Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Moist, Sweet & Easy to Make

There’s something about pumpkin bread that always takes me back to chilly afternoons in my mom’s kitchen—the scent of cinnamon and cloves warming the air while we waited (impatiently) for the loaves to cool. This pumpkin bread isn’t just nostalgic—it’s wildly moist, deeply spiced, and topped with the dreamiest sugar crust. Trust me, it’s the kind of bake you’ll crave long after fall.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread hits every mark: it’s unbelievably moist, rich with warm pumpkin spice, and couldn’t be easier to make. It uses the no-fuss muffin method—no mixer, no complicated steps—just pure fall flavor in every bite. What makes this version stand out? A crisp sugar crust on top, a splash of bourbon for depth, and a texture that only gets better by the next day. Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon nibble, this bread brings cozy comfort to every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread Batter

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beauty to life:

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin purée (Libby’s works best for consistency)
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup neutral oil (extra virgin olive oil is perfect if you like its flavor)
• 1 tbsp bourbon or vanilla extract
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp fine salt
• 2 tbsp pumpkin spice (freshly mixed if you can—it makes a difference)

Optional Add-Ins

Feel free to stir in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips. Bourbon adds a delicious complexity, but vanilla works beautifully too.

For the Sugar Crust Topping

• 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)
• 1 tbsp for coating the pans (this gives that glorious sugary crust)

How to Make Pumpkin Bread (Step-by-Step)

Mix Dry and Wet Separately

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9×5 loaf pans and coat each with 1 tablespoon of sugar—it’ll give your bread that crisp, bakery-style edge.

In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin, eggs, oil, bourbon (or vanilla), and both sugars until smooth and combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.

Combine and Pour Into Prepared Pans

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet. Stir until the batter is mostly incorporated—then stop. Overmixing leads to dense bread. Here’s the trick: stir exactly 50 strokes to keep that tender, light crumb.

Divide the batter evenly between your sugar-lined pans.

Add Sugar Topping & Bake

Sprinkle the tops with the remaining sugar. Bake for 60–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Once baked, remove from the pans immediately and let cool on a rack. This helps avoid a soggy bottom and keeps that sugar crust nice and crisp.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Use pure canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—there’s a huge difference in sweetness and texture.
• Old spices = flat flavor. Mix your own pumpkin spice if possible.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing. It’s hard, I know—but it really does taste better the next day.
• Want to freeze it? Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep for months and thaw beautifully.

More Cozy Pumpkin Recipes to Try

Can’t get enough of fall baking? Here are more pumpkin-packed favorites from the blog:

• Try our Easy Pumpkin Muffins with a Moist, Fluffy Texture—they’re just as comforting and freezer-friendly.
• Craving something a little sweeter? Check out the Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars for a Sweet Seasonal Treat.
• Want a twist? Bake our Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Variation for extra cozy vibes.

FAQs About Pumpkin Bread

Final Thoughts

This is the pumpkin bread recipe I make on repeat—warm, familiar, and foolproof. If you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment below, share your favorite add-ins, or tag us if you post it on Instagram. And if you’re hungry for more cozy bakes, poke around the blog—there’s plenty more where this came from.

Looking for seasonal inspiration? Check out our Pinterest and join the cozy community over on Facebook.

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