There’s nothing quite like slicing into a loaf of pumpkin bread that’s soft, tender, and full of cozy fall flavors. This Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread is the kind of recipe that instantly makes your kitchen smell heavenly—cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice wafting through the air. One bite, and you’ll understand why pumpkin bread has become a seasonal favorite for so many families.
The best part? This loaf isn’t dense or heavy like some pumpkin breads. Instead, it’s light, fluffy, and perfectly moist, striking that ideal balance of texture and flavor. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake yet impressive enough to bring to a fall gathering, brunch, or holiday table.
Table of Contents
Why Make This Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread?
There are dozens of pumpkin bread recipes out there, but this one checks all the boxes:
- Light and airy texture that doesn’t weigh you down.
- Super moist crumb thanks to pumpkin puree and the right balance of oil and sugar.
- Perfect spice blend—not too strong, but just enough to give cozy autumn vibes.
- Quick and simple—no yeast, no long waiting times.
- Family-friendly—a treat everyone will love.
Why Will You Love This Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread?
- Stays Fresh: This loaf stays moist for days, making it perfect for make-ahead baking.
- Easy to Customize: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a cream cheese swirl.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make extra loaves and freeze for later.
- Better Than Store-Bought: Fresh, homemade, and filled with love.
How to Make Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
Directions:
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Make the batter: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Optional add-ins: Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Slice & serve: Thick slices are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
- Classic Style: Thick slices with a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Sweet Treat: Top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze or caramel sauce.
- Festive Dessert: Pair with vanilla ice cream during the holidays.
- Quick Breakfast: Lightly toast slices and spread with butter or cream cheese.
The Best Way To Store Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
- Room Temperature: Wrap in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Tips to Make Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
- Don’t Overmix: It keeps the loaf tender and fluffy.
- Use Fresh Spices: Fresh cinnamon and nutmeg make a big difference.
- Pumpkin Puree Only: Avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
- Check Early: Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes—every oven is different.
- Let it Rest: Cooling helps the loaf slice cleanly and enhances flavor.
Health Benefits (Nutritional Breakdown)
Pumpkin bread is a sweet treat, but pumpkin itself offers great nutrition:
- High in Vitamin A: Essential for eye health and immunity.
- Fiber-Rich: Aids digestion and helps you feel full.
- Antioxidants: Help reduce inflammation and support overall health.
- Low in Calories: Pumpkin adds richness without being high in fat.
Variations
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Pumpkin Nut Bread: Fold in walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Glazed Pumpkin Bread: Top with a simple vanilla or maple glaze.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a sweetened cream cheese layer for richness.
- Mini Loaves: Perfect for gifting or portion control.
Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5 inch)
- parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- oven
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, sugars, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Stir in optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice thickly and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Q2: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Roast, mash, and strain fresh pumpkin for the perfect puree.
Q3: Can I double this recipe?
Yes, bake in two loaf pans. Just adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
This Moist & Fluffy Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate cozy bake. With its soft, light texture and perfectly balanced spices, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this loaf is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.