Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe is an easy fall favorite made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and warm pumpkin spice flavor.

The bread bakes up soft and moist and makes a delicious breakfast, afternoon snack, or simple fall dessert.

Pumpkin bread is one of my favorite recipes to make when fall arrives.

I love getting the kids involved with baking, and this is an easy recipe for them to help with by measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and getting everything ready for the loaf pan.

You can enjoy a slice on its own or serve it with a cup of coffee or a glass of milk. You can also customize your pumpkin bread by adding chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins, or chocolate chips.

If you have a can of pumpkin puree waiting in the pantry, this easy pumpkin bread is a great way to put it to use!

Why You’ll Love This Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This easy pumpkin bread is a great recipe to make throughout the fall season and into the holidays. Here are a few reasons to give it a try:

• Easy to make: The batter comes together with simple steps and everyday baking ingredients.
• Soft and moist: Pumpkin puree and vegetable oil help give this bread its soft, moist texture.
• Full of fall flavor: Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice add warm, cozy flavor to every slice.
• Easy to customize: Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts or pecans, or raisins to make it your own.
• Great for different occasions: Serve pumpkin bread for breakfast or brunch, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or add it to your fall and Thanksgiving dessert table.
• Kids can help: Kids can help measure and mix ingredients, making this a fun recipe to prepare together.

Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ¼ cup water

Ingredient Notes

• Pumpkin puree: Use a 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains added sweeteners and spices.
• Vegetable oil: Using oil helps give the pumpkin bread its soft, moist texture.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm cinnamon flavor that pairs perfectly with the pumpkin.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A convenient blend of warm spices that adds classic fall flavor to the bread.
• Vanilla extract: Adds extra flavor and complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and give the loaf structure.

For the best results, I recommend making the recipe as written the first time. You can find optional add-ins and variations below.

How to Make Moist Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread comes together in just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and pumpkin pie spice.

Step 3: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, beaten eggs, and water. Mix well.

Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until everything is just combined.

Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.

Step 6: Bake for about 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or long wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the pumpkin bread is ready.

Step 7: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool before removing it from the pan, slicing, and serving.

See the recipe card at the bottom of the post for the complete ingredient amounts and instructions.

Save this Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe for later:

Tips for the Best Moist Pumpkin Bread

Keep these simple tips in mind when making your pumpkin bread:

• Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Double-check the can before adding it to your batter. Pure pumpkin puree is what you need for this recipe.
• Don’t overmix the batter. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until everything is incorporated.
• Check the center before removing it from the oven. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs rather than wet batter.
• Give it time to cool. Let the pumpkin bread cool before slicing so the loaf has time to set and is easier to cut.
• Watch the loaf toward the end of baking. Ovens can vary, so start checking the center as you get close to the one-hour mark.

Pumpkin Bread Add-Ins

This moist pumpkin bread is delicious as written, but you can also add a little something extra to the batter before baking. Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate chips: Fold chocolate chips into the batter for a sweeter pumpkin bread.
• Walnuts: Add chopped walnuts for a little crunch.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans are another easy addition that pairs well with pumpkin and warm fall spices.
• Raisins: Stir in raisins for added sweetness and texture.

You can also sprinkle a small amount of your chosen add-in over the top of the batter before baking for a little extra texture on top of the loaf.

How to Store Pumpkin Bread

Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing it. Place the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly to help keep it fresh.

You can store pumpkin bread at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can You Freeze Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! Let the pumpkin bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, allow the pumpkin bread to thaw before serving. You can freeze the entire loaf or individual slices if you’d like to have smaller portions ready to enjoy later.

Helpful Pumpkin Bread Baking Supplies

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If you plan to make pumpkin bread and other quick breads throughout the fall season, these baking supplies are helpful to keep in your kitchen:

• Loaf pan: A good loaf pan is useful for pumpkin bread, banana bread, zucchini bread, and other homemade quick breads.
• Mixing bowls: A set of mixing bowls makes it easy to keep the wet and dry ingredients separate before combining them.
• Silicone spatula: Use a spatula for mixing the batter and scraping the sides of the bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons: A basic set is essential for measuring the ingredients in this recipe.
• Cooling rack: A wire cooling rack allows air to circulate around the loaf as it cools.
• Wooden skewers: Keep a package of wooden skewers on hand for checking the center of quick breads and cakes for doneness.
• Freezer-safe storage bags: These are helpful if you plan to freeze the entire loaf or individual slices to enjoy later.

What to Serve With Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread can be enjoyed for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a simple fall dessert. Serve a slice on its own or pair it with:

• A cup of hot coffee or tea
• A cold glass of milk
• Fresh fruit for an easy breakfast
• Scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage for a more filling breakfast
• A little butter spread over a warm slice

Pumpkin bread also makes a great addition to a fall brunch or Thanksgiving breakfast spread.

More Pumpkin Recipes

If you love baking and cooking with pumpkin during the fall season, try a few of these pumpkin recipes next:

• Best Pumpkin Breakfast Ideas – Find even more pumpkin recipes to enjoy during cozy fall mornings.
• Pumpkin Oat Muffins – Make a batch of pumpkin muffins for an easy fall breakfast or snack.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Cookies – Try an easy pumpkin treat that doesn’t require turning on the oven.
• Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie – Enjoy another pumpkin dessert that’s perfect for fall and Thanksgiving.
• Pumpkin Spice Dip – Serve this easy pumpkin dip for a fall snack, party, or holiday gathering.
• Pumpkin Pie Smoothie – Enjoy pumpkin flavor in a quick and easy smoothie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

For this recipe, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains additional ingredients, including sweeteners and spices, that can change the flavor and sweetness of the bread.

How do I know when pumpkin bread is done?

Insert a toothpick or long wooden skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the pumpkin bread is done. If you see wet batter, continue baking and check it again after a few minutes.

Why is my pumpkin bread still wet in the middle?

If the center is still wet when you check it, the loaf needs additional baking time. Because ovens and loaf pans can vary, use the suggested baking time as a guide and check the center for doneness before removing the bread from the oven.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to pumpkin bread?

Yes. Chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can be folded into the batter before baking. These are optional, so you can also make the pumpkin bread exactly as written.

How long does pumpkin bread last?

Store cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can you freeze pumpkin bread?

Yes. Allow the loaf to cool completely, wrap it tightly, and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months.