There is something truly magical about a warm slice of Pumpkin Bread fresh from the oven. This Pumpkin Bread, with its tender crumb and the cozy spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, captures all the comforting flavors of fall in every bite. The addition of a smooth cinnamon glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness and a silky finish that makes it absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re looking for the perfect treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or a delightful dessert to share with friends, this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful loaf that brings a little autumn joy any time of year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread is wonderfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating its rich texture, warm flavor, and beautiful color. From the velvety canned pumpkin puree to the aromatic spices, these essentials blend perfectly to make a loaf that tastes like a hug in bread form.

Canned pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, natural sweetness, and that iconic pumpkin flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist, preventing it from drying out.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a lovely crust.
Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the structure of the bread.
All-purpose flour: The base of the bread that gives it structure and chewiness.
Baking soda and baking powder: Work as leavening agents to make the bread rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: The warming spices that give the Pumpkin Bread its signature fall flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Creates a sweet, delicate glaze that melts on top.
Milk (for the glaze): Adds just enough liquid to create a smooth, drizzle-able texture.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature when the batter is ready. Next, grease a loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter—this stops the bread from sticking and helps it bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and uniform. These ingredients create the moist base of the bread that promises richness and tenderness in every slice.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated. This method helps to blend the eggs evenly into the batter, supporting the structure of the bread and adding moisture.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This careful combination of leavening agents and spices ensures your Pumpkin Bread rises just right and bursts with comforting autumnal flavors.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; overworking the batter can lead to a dense, tough bread, whereas gentle folding keeps it light and tender.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and level the surface with a spatula for even baking. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step transforms your simple ingredients into a golden, fragrant loaf.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once the baking time is up, let your loaf rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before gently transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely. While the bread cools, prepare the cinnamon glaze by stirring powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk in a small saucepan over low heat until silky and pourable. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread and let it set before slicing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

Adding a little something extra on top of your Pumpkin Bread can elevate the experience. Try sprinkling toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon glaze just before it sets. A dusting of extra cinnamon or a smear of softened butter on a warm slice also brings out the bread’s cozy flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even hot apple cider. For a more substantial snack or breakfast, serve it alongside creamy yogurt with a drizzle of honey and some fresh fruit for a balanced, delicious combo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, cut the Pumpkin Bread into smaller squares and serve them on a wooden board with a bowl of cinnamon glaze for dipping. Or, turn slices into French toast for a delightful brunch twist that still celebrates those classic Pumpkin Bread flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pumpkin Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The bread’s moistness holds up nicely, making it perfect for a quick snack the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Pumpkin Bread to enjoy later by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Reheating

To bring your Pumpkin Bread back to life, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until warm and fragrant. This quick step revives the softness and enhances the aroma, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree fresh pumpkin first, then drain any excess moisture to get the right consistency. This substitution will keep your Pumpkin Bread moist and flavorful.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

Butter or coconut oil are great alternatives that add richness. Just keep in mind that butter may alter the texture slightly, making the bread a bit denser but more flavorful.

Can I make this Pumpkin Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend suitable for one-to-one substitution. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free to keep the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Is it okay to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Adding a half cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips gives a wonderful textural contrast and extra flavor that many people love in Pumpkin Bread.

How long will the glaze stay good on the bread?

The cinnamon glaze sets nicely but can start to soften over time. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days for the perfect drizzle texture, though the bread itself keeps longer.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing like baking a loaf of Pumpkin Bread to fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of fall. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and moisture to create a loaf that feels like a little slice of comfort heaven. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Pumpkin Bread as much as I do—happy baking and even happier tasting!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (approx. 10-12 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Glaze is the perfect cozy fall treat, combining moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a sweet and flavorful cinnamon glaze. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe offers warm autumn flavors in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with cooking spray or butter and set aside to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated into the pumpkin mixture. This helps the batter develop proper consistency.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating doneness.
Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing.
Prepare Cinnamon Glaze: While the bread cools, combine powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and milk in a small saucepan. Stir continuously over low heat until the glaze is smooth and reaches a drizzle consistency.
Glaze the Bread: Once the pumpkin bread has completely cooled, drizzle the cinnamon glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
Use canned pumpkin puree for consistent moisture and flavor.
The glaze can be adjusted by adding more milk for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American