Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread is the cozy bake that slows a busy day and fills the house with cinnamon warmth and calm. As Emily, a mom of three, this moist spiced pumpkin bread became our after-school ritual—thick slices, soft crumbs, and happy chatter around the table. It’s simple, soothing, and always reliable. With pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread tastes like fall hugs and little victories. The recipe comes together fast, yet it feels special every time. When Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread cools on the counter, tiny footsteps appear, and seconds disappear just as quickly
Why You’ll Love This Moist Spiced Pumpk
- Ultra-moist crumb with bakery-level tenderness from the right oil-to-pumpkin ratio and balanced sugar, so slices stay soft for days.
- Deep, cozy flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that tastes like fall in every bite without overwhelming the pumpkin.
- Easy, one-bowl method with no mixer and simple pantry staples—perfect for weeknights, bake sales, or make-ahead breakfasts.
- Tall, even rise and a beautiful crackly top that slices cleanly and looks gift-worthy straight from the pan.
- Versatile base for chocolate chips, nuts, or a simple maple glaze, so it adapts to any mood or occasion.
Ingredients for Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
- 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature.
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola).
- 1/3 cup milk or evaporated milk.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
- Optional: 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans.
Substitutions & Variations for Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Spice swap: use pumpkin pie spice (2–2 1/2 teaspoons) instead of the individual spices for speed and balance.
- Flour tweak: replace 1/2 cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for a subtle nutty note and tender crumb.
- Fat choice: melt and cool butter for richer flavor; keep total fat equal to maintain moisture and structure.
- Mix-ins: add 1 cup mini chocolate chips, white chocolate, walnuts, or pecans; toss with 1 teaspoon flour to prevent sinking.
- Maple glaze: whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon; drizzle over cooled loaf for a glossy finish.
- Dairy-free: swap milk for almond or oat milk; ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free if using
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Loaf size | 9×5-inch (10 slices) |
| Bake temp | 350°F (177°C) |
| Bake time | 55–65 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment, leaving overhang, and lightly grease the sides for clean release.
- Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
- In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy with no streaks.
- Add dry to wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; a few small flour streaks should remain for tenderness.
- Fold in optional chocolate chips or nuts, distributing evenly without overmixing so the crumb stays soft.
- Transfer batter to the pan, smooth the top, and tap once to release air bubbles for an even rise and crackly top.
- Bake 55–65 minutes until a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs; tent with foil at 45 minutes if browning quickly.
- Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then lift out using parchment and cool fully on a rack before slicing for clean cuts.
Pro Tips for Success with Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Measure flour by spooning and leveling to avoid a dry, dense loaf and keep the crumb plush.
- Don’t overmix; stop when the batter is just combined so gluten stays relaxed and the loaf rises tall.
- Balance spices; adjust cinnamon or cloves slightly to taste without masking pumpkin’s flavor.
- Check early; ovens vary, so begin testing at 50 minutes and tent the top if it darkens before the center sets.
- Rest overnight wrapped; flavors meld and slices firm slightly, yielding café-style slices next day.
Storage & Reheating Tips for Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Room temperature: wrap tightly or store airtight for 3–4 days; add a paper towel to manage surface moisture.
- Refrigeration: store up to 1 week; bring slices to room temp or warm briefly for best texture and aroma.
- Freezer: wrap loaf or slices in plastic, then foil, up to 3 months; thaw wrapped at room temperature.
- Reheat: microwave slices 10–15 seconds or warm in a low oven; finish with butter or maple butter.
- Moisture boost: brush slightly dry slices with simple syrup or warm maple syrup to revive tenderness.
What to Serve With This Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

- Cozy spreads: whipped maple butter, cinnamon-honey butter, or a light smear of cream cheese complement the plush crumb and warm spice.
- Breakfast pairings: hot coffee, chai latte, or a vanilla cold brew balance sweetness and amplify the bread’s gentle vanilla notes.
- Fresh sides: Greek yogurt with granola, crisp apple slices, or orange segments add brightness alongside Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread.
- Dessert lift: drizzle with simple maple glaze or warm caramel, or serve with vanilla ice cream for an effortless treat.
FAQs for Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Can homemade puree replace canned? Yes, if thick; strain excess liquid so moisture matches canned puree for reliable texture in Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread.
- Can this become muffins? Yes; divide into a 12-cup tin and bake 20–24 minutes until a tester shows a few moist crumbs.
- How to avoid a gummy center? Measure flour correctly, avoid overmixing, and bake until the tester shows moist crumbs—not wet batter.
- Can sugar be reduced? Reduce by 2–4 tablespoons; keep some brown sugar for moisture, flavor, and color in Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread.
- What if the top browns fast? Tent with foil at 40–45 minutes so the center sets while the crust stays tender.
- Shelf life tips? Store airtight at room temp 3–4 days, refrigerate up to 1 week, or freeze up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Serving size: 1 of 10 slices from a 9×5-inch loaf. Approximate values.
- Calories: 280; Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 35mg; Sodium: 260mg; Carbohydrates: 39g; Fiber: 2g; Sugars: 22g; Protein: 4g.
- Notable nutrients: beta-carotene from pumpkin; warming spices add aromatic compounds, not significant micronutrients.
- Adjustments: nuts or chocolate raise calories; partial whole wheat or oat flour adds fiber in Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread.
Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread is the cozy bake that slows a busy day and fills the house with cinnamon warmth and calm. With pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this bread tastes like fall hugs and little victories. It’s simple, soothing, and always reliable.
Ingredients
1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree, not pie filling.
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled.
1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed.
2 large eggs, room temperature.
1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola).
1/3 cup milk or evaporated milk.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt.
Optional: 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans.
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment, leaving overhang, and lightly grease the sides for clean release.
2. Whisk dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and glossy with no streaks.
4. Add dry to wet and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; a few small flour streaks should remain for tenderness.
5. Fold in optional chocolate chips or nuts, distributing evenly without overmixing so the crumb stays soft.
6. Transfer batter to the pan, smooth the top, and tap once to release air bubbles for an even rise and crackly top.
7. Bake 55–65 minutes until a tester comes out with a few moist crumbs; tent with foil at 45 minutes if browning quickly.
8. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then lift out using parchment and cool fully on a rack before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
Spice swap: use 2–2 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice instead of individual spices.
Replace 1/2 cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour for nuttier depth.
Swap oil with melted, cooled butter for richer flavor.
Add 1 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans.
Top with maple glaze: whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and cinnamon; drizzle over cooled loaf.
Dairy-free: use almond or oat milk and dairy-free chocolate chips if using.
Storage: airtight at room temp 3–4 days, refrigerate 1 week, freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg