Code Cracked: You’re about to make the world’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe! Baking up a loaf of this easy quick bread is sure to gain you household celebrity status! It’s perfectly soft, moist, and infused with a touch of cozy Fall spices with every bite!

Sliced pumpkin bread loaf on platter.
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Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Something extraordinary is about to come out of your oven.

Can you smell it?

Linda writes: “Sent it to work with the hubby. They are begging for more. Moist and delicious.”

You’re about to taste the world’s best Pumpkin Bread. And you’ll be forever changed with just one slice of this super moist quick bread.

Just one slice? Who are we kidding? It’s almost impossible to have just one slice!!

That’s like telling a kid they can only have one bite of ice cream. We all know that’s not gonna happen!

So this week give your pumpkin cravings a fun kick in the pants!

Besides… isn’t it about time you found out for yourself what all this world famous pumpkin bread hoopla was about?

Trust me, you’ll want this cozy treat on repeat this year.

I’d like to say I just have an obsession with pumpkin recipes every Fall, but it wouldn’t be true.

My entire family has a massive infatuation with anything pumpkin almost year round!! 😉

So, in a vote of 4-0, this moist Frugal Girls pumpkin bread has been deemed the World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe throughout my entire home! And I think… you just might agree!!

Seriously… it’s even better than Starbucks, and SO easy to make. And you can keep it easy using 100% pure pumpkin from the can, or get wild and crazy and make your own homemade pumpkin puree from your backyard garden pumpkins.

The choice is yours!

So are you ready to get baking?? You’ll be so glad you did, and as a little bonus your home will smell AMAZING as it bakes!

Just like it does when you bake this heavenly Banana Loaf Bread Recipe, and this Autumn-kissed Pumpkin Spice Cake Recipe, and these lovely Pumpkin Spice Muffins, too!

With just 10 minutes of prep time, this old fashioned pumpkin bread recipe is such a cinch to make.

Here’s what you’ll need to get baking…

Metal loaf pan of pumpkin bread.

Why Does Pumpkin Bread Crack on Top?

As your quick bread bakes, it is completely normal for the loaf to crack down the center before it finishes rising.

Quick bread batters are heavy and dense, and this is just part of the normal baking process.

How Long Does Pumpkin Bread Last in the Fridge?

It actually isn’t necessary to refrigerate homemade pumpkin bread if you’ll be eating it within the first 3 – 4 days after baking it.

Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap or foil, and store on your counter. Or, if you’d like to extend its freshness, after 3 – 4 days on your counter you can move it to the refrigerator for 4 more days.

Can Homemade Pumpkin Bread Be Frozen?

So can you freeze a loaf of pumpkin bread? You sure can!

Homemade bread recipes like this best pumpkin bread recipe freeze beautifully, and can be enjoyed later! Once you have baked your bread and cooled it completely, you can either freeze your loaves whole, or slice first so you’ll have individual pieces ready-to-go.

Then wrap sliced (or non-sliced) loaves in plastic cling wrap, wrap again in foil, and place each in its own Gallon sized Freezer Ziploc bag. 

When ready to eat… remove the entire loaf from the freezer or just pull out a slice at a time to defrost when the pumpkin bread cravings hit. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature the next day before enjoying your bread. 🙂

Having a delicious loaf of the best pumpkin bread recipe on hand is one of my favorite breakfast meal prep ideas!

Foil-wrapped pumpkin bread in a freezer bag.

How Long Does Homemade Pumpkin Bread Last in the Freezer?

This easy pumpkin bread recipe will freeze well for up to 3 months, so it’s one of the best quick breads to make ahead of time to enjoy later. You can plan ahead now and make some to add to your other Thanksgiving brunch recipes or Christmas holiday dessert recipes.

How to Thaw Frozen Pumpkin Bread

When ready to eat, remove entire loaf from freezer or just pull out a slice at a time to defrost when the pumpkin bread cravings hit. (This bread is one of my most popular easy breakfast recipes)

Defrost in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature the next day before enjoying your bread.

Ingredients including nutmeg, baking soda, and eggs.

Ingredients

It takes just a few simple ingredients to make the World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe that is moist and delicious.

First, check your pantry and fridge, then add the following to your next grocery list so you can score some Sam’s Club deals

  • Pure Pumpkin Puree – I like to use Libby’s Pumpkin that’s 100% pure for the best pumpkin bread recipe flavor (other brands that don’t specify 100% pure can actually have squash added into the mix, which can alter the flavor.)
  • Sugar – Just your ordinary white granulated sugar.
  • Oil or Butter – Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, Avocado Oil, or Melted Butter will all work.
  • Eggs
  • Flour – Use standard All Purpose Flour.
  • Baking Soda – Make sure your baking soda isn’t expired!
  • Salt
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg

You’ll also need two 9×5 (or 1.5 quart) loaf pans to make this bread recipe.

Pans of bread batter in the oven.

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How to Make Pumpkin Bread

It’s easier than you might think to make the best pumpkin bread recipe.

Just follow these simple step-by-step instructions…

1. First, preheat your oven.

2. Then mix your ingredients as directed.

3. Now it’s time to prepare your loaf pans. Start by spraying the bottom and interior sides of the loaf pans with cooking spray.

4. Here comes the fun part. Pour your pumpkin bread mixture evenly into two loaf pans.

5. Then bake your bread until done, per the instructions on the recipe card below.

Two pans of pumpkin bread in the oven.

6. Once your bread is done, let it cool down. Do this by transferring the loaf pans to wire racks. Then allow the bread to cool while in the pans for a few minutes.

7. Finally, remove pumpkin bread from loaf pans, and allow bread to continue cooling on wire racks.

Now it’s time to Eat Up! Once your loaves have completely cooled, slice and enjoy!!

Scroll down for the printable recipe card with detailed, step-by-step instructions.

How To Serve Pumpkin Bread

For an added touch of decadence, I like to smother my bread with some homemade cinnamon honey butter or maple butter.

Then, I like to enjoy it with a mug filled with this cozy pumpkin spice coffee recipe.

Slice of Pumpkin Bread on a plate.

Pumpkin Bread Reviews

Here’s What Your Frugal Friends Are Saying About This World’s Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe…

A. writes: “It says the best and it truly is the best. I have shared this recipe with many people who eat the bread and then MUST have it again. I usually make small loaves and turns out perfect.”

Nelly writes: “The best indeed! Loved every bite!”

Marianela writes: “This was one of my favorite finds. My family absolutely loved it. Instant Hit!!! So moist and delicious.”

Amy writes: “Made this for Christmas! DELICIOUS!!”

Lou Anne writes: “This Pumpkin Bread recipe is AMAZING!!! Brought to the office and everyone LOVED it.”

Linda writes: “Sent it to work with the hubby. They are begging for more. Moist and delicious.”

Kateryna writes: “Really best pumpkin bread!”

Denise writes: “Just made this today and I have never commented on a recipe before but this one is too good not too! It tastes wonderful, bakes well and everyone loved it! Thank you for posting and sharing this wonderful bread”

Eva writes: “This is an excellent recipe, super moist and wonderful flavor, everybody loved it”

Partially-sliced loaf of Pumpkin Bread.

Annette writes: “Kids & hubby devoured it.”

Faye writes: “Great recipe. Not too spicy. Got good comments from family. Our 5-yr old grandson even got a fork and tried to carry off the whole loaf to a secret place to enjoy in private but, alas, his mom caught him in the act!”

Mary writes: “Most delicious pumpkin bread I’ve ever made! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Thank you!”

Nicole writes: “This is a wonderful recipe! Perfectly mild spices so the pumpkin flavor shines. So soft and delicious!”

Pam writes: “This is my go to recipe for pumpkin bread. We love it!”

Lynn writes: “Made this with Gluten Free flour and it was a hit!! Will be making again, soon!!”

Sarah writes: “Delicious! I used pumpkin puréed at home, that ended up being thinner than canned pumpkin, so I left out the water.”

Carri writes: “It really is the best pumpkin bread. Sometimes I use melted butter instead of oil. Perfect every time. I use multiple smaller pans and individually wrap for gifts.”

Patricia writes: “I made pumpkin muffins and pumpkin bread both from this recipe. It is easy and quick to make and OH so moist. DELICIOUS, I will continue making pumpkin bread and muffins.”

Kathleen writes: “I’ve made this recipe countless times, always amazing! Made it into muffins (made 30) and it was just as yummy! I always use coconut oil.”

Rosa writes: “Delicious and simple. Made into muffins instead of loaves. Baked for 20 minutes.”

Chris writes: “This recipe was awesome! I added a streusel topping and maple glazed pecans on the top, delish!!”

Patricia writes: “It is the world’s best Pumpkin Bread. I cut the recipe in half & it made three beautiful little loaves.”

Linda writes: “I’ve made this numerous times, perfect every time. Freezes well in large & small loaves.”


Did You Enjoy This Recipe?  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Leave a comment & review below!

5 from 8 votes

Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Code Cracked: You're about to make the World's Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe! Baking up a loaf of this easy quick bread is sure to gain you household celebrity status! It's perfectly soft, moist, and infused with a touch of cozy Fall spices with every bite!
Servings: 2 loaves
Sliced pumpkin bread loaf on platter.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups Pure Pumpkin Puree (canned or fresh), (485 grams, not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 3 cups Granulated Sugar, (white sugar)
  • 1 cup Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, Avocado Oil, or Melted Butter
  • cup Water
  • 4 large Eggs
  • 3⅓ cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Soda
  • 1.5 teaspoons Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

Instructions 

  • Gather your ingredients.
    Ingredients including nutmeg, baking soda, and eggs.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees for Nonstick Loaf Pans (or 325 for Glass Loaf Pans)
  • Mix Pumpkin, Sugar, Oil, Water, and Eggs in large mixing bowl until well combined.
  • In medium mixing bowl, combine Flour, Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon, and Nutmeg… then whisk until well combined.
  • Then gradually pour flour mixture into large bowl of pumpkin mixture, and stir well to combine completely.
  • Spray bottom and interior sides of TWO 9×5 (or 1.5 quart) Loaf Pans with Nonstick Cooking Spray.
    Pans of bread batter in the oven.
  • Pour mixture evenly into loaf pans.
  • Bake for 55 – 75 minutes, or until done and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (baking time will vary based upon your oven, the types of loaf pans you're using, and your elevation)
    Two pans of pumpkin bread in the oven.
  • Once done, transfer loaf pans to wire racks and allow bread to cool in pans for 15 minutes.
    Metal loaf pan of pumpkin bread.
  • Then remove pumpkin bread from loaf pans, and allow loaf to continue cooling on the wire rack. Once loaves have completely cooled, slice and ENJOY!
    Sliced pumpkin bread loaf on platter.
  • Storage Tip: To store your bread, wrap it tightly in plastic cling wrap or foil, and store on your counter. Or, if you'd like to extend its freshness, after 3 – 4 days on your counter you can move it to the refrigerator for 4 more days.
    Foil-wrapped pumpkin bread in a freezer bag.
  • Freezer Tip: After baking and cooling completely, wrap pumpkin bread in plastic cling wrap, then again in foil. (you can either freeze the loaf whole, or slice first so you’ll have individual pieces ready-to-go) Place wrapped bread in a gallon freezer bag, and freeze up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw whole loaf or a few slices in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature the next day prior to serving.
    Slice of Pumpkin Bread on a plate.

Notes

FAQ’s: For answers to Frequently Asked Questions or tips for common substitutions and variations on this best pumpkin bread recipe, please refer to the detailed information above this recipe card.
iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!

A BIG thanks to my sweet friend Tamara for sharing this fabulous recipe!

About Heidi Miller

Heidi Miller is the creator of The Frugal Girls, where she shares easy recipes with massive flavor! She has been creating and sharing recipes online for over 15 years, and brings warmth, expertise, and a personal touch to every recipe. Her work has been featured on Today.com, NBC, Fox, Parade, People, Country Living, Woman’s World, and more!

5 from 8 votes

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165 Comments

  1. Caitln says:

    Hi there! This sounds delicious! I love reading all the comments about how yummy it is. I have a silicone baking mold (Fall shapes) Do you think I could bake it into the little shapes? Hope that makes sense.

  2. Barbara says:

    I have fresh pumpkin from the carved pumpkin that my son did for his kids. I roasted it and puréed it , can I use this ? Of course that would probably mean I would have to add other ingredients so to get the pumpkin spice flavor .

    1. Linda Coulthard says:

      yes, I have been using jack o’lantern pumpkin for baking and soups for years. Not using your halloween pumpkin is a real waste of good food.

  3. Vanessa says:

    Thank you so much for posting. I make this in class with my preschool students and they LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It’s not only super yummy but easy to make as well! I look forward to making this every year with my new batch of kids…. Also we use fresh pumpkin instead of can since my students donate so many pumpkins to our class…

    1. Heidi says:

      Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Vanessa! So glad to hear the students loved making it… what a fun idea!

  4. Miri says:

    I was trying out some fall recipes and I came across this one so I tried it out. It’s great! So moist and yummy. My mom says it tastes just like pumpkin pie and proceeded to eat her slice with cool whip on top!

    Very nice recipe I’ll definitely be taking this one to make again.

    1. Heidi says:

      Aww ~ so glad to hear you liked it, Miri… and it sounds like your Mom found the perfect way to eat a slice! 😉

  5. Liz says:

    This is so yummy! Mine ended up with a slightly crisp exterior and was so moist on the inside. What a marvelous combination! I substituted coconut oil for the veggie oil, whole milk for the water, and added a little vanilla extract. Thanks for the recipe!

  6. Christina says:

    This really is the world’s best pumpkin bread…super moist and yummy….My kids love it we ate almost a whole loaf the first day, my youngest I think had 4 pieces!

    1. Heidi says:

      Thanks so much for the sweet comment, Christina! Isn’t it SO yummy? My boys inhale it! 😉

  7. Berit says:

    I made this pumpkin bread yesterday and my 5yo said with the first bite “This is the best pumpkin bread in the hole wide world!!!”
    We all agreed! Thanks for this wonderful recipe!

    1. Heidi says:

      Aww ~ you’re very welcome, Berit! Thanks so much for the sweet comment… I’m so glad every loved it!! 🙂

  8. Lindsay says:

    This really is the BEST pumpkin bread I’ve ever made! It bakes up nice and full and is not dense and heavy like so many other recipes I’ve tried. The flavor is awesome! The first time I made it I didn’t have any nutmeg, so I just doubled the cinnamon and added some vanilla and it was amazing! When I make it now I add additional cinnamon and about half of the nutmeg called for and it was just right. I find that a small can of pumpkin is just right- I don’t like opening a second can because I don’t really have anything to do with it and I don’t like to waste it. I end up cooking it about 15 more minutes than the recipe calls for in order for it to get done in the middle, but every oven is different. I would check it after 45 and see what your oven is doing with it. Overall, the clam it is the BEST is not an overstatement– highly recommend! delish!

  9. Angela says:

    This is a wonderful recipe. I made 30 mini loaves for my churches thanksgiving, and I’m making them again today for family Christmas baskets. Just wanted to say, this does not fit in my kitchenaid, well it does fit but you can’t mix it, or it goes everywhere. But this recipe can easily be mixed by hand, so no worries, just wanted to put that in case anyone else is like me and just assumes everything can go in the kitchenaid.

    Also, I bought those cute little ceramic holiday bread pans, they are a little smaller than regular mini loaf pans, and they don’t say what size they are. But 1 batch of this pumpkin bread fills 9 of them.

    1. Tesa says:

      It can be mixed in a KitchenAid mixer by adding the flour mixture in gradually. A little at a time and it shouldn’t go everywhere.

    2. Allie says:

      How long did you bake the mini loaves? I want to try this 🙂

  10. Rochelle says:

    What temperature? And for how long to bake? Both loads at one time or separately?

    1. Rochelle says:

      Never mind!! I over looked it!