We’ve all been in this situation- some friends let you know they may pop by for a visit, and you think to yourself, “Shoot- I don’t have anything delicious to offer!” (Maybe when you’re The Baker Chick these thoughts occur more than with others!) Anyway- lucky for both of us, this is the easiest, fastest and truly most delicious pumpkin bread I’ve ever had. It’s a recipe that you really must have in your collection because it’s just that good. In no time, you’ll have a warm loaf of bread and your guests will be impressed with your kitchen savvy-ness.
I plan on tripling the recipe next time I make it to have some extra for gifts, (or possibly some mini loaves if I ever get around to buying those cutie pans.) The bread is even more moist after being wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the fridge overnight.
The recipe itself is the perfect, classic, pumpkin bread. The texture is soft and fluffy, it’s full of spice, with a sweet crust that made the edge pieces my favorite part. I thought about adding a crumb topping or some mix ins, but decided in the end what I needed was a simple, classic pumpkin loaf recipe I could keep coming back to for years! This one’s a keeper folks!
If you like this you MUST check out the Best Banana Bread (Ever,) one of my most popular recipes!!!!
- 1 cup white sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (I used coconut)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- Preheat oven to 350F. Butter and flour a 9x5 loaf pan, set aside.
- Whisk together sugars, flour, spices, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the bowl. Add pumpkin, eggs, oil, water and vanilla. Whisk, starting with the wet ingredients and working your way to the outside of the bowl, mixing until batter is smooth and clump-free. (Don't over-mix)
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes and then cool on a rack until ready to serve.
Heather @ Sugar Dish Me says
Sweet pumpkin quick bread! Love it! This is super gorgeous, Audra!
Lily @ Life, Love, and Cupcakes says
You’re making me VERY hungry for pumpkin bread! I’ll have to try this soon!
Faye says
This looks like the best pumpkin bread ever! And the fact that it’s so easy to make is a definite plus. Can’t wait to make it!!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
I’m always down for a fun recipe like this. Lovely!
Dominika says
Oh my gosh! I’m trying this recipe immediately ! How much vanilla?
Audra says
Shoot- thanks for pointing out that I missed that- I’m editing now :)
Lou says
How do you puree your pumpkin? Not cooked first I assume?
Audra says
I normally use canned pumpkin but if you use fresh I would roast it first.
Tracey says
It’s always nice to have a classic recipe like this in your back pocket! It really does look and sound like the perfect loaf!
Elisa @ Insalata di Sillabe says
Such a perfect timing! This evening we’re having guests for dinner and I’m sure this recipe would be a great hit! I had planned on making something pumpkin-y anyway, and I think this loaf would be even better than the simple, plain cookies I was going to bake! I’ll let you know, dear!
xo, Elisa
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
I love how quick and easy this is to pull together!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Oooo! I LOVE one bowl quick breads — so easy and so much quicker to get in my belly! :) Thanks for sharing this excellent recipe, Audra. Can’t wait to try it!
Renee @ Awesome on $20 says
I always feel pressure to bring an impressive dessert to every office potluck and party. I’ll have to make this for something soon.
Jamie says
Do you think I could make this into mini muffins?
Audra says
Sure- just make sure to reduce the bake time by a LOT. I would start checking on them at 10 minutes and then every minute or two after that :)
Joanne says
I definitely need more easy pumpkin recipes like this in my life. For when that craving hits and I need a hit of pumpkin NOW.
Leah says
yum, looks amazing…EASY PEASY and in the oven as I write…probably did not need a thing extra but I put just a few choc chips in it for my kids! And me! Your site is my go- to for most things I bake as I always know it will be a winner!
Audra says
Thanks so much Leah! I am sure the addition of chocolate chips was delicious1
Audra says
Thanks so much Leah! I am sure the addition of chocolate chips was delicious!
Annie @ Annie's City Kitchen says
Yum! I always feel inclined to add some mix-ins to recipes like this but sometimes simple is best!
Nutmeg Nanny says
I love pumpkin bread :) this looks like a perfect recipe!
Rebecca says
Looks delicious :D
DessertForTwo says
I just made this, and it’s FANTASTIC! Thanks for a great recipe! I love that I can use coconut oil and make this bread slightly healthier than my Mom’s version with butter, without noticing a difference in taste at all.
This one’s a winner, Audra :)
Audra says
Thank you so much for letting me know you liked it dear! xoxo
Brenda says
I’ve made your recipe twice! Both times they were a huge hit! I did add walnuts to my batch though. I will be making mini loaves to hand out to my friends for Halloween!!! Thanks for the recipe, delicious and super easy!!
Audra says
Thank you so much for letting me know Brenda- I’m so glad you liked it!
Donna says
Wonderful! Super moist! I will double recipe next time and give as gifts! I made it in my Pumpkin Loaf pan.
Sara says
I tried this recipe and it’s Delicious! Thanks Audra for this recipe, I love it :)
Karen says
I’m making this as we speak!!! I substituted the spices for 2 tbsp of “pumpkin spice” which I believe is a mixture of all the spices that you had listed. So excited! The house smells divine!
Audra says
Thank you so much! I hope you loved it!
Michele says
How did it turn out when you substituted pumpkin spice. And did you use two teaspoons or two tablespoons? Thank you in advance for your reply.
Maris says
I’d like to try this recipe but what kind of brown sugar did you use!?
Audra says
I have had success using both light and dark- either is fine- but if you have light that would probably be best :)
Kate says
I’m currently making this now. My house smells amazing but I noticed that my bread is rising SO MUCH MORE in the middle. I’m hoping it’s cooking thru. I’m nervous.
Audra says
I remember thinking that too much it all worked out- I hope it did for you too!
becca says
This is so amazing! My family loved it!
laura says
We made this!! We did not puree the pumpkin smooth…so it gave a little texture..it was wonderful!!
fiorella says
My dad is a carrot cake and banana bread lover, just made this for him and he said, ”oh i think i just found a my new favourite” (i did add walnuts, adds great texture)
your recipes are the best audra!!! thanks!!!! :)
Audra says
Thank you so much for letting me know how you liked it! :)
Anna says
I have made this recipe several times now, and it is always a hit! It’s perfect for my tiny apartment kitchen. Thank you for sharing!
Audra says
Thanks Anna! I hear ya about the tiny apartment kitchens! :)
Hannah says
My nine-year-old made these this morning and they were fantastic. Thanks for an easy and simple recipe!
Stephanie says
Tried this with coconut oil, as suggested, and it’s really sweet…I think with the coconut oil you could easily cut the sugar considerably (maybe even half). I will try that next time. Great recipe. Thanks!!
Audra says
The coconut oil I use doesn’t add any extra sugar- not sure if yours does but if so then yes you’d want to cut the sugar.
Kristin says
This pumpkin bread is amazing! I have spent all winter looking for the perfect pumpkin bread recipe and I think I have found it! I used a bold, raw coconut oil in my loaf and I couldn’t believe how moist it was…… and yummy! Thanks for having such a great site Audra!
Audra says
Thanks so much for letting me know- I’m glad you liked it! :)
Francesca says
I <3 one-bowl baking.. this looks delicious!
Vicky says
Wondering, could you replace brown and white sugar with succanet or coconut sugar?
Audra says
You know I’ve never used those sugars before so I’m really not sure!If you try let me know how it works out!
Danielle Brown says
I thank you so much for this recipe! I too used the coconut oil, added chocolate chips, and then baked them in my mini muffin pan for 15 minutes each. So very good.
Dani
Thea Shukaliak-Neufeld says
Hello!! This is a very awesome recipe. THANKS!! I made 2 changes – I only used 3/4 cup white sugar and I substituted 1 mashed banana for the brown sugar. It turned out extremely scrumptious. And I used coconut oil too :) I commented on it here: http://allthewayfood.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/pumpkin-loaf/
I cannot wait to try the peppermint paddy cupcakes. Look so delicious!
lori barnes says
If someone is allergic to coconut can you still use the coconut oil
Audra says
I don’t think so, but any vegetable oil will do!
Summer says
Hi Audra,
Can you use the already sweet canned pumpkin instead of the canned plain pumpkin? Would that work? And just omit adding any sugars and spices.
Thanks.
Audra says
Hi Summer! I suggest using regular un-sweetened pumpkin. I’m sure the other would work but I don’t know about the sugar and spices.
Jessica says
Delicious and easy recipe! Thanks so much for sharing!
martina says
I was just wondering could I substitute water for milk? Looks delicious though!
Audra says
Hey Martina- I wouldn’t reccommend skipping the milk- it will add some nice richness to the bread!
Michelle says
Hi I’m confused, the recipe calls for water did you mean to put milk instead then?
Audra says
Note to self no not reply to comments late at night without reading the recipe- YES- the recipe calls for water but you could sub milk if you wanted.
Denise says
I have made many different pumpkin breads and this is by
far the BEST one yet! I have made 4 loaves in the last week! I’m
Never without one in the freezer! I did make one change – I use
Applesauce instead of oil!
Denise says
Had to send another note- I was in a hurry
get my breads in the oven (I always double
this recipe!) in my haste I forgot to put in the
eggs! I decided to just wait and see what
happened. They are perfect, moist and
delicious! I guess this would be a great recipe
for egg sensitivity!
Ashley says
Nailed it! First pumpkin loaf of the season and devoured almost in one night! This will be my go-to recipe. Thanks! Also, I will be trying this in muffin form tomorrow. I shall let you know how they turn out. :)
-peace-
Ashley
Audra says
I’m so glad you liked it- it’s my favorite too!
Sophie says
I made this this morning, and we have eaten over half of it already! My kids are loving it, it is delicious! Thank-you for a a great recipe!
Audra says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Olga says
So yummy! I used only a cup of sugar and it was sweet enough for me! I also didn’t have some of the spices since I recently moved, still it was yummy simple and quick! Thank YOU
Ashley says
Audra! This loaf was amazing in muffin form! I also veganized it and nobody knew the difference! Doubled up the recipe and gave a loaf to a friend. This one’s a keeper! Thanks!
-peace-
Ashley
Stephanie says
Yum. In the oven right now. I doubled the pumpkin as I had one I needed to use up, I also only added half a cup of raw sugar, used wholemeal plain flour and was generous with my spices. The batter tasted nice (nice and pumpkiny) and it’s smelling delicious!
Jaclyn says
Just took my loaf out of the oven a few minutes ago…it looks and smells amazing! I used a bit more ground ginger (1/4 tsp.) and didn’t have a 9 x 5 loaf pan so I used my 8 x 4 pan instead and adjusted the baking time to 65 minutes. Thanks for the recipe!
Isla Sinclair says
I’m making this right now! I used a little more pumpkin (1 cup per loaf) as I had a bit more. Cut back a tad on the liquid and added allspice instead of cloves since I didn’t have the latter. It’s baking right now and smells sooooo good!
Nicole says
I was looking for a new pumpkin recipe and I came across yours. It is now just out of the oven and cooling. I added raisins to it and I can’t wait to try it. My whole house smells amazing! Thank you for sharing your recipe :)
Audra says
I’m so glad you liked it! :)
Anna says
I made this bread last year and it was a huge hit (I added some chopped pecans). Last time, I used regular vegetable oil. If I wanted to use coconut oil, would I need to microwave it first? Thanks!
Audra says
Yes- you would want to melt the oil first :)
Sarah G says
Flipping delicious! I needed to use up some puréed pumpkin in a hurry. The fact that this was so delicious (and easy!) was a bonus. I’m adding it to my recipe box, don’t usually do that for a “use it up” crisis recipe.
Decided to do muffins, around 20 min was perfect.
Jackie G says
I only have a 9 x 3 pan…. does anyone know how long I would bake it? Also, in reading some of the comments, someone said can they substitute water for the milk but the recipe calls for water??
Audra says
You can sub milk for the water if you’d like :) And a 9×3 pan is standard so you should use the baking time listed. With loaf recipes though- you need to test the middle before it’s really done :)
Jessica says
I hate using sugar in recipes. Can I sub with maple syrup?
Audra says
I have never tried that, so I really don’t know for sure the results- but please let me know how it turns out!!
Ashley says
Hey Jessica, if i were you I would decrease the amount of liquid sugar (agave or maple syrup) and increase the dry ingredients a little bit… Im
Always looking for ways to decrease my refined sugar intake and this is how i usually do it. Hope it helps!
-Ashley
Ralphene says
look forward t trying your recipes.
Thea says
HI again Audra! THIS is my favorite recipe, of yours, or anyone else’s! The only thing I often substitute (and today did because I had no white sugar) is mashed banana for the white sugar. My daughter who is 4.5 years helped me today and we cannot wait to eat it :)
Naaz says
I made this bread the other day for a ladies luncheon and everyone liked it said it was really moist. I didn’t have ground cloves or ginger but I did have whole cloves and grinded the best I could with morter and pestle the slice I ate was the end piece and I kept getting pieces of clove lol definitely advise use powder. I would make this bread again maybe up the spices a little not much as I prefer them more strong.
Kelly says
Tried this recipe yesterday and it came out so delicious :) this will be the perfect addition to Thanksgiving this year :)
Julie says
This is the third year I have been baking this delicious bread. Thank you for giving us a fall and winter tradition!
Dagne says
FYI- I omitted white sugar and increased the brown sugar- unpacked- to roughly 3/4 cup. It loses nothing in taste- still came out great. Worth trying perhaps?
Jen says
Hi – I made this earlier int eh fall and it was so good, I decided to make mini loaves for holiday gifts. Any suggestion for the cooking time for a 5 3/4 x 3 1/4 mini loaf pan? I’m assuming it will split evenly between to pans, right?
Tonie says
Hi what would you think if we added cream cheese filling to this recipe
Audra says
I have never tried it! If you do let me know how it is!
TC says
This recipe looks fantastic! Would I be able to sub baking powder for baking soda?
DanielleB says
I’ve made this a couple times and it’s amazing! Also super quick and easy. The only change I made was to cut the white sugar in half and in doing so I found the level of sweetness perfect for my taste. Try this recipe if you haven’t already -be prepared for a lot of compliments!!
Aidan says
Hi
this recipe sounds amazing and I can’t wait to try it for myself. I’m thinking i might use it at a bake sale, how would i go about doubling or tripling the recipe? Is it as simple as times everything by three or two
Audra says
Yep! Just multiply the ingredients by 2!
valerie says
Wow, just made these as cupcakes and a small loaf and it was wonderful! My kids LOVED them…even my picky one! I will definitely be keeping this recipe as a go to!
Amelie says
I’ve been making this recipe for years now. It always turns out perfect and tastes amazing. Thank you for sharing!