Pumpkin Bread Loaf (Printer-Friendly)

A moist, spiced pumpkin loaf perfect for breakfast or snacking. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for warm flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
05 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
10 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
11 - ½ cup packed brown sugar
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - ½ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
14 - ¼ cup milk
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins

16 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
17 - ½ cup chocolate chips

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
05 - If using, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The texture walks that perfect line between dense and tender, never dry or gummy
  • It freezes beautifully, so you're suddenly that person with homemade bread on hand
  • The spice blend hits nostalgic notes without being predictable
02 -
  • Overmixing creates a tough, rubbery texture—stop as soon as the flour disappears
  • Every oven bakes differently, so start checking at the 55-minute mark
  • The bread continues cooking slightly while cooling in the pan
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create better texture
  • Sprinkle Demerara sugar on top before baking for a crunchy, sparkly crust
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