Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or substitute with 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground cloves, and 1 teaspoon nutmeg)
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (1½ sticks) butter, softened
3 large eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 can (15–16 ounces) 100% pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A well-prepared pan will ensure that your bread doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly when baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set this mixture aside. These dry ingredients are key to ensuring the perfect rise and spiced flavor throughout the bread.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using an electric mixer or by hand. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2–3 minutes. This step helps incorporate air, giving your bread a tender crumb.
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Step 4: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure everything is fully combined. The eggs contribute moisture and structure, helping the bread rise and stay soft.
Step 5: Mix in the Pumpkin Puree
Once the eggs are fully incorporated, mix in the pumpkin puree until smooth and evenly distributed. The pumpkin not only gives the bread its characteristic flavor but also adds moisture, keeping the bread tender for days.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a denser, tougher bread. Stirring just enough to moisten the flour will give you a light, tender loaf.
Step 7: Bake the Pumpkin Spice Bread
Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, you can tent the loaf loosely with foil for the remaining baking time to prevent burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan. After 10 minutes, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Serving Suggestions
Slice the pumpkin spice bread and serve it warm with a smear of butter, or enjoy it as is! This bread pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea, and it also makes a great addition to any holiday spread. For an extra treat, try serving it with cream cheese or honey.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Spice Bread
Avoid overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the flour is incorporated to avoid a dense texture.
Pumpkin puree only: Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor of your bread.
Customize the spice blend: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can mix 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a homemade version.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Based on 12 Servings)
Calories: 300 kcal
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Sugar: 25 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g