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Classic Pumpkin Bread

posted by Liz Berg on October 11, 2022 (updated 2/11/24)

Growing up, we’d always receive the gift of a loaf of dense, spiced, and irresistible Easy Pumpkin Bread for the holidays. Our neighbor shared her recipe and it’s still my favorite version that my children request each autumn.

This is almost exactly like a popular Allrecipes Pumpkin Bread Recipe, without the nutmeg. But I’ve been making this fabulous loaf since before the Internet! It’s a keeper.

Classic Pumpkin Bread loaf and slices on a white tray.

Table of Contents hide

1 Reader Endorsement:

2 Why You Must Make

3 Expert Tips

4 Frequently Asked Questions

5 You May Also Like:

6 Classic Pumpkin Bread

Reader Endorsement:

From Anita, who found my recipe on Pinterest: ” This is by far the best Pumpkin Bread I’ve made.” I can’t argue with that!

Why You Must Make

My sisters and I have loved this recipe since the 1970s. I think you’ll see why after giving it a whirl.
It’s super moist, tender, and perfectly spiced.
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe will become a family favorite at your house, too, and it’s perfect for your autumn or holiday baking. Mini pumpkin bread makes a terrific gift!

This moist, pumpkin bread recipe came from Severa Vandergaast, our Dutch neighbor who talked a mile a minute with a charming accent. A loaf of this spicy deliciousness would arrive each Christmas as a gift for our family. We’d practically inhale slices of this bread, then beg my mom to bake another so we could slather warm slices with cold butter.

Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe in a white ceramic baking dish.

Expert Tips

Dense, moist, and full of warm spices, this recipe is perfect for truly classic pumpkin bread. No chocolate chips or streusel needed (though I’ve shared those loaves, too). It’s wonderful just as it is!

PRO-Tip: As with all quick bread, once the liquids are mixed with the dry ingredients, it’s imperative not to over-mix. This will create tunnels, which won’t change the taste of the bread, but it sure looks better with a fine crumb and without loads of holes in every slice.
Either mix by hand or use the paddle attachment on your mixer and mix on low, stopping as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Prepare your loaf pan (affiliate links) properly so the loaf comes out in one piece. Spray the pan with a non-stick spray. I prefer a product like Baker’s Joy which is a mixture of oil and flour. I also like to line the bottom of the pan with a rectangle of parchment paper, then spray the top of that as well.
Check the middle of the loaf by inserting a toothpick into a couple of spots. Pumpkin bread typically develops a crack across the top, and it’s that crack where I like to check for doneness. When the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, bake 5-10 minutes longer and recheck.
PRO-Tip: Do not pull the loaves out without doing a toothpick check. If you remove the loaf too early, the middle will be raw. If you let it cook too long, the bread will not be as moist. The oil in this recipe makes for a super moist pumpkin bread, but take care to bake just until baked through.
The kind of pan and how your oven bakes varies, so baking times listed in recipes often need to be shortened or extended.
You can easily multiply this recipe by 2 or 3. I tend to make a triple batch—one for each of my children! Start with one, but you may end up wanting an extra loaf or two for your freezer! See below how to prepare your bread for freezing.

Classic Pumpkin Bread slice on a square white plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Will Pumpkin Bread Stay Fresh?

Pumpkin bread will be good for 1-2 days at room temperature. Since it’s a very moist loaf, it may start to deteriorate after that. It can be stored for up to a week, well-wrapped, in the refrigerator. It also can be frozen (see tips below).

Why is My Pumpkin Bread Not Cooking in the Middle? How Do You Know When Pumpkin Bread is Done?

Your pumpkin bread is underdone when you find the middle is still uncooked. The exterior may look fully baked, but unless you check the middle by using a toothpick or cake tester, there’s no way to know if the interior is done.
Poke a few locations and when there’s no batter on the toothpick when you pull it out, the pumpkin bread is done. When you start to smell the aroma of baked pumpkin bread, it means the loaf is getting close to being fully baked. If it’s close to the full baking time, start checking with a toothpick.

How Do You Keep Pumpkin Bread Moist?

First, choose a good recipe. This one is made with vegetable oil which is a key for making moist soda bread. Then make sure not to overbake which can dry out a loaf.
Also, remember to wrap your pumpkin bread well to keep it fresh once it’s cooled completely. I like using plastic wrap since the self-adhering properties make an airtight seal. If you can’t eat all the loaf within a few days, consider freezing half of it to keep it fresh.

Why Did my pumpkin bread crack?

Cracking of the surface is just a normal characteristic of quick bread. The top tends to set before the loaf is done rising. This causes cracking across the top. As a bonus, those cracks are the best place to check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can Pumpkin Bread Be Frozen?

Yes, this pumpkin bread freezes well. First cool to room temperature, then wrap well in plastic wrap making it as airtight as possible. Next, wrap well in foil or place the plastic-wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag.
Pumpkin bread keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. It will still be safe after that time period, but the quality may not be as good. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and serve slices warmed or at room temperature.