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Close-up of moist pumpkin bread loaf topped with white icing dripping down the sides on a wooden board, showing tender orange crumb and cinnamon specks.

The Best Classic Pumpkin Bread

Soft, ultra-moist pumpkin bread with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor. One bowl, no mixer, and perfect every time. Even better on day two.

  • Total Time: 65–80 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (9×5-inch) or 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 3/4 tsp fine salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado)
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 g) pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin, not pie filling)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk or orange juice (optional, for extra moisture)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan and line with a parchment sling.
  • In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
  • In a second bowl, whisk eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, milk or orange juice (if using), and vanilla until smooth.
  • Pour wet into dry. Fold gently with a spatula until the flour just disappears. Do not overmix.
  • Spread batter into the pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake 55–70 minutes, checking at 55. Tent with foil if browning too fast. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool in pan 15 minutes. Lift out and cool fully on a rack before slicing.

Notes

  • Measure flour by weight or spoon-and-level to avoid a dry loaf.
  • Fresh spices make a big difference.
  • Orange juice won’t make it taste citrusy; it lightens the crumb.
  • For muffins: bake 12 muffins at 350°F for 20–24 minutes.
  • Storage: 3–4 days at room temp (wrapped), 1 week in fridge, up to 3 months frozen (slice first).
  • Flavor peaks on day two as spices bloom.
  • Author: Soukaina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55–70 minutes
  • Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
  • Calories: 290 Kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 240 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg