If there’s one recipe that captures all the warmth and coziness of fall in a single bite, it’s Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread. This delightful loaf is everything you crave as the seasons change: moist and tender from real pumpkin purée, bursting with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with an irresistible hint of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a homemade gift for the holidays, this bread is a comforting favorite you’ll come back to all year long.

Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one has a special role, working together to create a loaf that’s rich in flavor, luxuriously moist, and perfectly spiced.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the loaf while keeping it soft and tender.
Baking soda: Gives a reliable, lofty rise and ensures the bread isn’t too dense.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift, supporting the soda and ensuring a lighter crumb.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that classic, irresistible autumn warmth to each bite.
Ground nutmeg: Adds complexity, pairing beautifully with pumpkin.
Ground cloves: Introduces an aromatic, slightly spicy note for depth.
Ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that brightens the overall flavor.
Pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling): The star ingredient, lending moistness, vibrant color, and pure pumpkin flavor.
Vegetable oil (or melted butter): Ensures a moist, rich texture—choose oil for the softest crumb.
Brown sugar, packed: Infuses the bread with rich, caramel undertones and extra moisture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and helps create that classic quick bread texture.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Milk (or buttermilk): Adds lovely tenderness; buttermilk makes the loaf even softer and tangier.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Prepping your pan this way ensures your Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread turns out golden, never stuck, and picture-perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Blending all the spices and leaveners with the flour now means they’ll be distributed evenly, giving each slice of bread consistent flavor and rise.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, oil (or melted butter), brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk (or buttermilk). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and slightly glossy—this step is essential for a tender, cohesive batter that bakes up evenly.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently add your dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients. Fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until you see no more dry flour—be careful not to overmix. This keeps the loaf beautifully soft and prevents any toughness.

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow your Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too soon might cause it to crumble, so patience here pays off with perfectly neat slices.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar gives the loaf a beautiful, snowy finish. For something extra-special, drizzle with cream cheese glaze or sprinkle a bit of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a sweet, crackly crust. Chopped toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds also make a lovely, nutty garnish that adds both crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Enjoy a warm slice of Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread with a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast, or pair it with a strong cup of coffee or chai tea for a comforting afternoon snack. For a fall-inspired brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a crisp salad with orchard fruit—the sweet and spiced loaf adds such a cozy contrast!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, slice the loaf and arrange it on a wooden board alongside a bowl of whipped maple butter. Wrap mini loaves in parchment and twine for thoughtful edible gifts. You can also cube the bread and layer with sweetened mascarpone and berries for a gorgeous pumpkin trifle, or toast slices and top with apple butter for an autumn dessert twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread fresh, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making those leftovers even more irresistible!

Freezing

This bread is freezer-friendly and keeps beautifully for up to three months. Let the loaf cool completely, then wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight at room temperature for that just-baked taste whenever you crave it.

Reheating

For that warm, just-out-of-the-oven feel, reheat slices of Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. To crisp up the edges, toast gently in a toaster oven. Add a pat of butter for a truly decadent treat!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! Roast, puree, and drain your own pumpkin for homemade freshness—just be sure to remove excess liquid so your quick bread turns out as moist and tender as intended.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Regular milk works perfectly in this recipe, but if you want a tangier crumb, simply stir 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar into regular milk and let it sit for five minutes as a quick swap.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely. Stir in up to ¾ cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries just before pouring the batter into the pan. These additions bring extra flavor and texture, making your Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread even more special.

Why did my bread sink or turn out gooey in the middle?

This is usually caused by underbaking or using too much pumpkin purée. Make sure to check doneness with a toothpick, and measure your pumpkin accurately for perfect results every time.

How do I make Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend—most supermarket blends work well here, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this delicious loaf.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with Pumpkin Spice Quick Bread: it’s a crowd-pleaser, a cozy breakfast, and the ultimate snacking treat all in one perfect loaf. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with its comforting flavors and airy crumb. Happy baking!