Pumpkin Spice Bread

There’s not much mystery in how this pumpkin spice bread got its name, is there? Considering that this pumpkin spice bread recipe contains four different spices and actual pumpkin, we certainly don’t think so. But we are certain that you and anyone else lucky enough to try this quick bread will love it.

A holiday treat that fits the seasonal flavor profile anywhere from October through New Year’s Day, this is a tasty bread that you can enjoy with a meal or on its own as a snack or dessert.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Ingredients

• Sugar: This is a sweet treat of a bread, so of course you will find sugar in the ingredients.
• Vegetable oil: We recommend a neutral-tasting vegetable oil such as canola or vegetable oil.
• Eggs: Use four large eggs, lightly beaten, and allow them to come to room temperature before you start the cooking process.
• Solid-pack pumpkin: Pumpkin lends much of its sweet and nutty flavor to this pumpkin spice bread.
• All-purpose flour: It’s hard to imagine life without all-purpose flour, so it’s a good thing we don’t have to.
• Baking soda: The baking soda helps the all-purpose flour do its thing, rising into the perfect texture.
• Ground cinnamon: The teaspoon of cinnamon is one of the key members of the spice crew in this holiday-ready bread.
• Ground nutmeg: Where you find cinnamon, you often find nutmeg, its wonderful but powerful partner.
• Baking powder: Baking powder is distinct from baking soda, so use both in this recipe.
• Ground cloves: Ground cloves have quite a potent flavor, so only use the recommended 1/2 teaspoon.
• Ground allspice: Contrary to common misconception, allspice is not a blend of spices, but is its own spice.

Directions

Step 1: Combine all ingredients in order

Preheat the oven to 350°F, then, in a large bowl, combine the sugar, oil and eggs, then add the pumpkin and mix well. Next, in a second bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, cloves and allspice. Add this blend to the pumpkin mixture alternately with the water, beating well after each addition.

Step 2: Bake the bread

Pour the mixture into two greased 9×5-inch loaf pans and bake it until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, which will take 60 to 65 minutes. Cool the loaves in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Variations

• Add chopped nuts: Adding in chopped walnuts or pecans creates an interesting texture and adds a nuttiness to the flavor profile.
• Use a pumpkin spice blend: You can save yourself some time by buying a premade pumpkin spice blend instead of adding all four spices yourself.
• Swap out some of the sugar: You can replace half of the white sugar with brown sugar for a pumpkin bread that will still be plenty sweet and will have a slightly deeper and more robust flavor profile.

How to Store Pumpkin Spice Bread

Store this pumpkin bread in an airtight container or wrap at room temperature for up to five days, though after three days, you may want to put it in the refrigerator to extend its life. In the fridge, it will keep for up to seven days.

Can you freeze this pumpkin bread?

Yes, wrap the bread in an airtight covering and freeze it for up to three months.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Tips

What should I serve with this pumpkin bread?

A dollop of whipped butter and a cup of coffee, hot cocoa or tea is all this pumpkin bread needs. That said, it can also be a part of a hearty meal.

Could I use this recipe to make muffins?

Absolutely. You can pour the batter into prepared muffin tins and enjoy pumpkin spice muffins instead of bread. Keep in mind that the baking time will be notably shorter with muffins.

What is allspice, anyway?

Allspice is an unripened and dried berry from a tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, though it is now produced widely all over the globe.