Simple Homemade Pumpkin Loaf Recipe

Introduction

A slice of pumpkin loaf is comfort in every bite—moist, gently spiced, and subtly sweet. Homemade pumpkin loaf brings the inviting flavors of fall right into your kitchen, but it’s just as wonderful for a cozy breakfast or snack year-round. This simple recipe delivers bakery-worthy results with straightforward ingredients and foolproof steps, making it a go-to choice for beginner and seasoned bakers alike.

Why This Pumpkin Loaf is a Classic Crowd Pleaser

This pumpkin loaf stands out for its unbeatable simplicity and irresistible flavor. Thanks to classic autumn spices and the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée, it bakes up fragrant and satisfying, with a tender crumb and golden crust. Serve slices plain, toasted with butter, or even topped with a light glaze—this loaf adapts to every taste and occasion.

Mixing Up the Perfect Pumpkin Loaf Batter

For the best texture, gently combine your dry and wet ingredients, taking care not to overmix. Canned pumpkin purée is recommended for convenience, but homemade purée works just as well. Warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves imbue the loaf with a rich, seasonal aroma. If desired, fold in a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and crunch.

Baking and Storing Your Pumpkin Loaf

A well-greased loaf pan ensures your pumpkin bread releases easily after baking. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (start checking at 50 minutes). Let it cool completely before slicing to preserve its perfect structure. Wrapped well, the loaf stays moist for several days—and actually tastes even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Pumpkin Loaf

Enjoy your pumpkin loaf as a quick breakfast with a cup of coffee or as a satisfying afternoon snack. A dollop of whipped cream or a spread of cream cheese takes it to the next level. For gatherings, slice and arrange the loaf on a platter—it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

One standard loaf yields about 10 slices. Each slice contains approximately 180–210 calories (depending on optional add-ins). Pumpkin adds fiber and vitamin A, making this a more nutritious treat than your average baked good.

Simple Homemade Pumpkin Loaf Recipe (Recap)

This effortless pumpkin loaf combines pantry staples, pure pumpkin, and warm spices into a moist, crowd-pleasing treat. Easy to make and always delicious, it’s the ideal bake for autumn cravings or year-round snacking.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin purée, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. If using, fold in nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips.
5. Spoon batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking at the 50-minute mark.
7. Let loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Weekly Meal Planning

This pumpkin loaf is ideal for meal prep—it keeps well and makes quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your baking days, automatically consolidate overlapping ingredients, and streamline your weekly grocery list.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient quantities across all saved recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
– Prevents overbuying and missed items
– Makes prepping multiple meals and snacks easy and efficient

Pro tip: Planning multiple recipes? Add them to your meal plan to see ingredient overlaps (like eggs or milk) and reduce waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes