It’s the most wonderful time of the year — pumpkin spice season!
I can’t help it… and I’m not even sorry.
Now, this isn’t the first pumpkin bread recipe I’ve shared on my website. I already have an amazing Chocolate Swirled Pumpkin Bread with Spiced Streusel, but I wanted to create a classic pumpkin bread recipe — and that’s exactly what this one is. It’s so simple that anyone can make it, and honestly, it’s the best pumpkin bread I’ve ever had. I don’t mean to pat myself on the back, buuuut… oh well, it’s that good!
Tips for Making the Perfect Classic Pumpkin Bread
• Use room-temperature ingredients.
This helps everything mix together smoothly for the best texture.
• Prep your loaf pan properly.
Spray it with cooking spray so the bread doesn’t stick. You can also butter and flour the pan, but I find that cooking spray works perfectly for this recipe.
• Bake it all the way through.
As you get close to the end of the baking time, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If it comes out with wet batter, bake it a bit longer.
• Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
If you don’t have one, get one! Ovens often run hotter or cooler than their settings — mine runs about 25 degrees hot. Without the correct temperature, the outside could burn before the inside is fully baked.
• Choose the right loaf pan.
I tested this recipe in two pan sizes. It fits perfectly in two 9.5 x 5-inch loaf pans. My smaller pans (about 8 x 4 inches) were a bit too small, so I used the extra batter to make a few muffins. Whatever pan you use, fill it only about two-thirds full to ensure even baking.
• Sift your dry ingredients.
Don’t skip this step! Sifting makes a big difference — it prevents the loaf from being dense and helps the ingredients mix together beautifully.
• Use high-quality pumpkin pie spice.
The flavor really depends on the spice you use, so choose one that’s rich, warm, and aromatic. I love using my own Provenzano’s Pumpkin Pie Spice — it gives this bread that cozy, perfectly balanced flavor that truly makes it stand out.