocolate chips offer gooey pockets of sweetness.
HOW TO MAKE MOIST SPICED PUMPKIN BREAD
Bringing this recipe to life is a breeze, and you’ll love how simple steps turn into a show-stopping loaf. Grab a bowl, your favorite mixer or trusty whisk, and a loaf pan—you’ll be rewarded with a warm, fragrant treat that practically begs to be sliced.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for an easy release.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and evenly combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—a few streaks of flour are okay.
6. Fold in the optional chopped nuts or chocolate chips if you’d like an extra crunch or pockets of melted goodness.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MOIST SPICED PUMPKIN BREAD
Once your pumpkin bread has cooled to a warm, sliceable perfection, it’s time for the fun part: serving ideas! Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends, these suggestions will make each bite feel special.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on a thick slice, then dust with extra cinnamon for a luscious, tangy-sweet treat.
- Pair warm slices with a steaming mug of spiced latte or chai tea to enhance the bread’s fall-inspired flavors and create a cozy café moment at home.
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Gift individual slices wrapped in wax paper tied with twine, and include a handwritten note—perfect for office treats, neighborly gifts, or lunchbox surprises.
HOW TO STORE MOIST SPICED PUMPKIN BREAD
Keeping your pumpkin bread fresh and flavor-packed is easy when you follow a few simple storage tips. Proper storage helps maintain moisture, prevents staleness, and ensures each slice tastes just as delightful days later.
- Room temperature: Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This preserves moisture without making the crust soggy.
- Refrigeration: For longer freshness (up to one week), place individual slices in zip-top bags, squeezing out excess air, or wrap in plastic and foil. Let them come to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Slice the bread, then wrap each piece in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Reviving: If the loaf feels a bit dry, sprinkle a few drops of water on the crust and warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. This simple trick breathes life back into your bread, making it taste freshly baked.
CONCLUSION
We’ve journeyed from selecting the perfect spices to slicing into a loaf of gloriously moist spiced pumpkin bread that captures everything wonderful about fall baking. From the rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to the luxurious pumpkin puree and tender crumb, this quick bread doubles as a dessert and a snack, making it endlessly versatile. With just 15 minutes of active prep, an hour in the oven, and a brief 15-minute cooling period, you’ll have a treat that’s beginner-friendly, yet impressive enough to share at family gatherings or cozy coffee dates. Don’t forget that this recipe yields approximately 220 calories per slice, so you can indulge mindfully and savor every bite.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—whether you’re planning your next autumn baking session or need a last-minute gift for friends and neighbors. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions about substitutions, baking tips, or flavor tweaks. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your questions, or let me know about any personal twists you added. Your feedback and stories make this baking community come alive, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help or just want to celebrate your delicious results. Happy baking!
Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Description
This pumpkin bread boasts a tender crumb and aromatic spices, making it a cozy addition to your autumn baking. Enjoy a slice with coffee or tea for a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
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Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
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Fold in the nuts or chocolate chips if you're using them.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Note
- This pumpkin bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For a more intense flavor, toast the nuts before folding them into the batter.
- You can substitute half of the white sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweet note.
- This recipe freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to store in the freezer.
- Try spreading a bit of cream cheese on a slice for an extra creamy and tangy touch.
