Tender Pumpkin Bread

by Isabella Reed Published: October 5, 2025

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite fall recipe: Tender Pumpkin Bread! I can still remember the first time I baked it. The warm, spicy aroma wafted through my kitchen, and I felt like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket. This bread is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any season, but there’s just something special about enjoying it in the fall when the leaves are turning and the air gets a little crisper. Trust me, once you take a bite of this pumpkin bread, you’ll be hooked!

It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s also a wonderful way to share warmth and love with family and friends. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, this Tender Pumpkin Bread is sure to impress. So, let’s dive into the recipe and bring some of that cozy goodness into your kitchen!

Tender Pumpkin Bread - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Tender Pumpkin Bread

This Tender Pumpkin Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a hug in loaf form! Here’s why you’re going to fall in love with it:

Moist and Flavorful: The combination of pumpkin puree and a mix of sugars creates a wonderfully moist bread that’s bursting with flavor. Each slice melts in your mouth!
Versatile for Any Season: While it’s a fall favorite, trust me, this bread is perfect year-round. It’s great for summer picnics, winter holidays, and everything in between.
Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers!
Impressive Yet Simple: Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck or serving it at home, everyone will think you’re a baking genius. It looks beautiful on a platter!
Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have any left (which is rare!), it makes for a delightful breakfast or snack throughout the week.
Customizable: Love nuts or chocolate? You can easily add your favorite mix-ins to personalize your loaf!

So, whether you’re a pumpkin lover or just looking for a comforting treat, this bread will make your heart sing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this delicious Tender Pumpkin Bread! It’s super straightforward, and I bet you’ll find most of these items hanging out in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling. This is the star of our show!
4 large eggs, at room temperature: Bringing them to room temp helps them mix in better, so don’t skip this step!
1 cup mild oil: I usually use vegetable oil, but you could use canola or light olive oil too. It keeps the bread super moist!
1 tbsp bourbon or vanilla extract: I love the depth bourbon adds, but vanilla works just as well if you prefer. Both will elevate the flavor!
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: This gives the bread its sweetness. You could cut back a bit if you like it less sweet.
1 cup packed dark brown sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds richness and a lovely depth of flavor!
3 cups all-purpose flour: This is our base. Be sure to spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy!
1 tsp baking soda: This helps our bread rise and become fluffy!
1/2 tsp baking powder: Just a little bit to give it that extra lift!
1 tsp fine salt: Don’t forget this! It balances the sweetness perfectly.
2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice blend: If you can’t find a blend, you can make your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice!
Oil or nonstick baking spray, for pans: We want to ensure our bread releases easily from the pans!
3 tbsp sugar, divided: This will be sprinkled on top before baking for a lovely sweet crust!

Gather these goodies, and we’re one step closer to baking magic! Let’s get started on creating that warm, cozy loaf!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most scrumptious Tender Pumpkin Bread. Let’s do this!

Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that our bread bakes evenly.
Prepare your pans: Grease two 9×5 inch loaf pans with oil or nonstick baking spray. I like to use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly, so every inch is covered!
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, mild oil, and bourbon or vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they’re nice and smooth. Trust me, that pumpkin makes everything so rich!
Add the sugars: Next, stir in the granulated sugar and dark brown sugar until everything is well combined. You’ll want to make sure there aren’t any lumps of brown sugar hanging around.
Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, fine salt, and pumpkin pie spice blend. This will help distribute all the leavening agents evenly!
Mix it all together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want it to stay tender, not tough!
Pour into pans: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Give them a little shake to settle the batter and ensure it’s nice and even.
Sprinkle some sugar: Here’s where the magic happens! Sprinkle the tops of the batter with the divided sugar. This will create a sweet, delightful crust as it bakes.
Bake: Pop those pans into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s going to smell heavenly!
Cool it down: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes transferring it easier. After that, move it to a wire rack to cool completely.

And there you have it! Follow these steps, and you’ll be rewarded with the most delightful Tender Pumpkin Bread that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). Enjoy the process, and savor the cozy scents filling your kitchen!

Tender Pumpkin Bread - detail 2

Variations

Now, let’s talk about some fun ways to mix things up with your Tender Pumpkin Bread! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, and you can easily customize it to fit your taste buds or the season.

If you love a bit of crunch, consider adding 1 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter. They add a delightful texture and pair beautifully with the pumpkin flavor! Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, 1 cup of chocolate chips can transform this bread into a decadent treat. Seriously, who can resist chocolate?

If you want to play with flavors, try swapping out the pumpkin pie spice for cinnamon and nutmeg to give it a different twist. Or, for a festive touch, add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins! These little bursts of sweetness complement the bread perfectly and add a pop of color.

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this bread, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Each variation brings something unique to the table, making every loaf a delicious new adventure!

Serving and Storage Tips

Now that you’ve baked your delicious Tender Pumpkin Bread, let’s talk about how to serve it and keep it fresh! This bread is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Trust me, a warm slice with a smear of cream cheese is like a hug for your taste buds!

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, try serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or as an afternoon snack. You can also slice it up and serve it at gatherings, where it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

As for storage, once your bread has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, but I doubt it’ll last that long! If you want to keep it longer, this bread freezes beautifully. Just slice it up, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and pop it into a freezer bag. It’ll be good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw at room temperature or pop a slice in the microwave for a few seconds. Easy-peasy!

With these tips, you’ll have plenty of ways to savor your Tender Pumpkin Bread, whether it’s fresh out of the oven or enjoyed later on!

Helpful Notes

Let’s dive into some handy tips to ensure your Tender Pumpkin Bread turns out perfectly every single time! First off, if you’re out of pumpkin puree, you can easily substitute it with mashed bananas or even applesauce for a different flavor twist. Just remember, the texture will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

When it comes to measuring flour, I can’t stress this enough: spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This method prevents your bread from becoming dense. Speaking of density, be careful not to overmix your batter — just stir until the dry ingredients are incorporated, and you’ll have that tender crumb we’re after!

If you’re looking to make this bread a bit healthier, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It’ll add a nutty flavor and extra fiber! And for those watching their sugar intake, try using coconut sugar or stevia as a substitute; just check the conversion ratios! For more on baking substitutions, check out this guide to ingredient substitutions.

Lastly, feel free to get creative with spices! Adding a pinch of ginger or cloves can elevate the flavor profile, especially around the holidays. With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the best Tender Pumpkin Bread ever!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about making your Tender Pumpkin Bread? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with helpful answers:

1. Can I freeze this? Absolutely! This bread freezes wonderfully. Just slice it up, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag. It’ll stay fresh for about three months!
2. What if I don’t have pumpkin puree? No worries at all! You can substitute it with applesauce or mashed bananas. It’ll change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
3. How do I know when the bread is done baking? Great question! You’ll want to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready to come out of the oven!
4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, you can! Just replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrients. It might make the bread a bit denser, but still tasty!
5. How should I store my pumpkin bread? Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to a week, or you can freeze it for longer storage!

Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need further tips. Happy baking!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it — your guide to making the most delightful Tender Pumpkin Bread! From the cozy aroma filling your kitchen to that first warm slice melting in your mouth, this recipe is all about creating joyful moments. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and that each bite brings you a little happiness. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it on your own, this bread is sure to become a cherished favorite. For more delicious baking inspiration, check out our bread recipes!

Don’t forget to share your results with me! I love hearing about your baking adventures and any fun variations you try. Happy baking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and good vibes!

Tender Pumpkin Bread