Name: Sweet Pumpkin Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1 cup pumpkin purée; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A thick slice of Sweet Pumpkin Bread is pure autumn comfort in every bite. Moist, spiced just right, and lightly sweet, this bread is like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast with a warm cup of coffee or sneaking a slice as an evening treat, it delivers that nostalgic seasonal flavor that makes fall so special.

What makes this pumpkin bread really shine is its soft crumb and deep flavor. The pumpkin purée not only gives it a beautiful golden hue but also keeps it incredibly moist. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves swirling through each bite, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to whip it up even on a lazy Sunday morning.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Pumpkin Bread

This bread is a dream come true for anyone who loves fall flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and makes your kitchen feel warm and welcoming. You don’t need a mixer, and you can make it ahead of time—it tastes even better the next day. It’s also perfect for sharing, whether you’re gifting a loaf to a neighbor or bringing it to a potluck.

Can I Use Canned Pumpkin or Fresh?

Great question! You can use either canned pumpkin purée or fresh homemade purée. Just be sure not to use pumpkin pie filling—it contains added sugars and spices that will throw off the flavor. If using fresh, strain it well to remove excess moisture. Canned is reliable and fuss-free, making it my go-to for consistent results.

Ingredients for the Sweet Pumpkin Bread

This recipe uses pantry staples and comes together quickly. Each ingredient has its role in delivering flavor, moisture, and texture that you’ll love.

All-purpose flour gives the bread structure without making it dense.

Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps create a beautifully tender crumb.

Brown sugar adds depth with a hint of molasses flavor.

Pumpkin purée is the star, bringing moisture and that classic fall taste.

Vegetable oil keeps the bread extra moist and rich.

Eggs provide structure and help the bread rise.

Baking soda and baking powder ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give the bread its cozy, spiced profile.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with a warm, comforting note.

How To Make the Sweet Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This makes removing the bread simple and clean.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled completely, slice and serve. It gets even more flavorful the next day.

How to Serve and Store Sweet Pumpkin Bread

This recipe makes one generous loaf that can serve about 8 to 10 people. It’s great served slightly warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. For a treat, toast a slice and sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. You can also turn leftovers into French toast for a decadent fall breakfast.

To store, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 4 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed.

What to Serve With Sweet Pumpkin Bread?

Hot Apple Cider

Warm spiced apple cider brings out the cozy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg in the bread.

Cream Cheese Spread

Whip cream cheese with a touch of maple syrup for a delicious spread that adds richness.

Greek Yogurt

A scoop of tangy yogurt balances the sweet and spice, making it a great breakfast combo.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Pairing it with a PSL is the ultimate fall indulgence.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Light and refreshing, fruit salad adds brightness that contrasts the dense loaf.

Vanilla Ice Cream

For dessert, serve a warm slice topped with vanilla ice cream—it melts into the bread perfectly.

Toasted Pecans

Add crunch with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top or on the side.

Want More Bread Recipes with Fall Flavor?

If you’re loving this Sweet Pumpkin Bread, try these cozy bakes too:

• Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a nutty Southern twist.
• Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze for tart-sweet brightness.
• Herb Cheese Quick Bread for a savory spin.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for more fruity comfort.
• Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake if you love a side of vegetables with heart.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh or canned pumpkin? Add a handful of nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar? I love hearing your variations.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more seasonal favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for cozy and delicious baking!