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The Best Homemade Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Spiced Glaze

Discover the **BEST Pumpkin Bread Recipe** you’ll ever bake! This **pumpkin spiced quickbread recipe** is incredibly simple to prepare, yields two wonderfully moist loaves, and is crowned with a delightfully aromatic spiced glaze that will have everyone reaching for another slice. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or freezing to enjoy later!

Delicious freshly baked pumpkin bread with a spiced glaze

There’s truly nothing quite like the comforting aroma and taste of **homemade pumpkin bread**. As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, our kitchens beckon for those warm, inviting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ultimate pumpkin bread recipe captures all the best elements of fall baking, creating a truly irresistible treat.

Drawing inspiration from the same delightful blend of spices found in classic pumpkin pie, this quick bread delivers an exquisitely **moist pumpkin loaf** that rivals even your favorite coffee shop versions, like the popular pumpkin loaf you might find at Starbucks. Imagine a slice of soft, tender bread, bursting with sweet pumpkin flavor and a hint of warming spices, topped with a sweet, delicate glaze. It’s pure autumnal bliss.

Baking **pumpkin bread from scratch** is surprisingly simple, often as easy as whipping up a batch of zucchini bread or banana bread. The beauty of quick breads lies in their minimal effort and impressive results. You simply combine the wet ingredients, mix in the dry, pour the batter into pans, and let your oven do the rest. The best part? That incredible fragrance that fills your home as the bread bakes – the unmistakable scent of pumpkin pie spices promising a delicious reward. It’s a truly effortless way to bring the magic of fall into your home.

Two slices of moist pumpkin bread with a hint of glaze

Why This is the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

For years, this has been my go-to recipe, especially for special occasions like Halloween. My family has a tradition of gathering for dinner on Halloween, typically enjoying hearty soups and crusty French bread. But starting in 2012, I decided to add something extra special to the menu: this divine **homemade pumpkin bread**. And honestly, I haven’t looked back since. As someone who absolutely adores pumpkin, I can confidently say this is hands down the best **moist pumpkin bread** I have ever baked or tasted. Its rich, deep pumpkin flavor combined with the perfect balance of spices and an incredibly tender crumb truly sets it apart. It’s a recipe that consistently impresses and brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

Often referred to interchangeably as “pumpkin bread” or “pumpkin loaf,” this delightful treat shares many similarities with other beloved quick breads like banana bread or zucchini bread. One of the key advantages of quick breads is their simplicity: they rely on leavening agents like baking soda or baking powder to rise, eliminating the need for yeast or multiple lengthy proofing times. This means you can have a fresh, warm loaf on your table much faster than with traditional yeast breads. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

However, there’s one crucial tip to achieving that perfect texture: avoid over-mixing your wet and dry ingredients once combined. Over-stirring can develop too much gluten, leading to a tough, chewy bread rather than the light, tender, and moist loaf we desire. The ideal **moist pumpkin bread** should have a delicate balance—light and fluffy, yet rich and dense enough to hold its shape, delivering that satisfying melt-in-your-mouth experience. Gently mix until just combined, and you’ll be rewarded with a superior crumb every time.

Ingredients for spiced glaze for pumpkin bread

Essential Ingredients for Easy Pumpkin Bread

Making this incredible **pumpkin loaf from scratch** requires a handful of common pantry staples. The magic truly happens when these simple ingredients come together to create such a comforting and flavorful bread. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Moist Pumpkin Bread:

**Pumpkin Puree:** The star of the show! Be sure to use unsweetened canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
**Eggs:** Provide structure and richness to the bread.
**Vegetable Oil:** Contributes to the moist texture and helps keep the bread tender.
**Melted Butter:** Adds a lovely depth of flavor and richness.
**Water:** Helps to achieve the perfect batter consistency.
**Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar:** A combination of both sugars creates a balanced sweetness and contributes to the bread’s moistness. Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
**Vanilla Extract:** Enhances all the other flavors.
**All-Purpose Flour:** The base of our quick bread.
**Baking Soda:** The primary leavening agent, ensuring a good rise.
**Salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
**Spices:** Cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, and an extra touch of pumpkin pie spice create that signature warm, autumnal flavor profile. Using individual spices allows for greater control over the flavor intensity, but feel free to adjust to your preference.

For the Delightfully Spiced Glaze:

**Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar):** Forms the sweet base of the glaze, dissolving smoothly for a silky texture.
**Milk:** Thins the glaze to a drizzling consistency.
**Additional Spices:** Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves are added to the glaze to echo the flavors of the bread and provide an extra layer of warmth and aroma.

(You’ll find the complete printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post.)

Can of pumpkin puree, essential for pumpkin loaf

When it comes to the **pumpkin puree**, convenience is key. There’s no need to spend hours roasting and pureeing an actual pumpkin when high-quality canned pumpkin puree is readily available and works perfectly. The most important thing is to select plain, unsweetened canned pumpkin puree. Double-check the label to ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices and will alter the flavor and sweetness balance of this recipe. Using pure pumpkin ensures the authentic, rich pumpkin flavor shines through.

Step-by-Step: How to Make the Best Pumpkin Bread

Preparing this **quick bread recipe** is straightforward and follows the classic quick bread method. The key is to handle your wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them, ensuring everything is well incorporated without over-mixing. Let’s get baking!

1. Prepare Your Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, begin by whisking together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, water, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined. This forms the flavorful, moist base of your bread.

Dry ingredients for pumpkin bread: flour and spices

2. Combine Your Dry Ingredients:

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, measure out your flour and baking soda. It’s crucial to whisk these together thoroughly, or even sift them, to ensure the baking soda is evenly distributed. This prevents pockets of leavening agent and helps the bread rise uniformly. Next, add your salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, ground ginger, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk all the dry ingredients together well until they are fully integrated. This step ensures that every bite of your pumpkin bread will be perfectly seasoned.

3. Gently Combine Wet and Dry:

Now, it’s time to bring the two mixtures together. Pour the dry ingredients into the bowl with the wet ingredients. With a gentle hand, stir them together until they are *just* combined. You might notice a few streaks of flour, and that’s perfectly fine—even preferred! Over-mixing at this stage will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a dense, tough bread. For this recipe, I highly recommend using a regular mixing spoon or a fork instead of an electric hand mixer. If you do opt for a mixer, use it on the lowest speed for a very short duration, just until no dry streaks remain.

Uncooked pumpkin bread batter in a loaf pan

4. Prepare for Baking:

Divide the batter evenly between two standard 9×5 inch loaf pans, which you should have already greased and floured. This prevents sticking and ensures a beautiful release. Make sure your oven is pre-heated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the pans inside. Proper oven temperature from the start is vital for a good rise and even baking.

Cooked pumpkin loaf, unfrosted and golden brown

5. Cool and Glaze:

Once your gorgeous loaves emerge from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, the hardest part begins: waiting! It will smell absolutely heavenly, and the temptation to slice into a warm loaf immediately will be immense. However, patience is a virtue here. Allow the loaves to cool considerably on a wire rack before applying the glaze. The ideal temperature for glazing is when the bread is still slightly warm, allowing the glaze to melt just a touch and set beautifully. If the bread is too hot, the glaze will simply melt and soak into the bread, disappearing rather than creating that lovely, visible topping. A perfectly cooled loaf will allow the glaze to form a delicate, spiced crust on top, enhancing both the look and flavor.

Ingredients for the spiced glaze being mixed

The secret to this bread’s incredible finish is the **spiced glaze**. By incorporating cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves directly into the powdered sugar and milk mixture, every bite of the glaze carries that wonderfully exotic and warming flavor of fall. It’s not just a sweet topping; it’s an integral part of the overall sensory experience.

Feel free to get creative with your glazing technique! You can simply let the frosting drizzle randomly over the top for a rustic look, or you can create elegant crisscross designs. Your personal touch will not only make the bread more enjoyable to look at but also more delicious to eat, adding a special homemade charm.

Pumpkin bread with a perfectly drizzled spiced glaze

Love It? Pin It!

Don’t let this amazing recipe slip away! If you’ve enjoyed making (and eating!) the **best homemade pumpkin bread**, be sure to save it. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it again whenever that pumpkin craving strikes. Sharing is caring, and your friends on Pinterest will thank you for discovering this delightful treat!

This recipe isn’t just a favorite in my household; it has garnered a considerable number of fans over the years. Its consistent moistness, rich pumpkin flavor, and easy preparation make it a standout for anyone looking for a foolproof pumpkin bread recipe. It’s the kind of recipe people ask for again and again, becoming a beloved staple in many homes during the fall season and beyond.

The Boxer’s NOSE, KNOWS!!

Every time I updated the recipe or prepared this **homemade pumpkin bread**, our beloved Boxer, Sully, would be my most attentive audience. He watched me with such intense focus and longing as I baked, proving that even a dog’s keen sense of smell can recognize the deliciousness that was about to emerge from the oven. It’s a sweet reminder of the simple joys this bread brings, extending even to our furry family members!

Delicious Variations: What Else Can You Add To This Recipe?

Just like its cousin, banana bread, this **moist pumpkin bread** is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of delicious additions. If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, this recipe provides a fantastic canvas for your creativity. Feel free to stir in:

**Chocolate Chips:** Both semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips work wonderfully, adding pockets of gooey sweetness.
**Butterscotch Chips:** For a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
**Chopped Nuts:** Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toast them lightly before adding for an enhanced aroma.
**Raisins or Other Dried Fruits:** Golden raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots can provide bursts of chewy sweetness and a touch of tartness.

To prevent add-ins from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them lightly with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps them stay evenly suspended throughout the bread. With so many ways to customize, you can create your own signature **glazed pumpkin loaf** every time!

If, like me, you simply can’t get enough of that comforting **pumpkin spice flavor** once fall rolls around, you’re in for a treat! This **easy pumpkin bread** is just the beginning. I have a treasure trove of other pumpkin-inspired recipes that are perfect for autumn gatherings, cozy evenings, or anytime you crave that signature warmth. Dive into these other fall favorites:

More Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Inspired Recipes For Fall

Pumpkin Dump Cake: An incredibly easy, layered dessert bursting with pumpkin flavor.
Pumpkin Zucchini Streusel Bread: A delightful combination of two classic quick breads with a crunchy streusel topping.
The Best Pumpkin Pie Turnovers (pictured above): Flaky pastry filled with spiced pumpkin, a perfect handheld treat.
An Easy Pumpkin Cheese Dip: A unique savory option for your fall appetizer spread.
Simple Pumpkin Pie Swirls: A clever way to use leftover pie crust for a quick, spiced snack.
Cinderella Cake: A stunning pumpkin bundt cake, often paired with a luxurious cream cheese frosting.
Glazed Baked Pumpkin Donuts: A lighter, baked alternative to fried donuts, perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Pumpkin Spiced Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze: An elegant and flavorful coffee cake, ideal for special breakfasts or dessert.

Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks for making the absolute **best pumpkin bread**, it’s time to preheat that oven and get baking! Remember, this recipe yields two generous loaves. Will you be a gracious host and share that second loaf with friends, family, or neighbors? Or will you succumb to temptation and keep both for yourself, perhaps freezing one for a rainy day? Either way, you’re in for a truly delightful treat. Happy baking!

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