If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of autumn, this Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully moist, spiced loaf made from real pumpkin purée and a blend of classic fall spices that bring out the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love the idea of quick, delicious breads without the hassle of yeast, this recipe will become your go-to for those crisp, pumpkin-filled days. This bread tastes like fall in every bite and is perfect for holiday gatherings or simply paired with your morning coffee for a comforting start to the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a perfect loaf. From the fluffy texture brought by baking soda and powder to the deep flavors from pumpkin pie spice, every component works together to make a loaf you’ll love.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and the hearty base of the bread.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay tender.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift so your bread is light, not dense.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: Gives that signature autumn warmth with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of spice and aroma.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient that adds moisture, color, and natural sweetness.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread without overpowering the pumpkin flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds depth and a subtle molasses note.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Ensures a tender crumb and rich mouthfeel.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s moist texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Lifts and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
How to Make Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing or lining a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your bread won’t stick and bakes evenly, giving you a clean and smooth release when it’s ready.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-important dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. This blend sets the stage for the bread’s rise and rich, spicy flavor profile.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This wet base is where the pumpkin shines, making the bread unbelievably moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Into Wet
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here — you want the batter to be thick and a bit lumpy to ensure your quick bread stays tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even rise. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean. When baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe, add a simple, creamy spread such as maple butter or a slather of cream cheese frosting. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar also makes for a delightful finishing touch that complements the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin spice quick bread pairs wonderfully with hot beverages like chai tea, spiced latte, or a rich cup of black coffee. For a heartier treat, serve alongside a bowl of pumpkin soup or a fresh apple salad to keep the fall vibes going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your bread into thick, hearty pieces and toast lightly for an irresistible breakfast. You can also transform it into a decadent French toast or use it as a base for mini bread puddings. For a festive touch, top a slice with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this loaf later, slice it before freezing so you can grab individual pieces as needed. Wrap slices in parchment or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen for a quick treat.
Reheating
For a warm, fresh-from-the-oven feel, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly in the oven or toaster. This brings back that moist texture and intensifies the pumpkin spice aroma, making every bite feel freshly baked.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pumpkin purée?
Yes, you can substitute canned sweet potato purée or mashed banana for pumpkin, though the flavor will be slightly different. Just be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling, which is sweeter and spiced already, as that will throw off the balance.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own blend using ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and allspice. This homemade mix will give your bread that authentic warm flavor needed for the recipe.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture might be a little different but still wonderfully moist and tasty.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which leads to a denser, tougher bread. For a soft, tender crumb, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
How can I add extra flavor or texture?
Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries into the batter before baking. These add delightful bursts of flavor and a pleasant crunch that pairs well with the spices.
Final Thoughts
This Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe feels like a warm hug from the inside and is a wonderful way to celebrate all the flavors of fall. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing with friends or keeping all to yourself. I encourage you to try baking this loaf and let your kitchen fill with those irresistible scents of pumpkin and spice—you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Seasonal Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and warmly spiced pumpkin quick bread made with real pumpkin purée and classic fall spices. This easy, no-yeast loaf is perfect for autumn baking, holiday gatherings, or enjoying with coffee on a cool morning.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variation.
- For extra moisture, replace 2 tablespoons of oil with applesauce.
- Flavor improves after resting overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breads & Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
