Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Moist, Spiced & Perfect for Fall

Picture this: it’s a crisp autumn morning, the kitchen smells like cinnamon and toasted pecans, and there’s a golden loaf cooling on the counter. That’s the magic of this Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread — a recipe straight from my Nonna’s cozy kitchen. She used to make a similar pumpkin bread every year when the leaves turned, but I’ve given it a little upgrade with gooey cinnamon sugar swirls and a buttery pecan streusel topping that crackles beautifully as it bakes.

This loaf is ultra-moist, not too sweet, and laced with all the warm spices that define fall. It’s easy enough for a weekday bake and fancy enough for a brunch gathering. Trust me, this might just be the best pumpkin bread recipe you’ll ever try.

Why This Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Recipe Works

What makes this pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl so special? Let me break it down:

• One-bowl method — Just a whisk and a spatula, no mixer needed.
• Canned pumpkin puree ensures consistent texture and moisture.
• Defined cinnamon swirl layered in thick ribbons that don’t melt away.
• Brown sugar pecan streusel that adds crunch, richness, and pure bakery-style goodness.

Plus, it’s a perfect beginner baking recipe — no complicated steps, just cozy results. If you’re hunting for a fall baking showstopper, this is it.

💡 Need more seasonal ideas? Explore the Breakfast Bliss board for cozy morning recipes or Follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for daily kitchen inspiration.

For the Pumpkin Bread

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Ingredients Overview

Here’s what you’ll need for this moist cinnamon pumpkin loaf:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
• ¼ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda + ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (DIY recipe below)

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp flour (helps keep swirl defined)

For the Streusel Topping

• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• ¼ cup pecan halves, roughly chopped

How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

If you’re out of the store-bought kind, make your own homemade pumpkin spice with this blend:

• 3 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp each of ground nutmeg, allspice, and clove

Mix and store in an airtight jar — you’ll want it for everything from lattes to cookies.

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bake! Here’s how to make your own easy pumpkin bread with swirl:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Make the streusel: In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans and chill.

Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin, eggs, both sugars, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Add dry ingredients: Sprinkle flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice over the wet mix. Fold gently until just combined.

Layer in loaf pan: Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle all of the cinnamon swirl mix evenly. Add remaining batter and smooth the top.

Top with streusel: Sprinkle the chilled streusel generously over the batter.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, tenting with foil at 40 minutes if the top browns too quickly. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in pan for 20 minutes, then lift out and let it finish cooling on a wire rack.

Expert Tips for Baking the Perfect Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Want your pumpkin loaf to look and taste bakery-level? Here’s how:

• Use melted butter for deeper flavor.
• Don’t overmix the batter — mix just until no flour streaks remain.
• Use all the cinnamon sugar swirl — it adds that gooey middle!
• Tent with foil if it’s getting too brown before it’s cooked through.
• Let it cool completely before slicing for best structure and crumb.

Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread FAQ

Related Fall Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re loving this pumpkin loaf, don’t miss these other cozy bakes:

• Craving something green? Try our easy and moist zucchini bread
• Need a muffin fix? Go for our banana bread muffins for breakfast
• For cinnamon lovers, check out our snickerdoodle banana bread twist
• Cozy up with our cinnamon streusel apple coffee cake

Share Your Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Creations

🍞 Did you give this moist cinnamon pumpkin loaf a try?
Drop a comment below and tell us your favorite fall spice combo or how you served it — warm with coffee, toasted with butter, or as a sweet brunch bite!

Need more ideas or visual guides?

• Follow Kai Recipes on Facebook for daily kitchen inspiration
• Discover more seasonal baking ideas on our Pinterest
• Explore the Breakfast Bliss board for cozy morning recipes

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