Super Moist Pumpkin Bread (The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need)

This is the ultimate recipe for super moist pumpkin bread, packed with cozy fall spices and an unbelievably tender crumb. If you’ve been searching for a pumpkin bread that stays moist for days, your search is over. We’re not just sharing a recipe; we’re sharing the secrets to making it perfect every single time. It’s simple, straightforward, and absolutely foolproof.

Why You’ll Love This Super Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Forget dry, crumbly pumpkin bread. This recipe is a game-changer for your fall baking lineup. It’s the perfect companion for a warm cup of coffee on a crisp morning or a delightful dessert after dinner. We’ve tested and tweaked this recipe to ensure it delivers a consistently super moist pumpkin bread that’s bursting with flavor.

  • Unbelievably Moist: Thanks to a few key ingredients, this bread has a tender, moist crumb that lasts for days.
  • Perfectly Spiced: A warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this bread its classic pumpkin spice flavor.
  • Incredibly Easy: This is a simple, no-fuss recipe. You don’t need a mixer—just two bowls and a whisk!
  • A Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or for dessert. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Speaking of versatile treats, you might also love this Easy Peach Cobbler Recipe.
An artful display of spiced pumpkin bread slices ready to eat, showing the warm colors and soft texture of the loaf.
Each slice is packed with warm spices and unbelievable moisture.

The Secret to Super Moist Pumpkin Bread: Key Ingredients


The magic behind this recipe lies in a few specific ingredients working together. Understanding why we use them will make you a better baker and guarantee a perfect loaf.

Pumpkin Purée: The Star of the Show

We use a whole 15-ounce can of pumpkin purée. This not only provides the signature flavor but also a huge amount of moisture. Make sure you use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which comes pre-sweetened and spiced.

Oil vs. Butter: Why Oil is King for a Moist Loaf

While butter adds great flavor, oil provides superior moisture. Oil is 100% fat, whereas butter also contains milk solids and water. This pure fat coats the flour proteins, preventing excess gluten development and resulting in a wonderfully tender and super moist pumpkin bread. Vegetable or canola oil works perfectly.

The Role of Brown Sugar

We use a combination of granulated and brown sugar. The molasses in the brown sugar is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and holds onto moisture. This contributes to both the moist texture and a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this easy recipe. Here’s what to gather:

  • 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
A close-up shot of several thick slices of homemade pumpkin bread, highlighting the incredibly moist and tender crumb.
Look at that perfectly moist texture! This homemade pumpkin bread is a fall dream.

How to Make Super Moist Pumpkin Bread (Step-by-Step)

This homemade pumpkin bread comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a flawless loaf.

  1. Prep Your Pan and Oven: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, and all the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves). Creating a well in the center makes it easier to mix in the wet ingredients.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and water until smooth and well combined.
  4. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the well of the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes.
  6. Cool Completely: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as slicing it while warm can make it crumbly. For another delicious baked good, try this moist banana bread recipe.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Loaf

  • Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the most important tip! Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing develops gluten, which will make your bread tough instead of tender.
  • Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Scooping directly from the bag can pack the flour, resulting in a dry loaf.
  • Check for Doneness Properly: Ovens can vary. Start checking for doneness around the 60-minute mark. The toothpick test is the most reliable way to know it’s cooked through.

Fun Variations and Add-Ins

While this super moist pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it! Fold in about 1 cup of any of these add-ins after combining the wet and dry ingredients:

  • Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are a classic choice.
  • Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch.
  • *

  • Dried Fruit: Raisins or dried cranberries add a chewy, sweet-tart element.
  • Streusel Topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, and cold butter to create a crumbly topping before baking.

If you enjoy wholesome baking, you might also like these healthy pumpkin banana muffins.

How to Store Your Pumpkin Bread

To maintain that signature moisture, proper storage is key. Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

The secret is using vegetable oil instead of butter for a tender crumb, a full cup of pumpkin purée for moisture, and not overmixing the batter, which keeps the bread from becoming tough.


No, it is not recommended. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and contains spices, which will alter the flavor and sweetness of this recipe. Use 100% pure pumpkin purée for the best results.


The most reliable way to check is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter attached, the bread is done.


Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for up to 4 days.


This usually happens for two reasons: the bread was underbaked, or the leavening agent (baking soda) was not measured correctly or was expired. Always test for doneness in the center of the loaf before removing it from the oven.


Yes! This bread freezes beautifully. Once it has cooled completely, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.


More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love exploring other delicious options. For a savory dish, check out this amazing creamy potato soup recipe. Or if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try these salted caramel apple crumble bars.

The Easiest Super Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

A close-up shot of several thick slices of homemade pumpkin bread, highlighting the incredibly moist and tender crumb.
FL Recipes

Super Moist Pumpkin Bread (The Only Recipe You’ll Ever Need)

The ultimate recipe for super moist pumpkin bread! This easy, no-mixer loaf is packed with cozy fall spices and has an unbelievably tender crumb that stays moist for days. A foolproof recipe for the best homemade pumpkin bread.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 255

Ingredients
  

  • 1.75 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.125 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • 0.25 cup water

Equipment

  • 1 9x5 inch Loaf Pan
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Medium Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Make a well in the center.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and water until fully combined.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcalProtein: 3gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Do Not Overmix: Mix only until the flour is just incorporated. This is the key to a tender, not tough, bread.
Check Doneness: If the top is browning too fast, loosely tent it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cooling is Key: Letting the bread cool completely ensures clean slices and prevents it from falling apart.
Keyword fall baking,moist pumpkin bread,pumpkin bread

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