Moist, deeply spiced pumpkin bread with a crackly top
Spiced Pumpkin Loaf Bread
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 min
Servings
10
1 loaf
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Spiced Pumpkin Loaf Bread
Moist, deeply spiced pumpkin bread with a crackly top
★4.7(15)
Incredibly moist pumpkin bread with warm cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, baked until the top crackles beautifully. A fall staple that fills your home with the coziest aroma.
10m
Prep Time
60m
Cook Time
70m
Total Time
10
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
This pumpkin bread is everything fall baking should be—deeply spiced, impossibly moist, and topped with that gorgeous crackly crust. One loaf is never enough, so consider doubling the recipe.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- 1
Whisk flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking soda, salt, and baking powder in a bowl.
- 2
In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth.
- 3
Fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined—do not overmix.
- 4
Pour into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Sprinkle the top with a tablespoon of granulated sugar for extra crackle.
- 5
Bake at 350°F for 55-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Pair with fresh-cut fries or roasted potato wedges
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving
Substitutions
Pumpkin pureeButternut squash puree
Very similar flavor and moisture with a slightly sweeter taste
Vegetable oilApplesauce (1/2 cup)
Reduces fat while keeping the bread moist
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Fold in chocolate chips, walnuts, or pepitas for add-ins that make each loaf unique.
Double the recipe and freeze the second loaf for up to 3 months—future you will be grateful.
Preheat your pan or griddle properly. An evenly heated surface is the difference between golden perfection and uneven cooking.
Room temperature eggs cook more evenly than cold ones. Pull them from the fridge 15 minutes before cooking.
Storage
Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 4 days or refrigerate for a week.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster or 300°F oven for 5 minutes. Spread with butter for a treat.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (40mg) · 10 servings
Calories245
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein3g
Carbohydrates10g
Fat36g
Fiber180mg
Sugar1g
Sodium20g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Pumpkin puree vs. pumpkin pie filling?
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
- Can I make muffins instead?
- Yes, fill muffin tins 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 20-22 minutes.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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