This truly is the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe. I’ve baked all varieties of pumpkin bread, and this one has been my favorite pumpkin bread recipe for over forty years. 

Best Pumpkin Bread recipe loaf cut in half

What makes this the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe?

This pumpkin bread turns out perfectly moist and tender every time. There are a lot of spices added in to the ingredients in this bread. Plenty of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and cloves round out the spicy flavor of the pumpkin bread. The recipe makes two loaves. It’s the perfect snack!

My best pumpkin bread recipe calls for 3 cups of sugar and 1 cup of oil. That’s the original recipe that I started with so many years ago. Nowadays, I reduce the sugar to 2 cups and I use 1/2 cup oil and 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce. It still turns out so good with these modifications!

Best Pumpkin Bread recipe loaf cut in half

Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Gifting:

I’ve used this recipe for gifting for as long as I can remember. It’s the perfect hostess gift for fall parties and holiday gatherings. And when I’m feeling generous, I’ll bake a dozen pumpkin bread loaves and deliver them to neighbors “just because.”

I wrap the pumpkin bread directly in foil, and then I slip it into a gift bag and tie a cute ribbon to close it up. Homemade pumpkin bread makes the perfect gift, and everyone always appreciates the gesture of a gift that’s homemade.

Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe : loaf cut into slices

Does this Best Pumpkin Bread recipe freeze well?

This pumpkin bread definitely freezes well. In fact, I always double the recipe when I make it… and then I have one loaf for my family to eat and three loaves to wrap and put in the freezer.

Just wrap the extras directly in foil and keep them in the freezer. When you’re going somewhere special, need to gift a sick friend, or surprise a neighbor with something yummy… you have pumpkin bread that you can take out of your freezer, and it’s ready to gift to someone!

Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe : loaf cut into slices

Let this be your go-to favorite Pumpkin Bread Recipe to make all year long, but especially in the fall months. You’ll enjoy it for breakfast and snacks and holidays.  And everyone else will be able to enjoy it with you.

If you’re looking for more pumpkin themed recipes, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Squares or these Pumpkin Cake PopsPumpkin Gooey Butter Bars, Pumpkin Fudge, and Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bundt Cake are also good pumpkin treats to try!

4.83 from 39 votes

Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Truly the favorite pumpkin bread recipe ever!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 servings (8 slices per loaf)
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Ingredients

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉. Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. You can use 8×5 pans too, but they'll rise quite high while baking.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, baking powder and salt.
  • In large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs and oil.
  • Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add the pumpkin and water and stir until combined.
  • Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.  It could take an extra 15 minutes, depending on the type of pan you’re using.

Notes

  • *If you reduce the sugar to 2 cups and sub 1/2 of the oil for unsweetened applesauce, here is how the nutritional information changes per slice: 274 calories, 46 carb, 4 protein, 8 fat, 1 fiber.
  • *Since this recipe yields two loaves, make several batches and deliver them to your neighbors as a fall holiday treat!
  • *You may also use 8 mini loaf pans- bake 45 minutes to an hour.
  • *This bread freezes well. When cooled, cover with plastic wrap, then foil and freeze until ready to eat. It should keep well in the freezer for several weeks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 380kcal, Carbohydrates: 58g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 303mg, Potassium: 118mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 38g, Vitamin A: 4835IU, Vitamin C: 1.3mg, Calcium: 28mg, Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
4.83 from 39 votes (12 ratings without comment)

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111 Comments

  1. Heather says:

    5 stars
    I agree, this really is a phenomenal bread that everyone loves!

  2. Stephanie Manley says:

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try this one!

  3. Toni | Boulder Locavore says:

    5 stars
    I definitely need to try this! Looks so delish!

  4. Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says:

    5 stars
    Delicious pumpkin bread! Love it!

  5. Jennifer Farley says:

    5 stars
    It’s so beautiful and moist!

  6. Joanne says:

    5 stars
    So crazy moist in the most epic way. Great pumpkin flavor too!

  7. Carrie says:

    5 stars
    my Kids devoured this , great recipe

  8. Melissa Sperka says:

    5 stars
    This is so moist and delicious snd freezes beautifully.

  9. Aysegul Sanford says:

    5 stars
    Ahhh tis the season. I would love to have a slice of this with my coffee. So beautifully done.

  10. Malinda says:

    How long would I cook if do in bundt pan and would I put All of the mixture in bunds pan or divide into two pans? Thanks

    1. Lori Lange says:

      Well, that’s a tough call because I’ve never baked this bread in anything but two loaf pans. I guess you’d have to try it out and just keep an eye on it for doneness.