Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread Loaf (Printable Version)

Moist pumpkin loaf with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
05 - ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - ½ teaspoon baking powder
08 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

09 - 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
10 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
11 - ½ cup brown sugar, packed
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter)
14 - ¼ cup milk
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Optional Add-ins

16 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
17 - ½ cup chocolate chips

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
03 - In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix to avoid tough texture.
05 - If using, gently fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
07 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of warm spices creates layers of flavor that commercial pumpkin treats never quite capture, and Ive watched skeptics become converts with just one bite.
  • This loaf actually improves after sitting overnight, making it perfect for busy households when you need something ready ahead of time.
02 -
  • Testing for doneness with a toothpick can be misleading with pumpkin bread, as the natural moisture can cling to the pick even when the bread is perfectly baked, so look for the edges pulling away from the pan slightly.
  • The batter will seem thicker than many quick bread recipes, but this density is what gives the loaf its perfect texture, so trust the process even if it seems unusual.
03 -
  • Misting the top of the batter with water just before baking creates a more tender crust, something I learned from a professional baker who tasted my loaf at a neighborhood exchange.
  • For gift-giving, bake the batter in clean, empty tin cans filled halfway for adorable mini loaves that bake in just 30 minutes and can be decorated with ribbon and a handwritten tag.
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