If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, you’re going to love this Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe. I absolutely love how this bread comes out perfectly moist and tender with just the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—a classic combo that never fails. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was and how my whole family devoured it faster than I expected. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips to help you nail it every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Moisture: Thanks to sour cream and pumpkin puree, this bread stays tender and moist for days.
Warm Spice Blend: The combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings that comforting fall flavor we all crave.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry, which means minimal stress and max yum.
Kid-Approved: My family goes crazy for this; even picky eaters can’t resist a slice fresh from the oven.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so beautifully, creating that classic pumpkin bread everyone loves. I always recommend using pure pumpkin puree—avoid pumpkin pie filling since it’s already sweetened and spiced. Also, salted butter really enhances the flavor here.

Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe - Ingredients

Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds just the right touch of saltiness that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar for that classic sweet foundation.
Eggs: These bind everything together and add richness.
Pure Pumpkin Puree: Essential for that moist, velvety texture and subtle pumpkin flavor.
Sour Cream: This keeps the bread tender and adds a lovely slight tang.
Vanilla Extract: A small splash amps up the warm flavors in the bread.
All-Purpose Flour: The base for our bread – choose a good quality flour for best results.
Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth.
Baking Soda: For lift and a light crumb.
Baking Powder: Works alongside baking soda to ensure perfect rise.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty spice note.
Ground Cloves: Use sparingly—they give the bread a hint of aromatic intensity.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe because it’s so forgiving. Sometimes I add nuts, other times I sneak in chocolate chips, and on occasion, I substitute half the flour for whole wheat for a heartier texture. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives a nice crunch and nutty flavor—my go-to when I’m feeling fancy.
Chocolate-Chip Love: Toss in a half cup of chocolate chips for little melty pockets that my kids adore.
Gluten-Free: You can swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend; just watch the texture as it may vary slightly.
Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut fat but keep moistness.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe

Step 1: Get Ready and Prep Your Pan

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I like to line my 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper and then give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. This combo makes removing the bread a breeze and keeps the loaf perfectly intact—no crumbly disasters here!

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together the melted salted butter and granulated sugar until they’re well combined and a bit creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, sour cream, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and uniform. I discovered this trick: beating the butter and sugar first helps give the bread a tender crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This step ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed, so your bread rises nicely and tastes consistent.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—that’s the trick to keeping your pumpkin bread tender and not tough. Once your batter is smooth, pour it into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes. I usually start checking around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your bread is ready. If it’s browning too much on top before it’s baked through, tent some foil over the loaf and continue baking.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I learned that using eggs and sour cream at room temp helps everything mix more evenly and prevents dense spots.
Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter activates gluten too much, which can make your bread chewy instead of tender.
Check Oven Accuracy: Oven temps can vary, so if your bread is browning too fast, lower the temp slightly for a gentler bake.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: This tip helps the bread set perfectly and makes slicing neat and easy.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often spread a little softened butter or cream cheese on slices to complement the warm spices perfectly. Sometimes a drizzle of honey or maple syrup takes it over the top for a sweet treat. For extra coziness, dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. It’s also a wonderful companion to a light fruit salad or yogurt bowl for breakfast or brunch. I like serving it alongside a bowl of soup for a comforting fall lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I wrap individual slices in parchment and tie them with twine for charming favors. You can also turn the bread into French toast by dipping thick slices in egg batter—yes, it’s fantastic! Garnish your brunch table with fresh pumpkin or cinnamon sticks to up the cozy vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature—it stays moist for up to 3 days. When I want it longer, I pop it in an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps it fresh for about a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Just slice it before freezing, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw a slice at room temperature or warm it gently in the microwave. Works great for quick breakfasts on busy mornings.

Reheating

I like to reheat slices wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—that brings back that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out. Alternatively, a quick toast in the oven or toaster oven at 325°F for 5-8 minutes brings the bread back to life, especially when topped with butter.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin?

I don’t recommend using pumpkin pie filling because it’s sweetened and spiced already, which can throw off the flavor and texture. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for the best results with this recipe.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf around 45-50 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the bread is done. If it’s wet, bake a little longer and check again.
Can I make this pumpkin bread dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut yogurt or a non-dairy sour cream substitute for the sour cream. The texture might shift slightly, but the warm spices will still shine.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding about ½ cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips is a fantastic way to personalize this bread. Just gently fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
How long does this pumpkin bread keep fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for 2-3 days. Refrigerated, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Warm Spices Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for good reason. It’s simple enough for a weekday snack but elegant enough to share at holiday gatherings. The balance of moist pumpkin and cozy spices makes it an absolute winner in my kitchen—and I’m confident you’ll feel the same way once you try it. So grab your loaf pan, and let’s bake something warm and wonderful today!