This Sweet Pumpkin Spice Bread is a warm hug in dessert form! It’s packed with pumpkin, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, making it perfect for cozy days.
Whenever I bake this bread, my home fills with the sweetest autumn scent. I love enjoying a slice with hot cocoa—it’s the ultimate treat! 🥰
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the bread. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend can work well.
Baking soda: Essential for leavening, but if you’re out, you can use baking powder (just use about 3 teaspoons instead of 1 teaspoon of baking soda).
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices are what give pumpkin bread its signature flavor. If you love those spices, a bit of allspice or ginger can add nice complexity, too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better flavor control. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works great here.
Pumpkin puree: Always use pure pumpkin puree, not the pie filling, which has added sugars and spices. You can substitute it with applesauce for a lighter texture, but the flavor will be different.
Chocolate chips: These are optional, but they add a delicious touch. Use dark or white chocolate chips, or even nuts for a crunchier texture if preferred!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Bread Consistency?
Mixing the batter properly is crucial for the right texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Always start by creaming your butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air, which makes the bread rise.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time. This ensures they are well blended without over-mixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, making the bread tough.
- Don’t forget to check for doneness! Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
These tips will help ensure your bread is soft, moist, and delicious every time you bake it! Enjoy your baking experience!
Sweet Pumpkin Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and approximately 55-65 minutes to bake. Additionally, allow about 10 minutes for cooling in the pan after baking. Overall, you’ll spend around 1.5 hours from start to finish before you can enjoy this delicious pumpkin spice bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves (if you’re using them), and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, which gives your bread a delightful texture.
4. Add the Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before mixing in the next. This will create a uniform batter.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Now, mix in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. It should look smooth and well combined.
6. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
If you’re feeling a little indulgent, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips gently until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour your prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling time helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier.
Enjoy this moist and fragrant pumpkin spice bread with a cup of tea or coffee! It’s perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet treat any time of the day.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a small pumpkin until tender, scoop out the flesh, and puree it in a blender or food processor. Just ensure it’s completely smooth, similar to canned pumpkin puree for the best results!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store your Sweet Pumpkin Spice Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts to the Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for an extra crunch. About 1/2 cup chopped nuts will work well without altering the texture too much.
What Should I Do If My Bread Sinks in the Middle?
If your bread sinks, it may be due to underbaking or too much leavening. Always check that you’re using the correct measurements and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking to maintain even heat.