Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe 1 Loaf

Moist pumpkin bread recipe is easy to make and uses one surprise ingredient to make it the moistest bread you will ever make! Make 1 loaf or bake into Libbys pumpkin muffins for breakfast or a fun Fall dessert.

Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe 1 Loaf

I have baked pumpkin bread from scratch and have also bought it in a box. Come this time of month you can find quick bread mixes at the grocery stores. Homemade is always best though I say, especially during the holidays when you want to hunker down and bake. This loaf is a must at Thanksgiving and Christmas brunch.

Can you bake Pumpkin Bread into Muffins?

You can use this same batter to bake quicker into mini pumpkin muffins in 11 minutes, regular size in a muffin pan in 18 minutes or jumbo. Tips to know when they are done remain the same, they just take less time to get the same result. AND there is no slicing required which is great.

Moist Pumpkin Bread Ingredients

• Canned pumpkin or you can make homemade, not pumpkin pie mix
• All purpose flour is the base of the dry ingredients
• Sugar and brown sugar make it sweet
• Eggs are best added room temperature but if you forget don’t worry
• Baking powder allows it to rise fluffy
• Vegetable oil is typically what I use
• Milk – vitamin D is best, or use dairy free alternative
• Pumpkin pie spice and other spices
• Nuts or cranberries are optional

Is canned or homemade pumpkin puree better?

It all starts with that orange can if you want to make this quick but Instant Pot homemade pumpkin puree is always best if you have the time to start totally from scratch. There are usually two brands at the store, this and store brand. Occasionally you might find another organic version at Trader Joes or other specialty grocery stores.

What can you use instead of vegetable oil?

There are alternatives you can use instead of oil to bake sweet breads, overripe bananas is probably our favorite. That turns out more like our pumpkin banana bread recipe. Other options would be plain Greek yogurt, applesauce or even mayonnaise.

What can you add to homemade pumpkin bread?

• In addition to the main ingredients you can of course include about 1/2 cup of additions.
• White chocolate chips or mini semi-sweet can be a nice touch too.
• You can see our pumpkin cranberry bread above that turned out great.
• Chopped nuts such as walnuts or even roasted pumpkin seeds are fun.
• I have heard of some people adding a few Tbsp of dried fruits used in fruit cake to add sweetness.
• You can drizzle on a bit of glaze or frosting over the top when cooled. A few other options would be;

How do you keep pumpkin bread moist?

Bake it at a lower temperature for a bit longer and take it out when your toothpick comes out MOSTLY clean. If it is totally dry coming out, it will be dry. A bit wet but left in the pan until cool is key. I have made this so many times that I just use my touch. Gently touched in the center is key, if it springs back take it out immediately.

How to Bake Pumpkin Bread into Muffins

• If you’d rather bake 2 ingredient pumpkin muffins, follow the recipe below.
• Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way full.
• Bake for 18 minutes until middle bounces back when touched gently.
• Remove from oven AND the muffin pan so they don’t continue baking in that hot pan.
• Transferring to a cooling rack is the best way to keep them very moist.

How to Bake 1 Loaf of Pumpkin Bread

• Add all dry ingredients into one bowl and wet ingredients into a mixing bowl. I use my stand mixer.
• Mix well in both bowls and slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ones until they are mixed. 
  • If adding nuts, chocolate for pumpkin chocolate chip bread, or dried cranberries fold them in at the very end.
• Line 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and pour batter in.
• Put into a preheated oven at 325 for 1 hour and 15 minutes bake time or until toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean in the center.
• For muffins fill 3/4 of way full and bake for 18-20 minutes until middle springs back when gently touched with a finger.
• Do not remove from pan until cooled so it can continue to bake in the pan and stay moist. Allow to sit in pan for at least 20 minutes before lifting out and slicing.

Melt 1/2 cup of vanilla or cream cheese frosting and drizzle it on top of each slice and serve if you want to add even more sweetness. To make chocolate pumpkin bread just add chips to the one below. One is more chocolatey than the other for sure.

How Long to Bake in Mini Loaf Pans

You can of course use mini loaf pans instead of the traditional 9×5″ size if you would like but the baking time would decrease 25% to about 20ish minutes. Test around that time with a toothpick. It should come out mostly dry with moist crumbs attached ideally. Another idea is to make air fryer pumpkin bread loaves in this size.

Why is my pumpkin bread not moist?

You may have overmixed and worked the batter. You just want ensure the dry and wet mixture incorporate, no longer or the end result will likely be more dense and not as fluffy. The biggest culprit to dry bread though is baking too long. Just 2 minutes too long will make it go from super moist to just good. Last but not least you likely didn’t remove it from the pan and it kept cooking for too long, again.

It just needs to rest in there for about 15 minutes to solidify so it will slide out nicely from the pan. Once loosened from the edges with a knife it should be moved to a cooling rack for the remaining time to cool, that will make super moist slices each time.

How do you eat pumpkin bread?

I eat it with just a drizzle of frosting on top, or plain. My husband prefers some butter on top. You could spread cream cheese or apple butter on top. Enjoyed plain is of course a winner too. Coffee is my go to pairing unless it’s after dinner, then milk is it.

1. Enjoying a slice on its own is a simple pleasure. The natural sweetness and spices in the bread make it a satisfying snack or breakfast option. Just slice a piece and savor the flavors.
2. Toasting enhances its flavors and adds a slight crunch to the exterior. Spread a little butter or cream cheese on a toasted slice for a comforting and indulgent treat.
3. Slathering a warm slice of pumpkin bread with butter can create a luscious and rich flavor combination. The butter melts into the bread, adding moisture and a hint of saltiness that complements the sweetness.
4. Cream cheese is a classic accompaniment to pumpkin bread. The creamy and tangy flavor of the cream cheese balances the sweetness of the bread. You can spread a thin layer on a slice of pumpkin bread for a delicious contrast.
5. Nut butters like peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter can add a satisfying nutty flavor and protein boost to your pumpkin bread. Spread nut butter on a slice or drizzle it over the top for a hearty and nutritious snack.
6. For a touch of indulgence, top your pumpkin bread with a dollop of whipped cream. This airy and sweet topping pairs well with the flavors of the bread.
7. Turn your slice into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm bread and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
8. Layer slices of pumpkin bread with yogurt and your favorite fruits to create a delicious and wholesome parfait. This makes for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
9. Transform your day old bread into a decadent breakfast by using it to make French toast. Dip slices of pumpkin bread in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, then cook them on a griddle until golden brown. Serve with maple syrup for a treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
10. Stale or leftover pumpkin bread can be transformed into a delightful dessert by making a pumpkin bread pudding. Tear the bread into pieces, soak it in a custard mixture, and bake until set. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream.

Get creative and use slices of pumpkin bread as the base for sandwiches. Combine ingredients like turkey, cream cheese, and and cranberry sauce for a savory-sweet delight. After this you should make our pumpkin pie sheet cake too. Now jump to recipe below and you can print it out if you like.

Can I leave pumpkin bread out overnight?

You will want to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap once cooled, then into a freezer bag. It is better to leave on the countertop versus refrigerated. This will prevent it from drying out. BUT you need to wrap it appropriately first. Wrap your leftover pumpkin bread in plastic wrap tightly. Then slide it into a storage bag or wrap it in aluminum foil. Remove air in order to keep it incredibly moist for up to 3 days.

If you made two of these and saved the second for later in the freezer, great idea!! You will want to leave it out overnight to defrost it first. Then if you wanted to warm it you could. In the oven or microwave you could, or enjoy sliced cold with a cup of coffee in the morning.

How do you reheat a loaf of pumpkin bread in the oven?

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F
2. If your bread is sliced, keep the slices together as much as possible.
   • If it’s a whole loaf, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.
3. Place the wrapped pumpkin bread on a baking sheet to catch any potential crumbs.
4. Heat the wrapped pumpkin bread in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes for slices or 15-20 minutes for a whole loaf. The exact time may vary based on the size of the loaf and its moisture content.
5. Check periodically to prevent over-reheating. You want it to be warmed through without becoming too dry.

How do you Reheat Pumpkin Bread in the Microwave?

1. If it is sliced, arrange the slices on a microwave safe plate. If it’s a whole loaf, place it in a microwave safe container with a lid.
2. If using a microwave safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.
3. Microwave the pumpkin bread on a low power setting, such as 30% or 50% power, for short intervals of 10-20 seconds each.
   • Avoid using full power, as it can cause the bread to become tough or dry.
4. Check the pumpkin bread after each interval to gauge its warmth. If it’s not warm enough, continue microwaving in short bursts.
5. Be cautious not to overheat the bread, as microwaving for too long can cause it to become tough or dry.