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You can make pumpkin spice bread from scratch by combining canned pumpkin puree with flour, sugar, warm spices, eggs, oil, and leavening agents, then baking it until a toothpick comes out clean.
It’s one of the easiest quick breads you’ll ever make, and once you learn how to make pumpkin spice bread from scratch, you’ll never reach for a boxed mix again.
The whole thing comes together in about 15 minutes of hands-on work, and your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible while it bakes.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make pumpkin spice bread from scratch step by step, the ingredients you need, and a few tips so your loaf turns out moist every single time.
Let’s get to it.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread from Scratch: What You’ll Need
Learning how to make pumpkin spice bread from scratch starts with gathering the right ingredients.
Here’s everything you’ll need for one standard 9×5-inch loaf:
1. The Wet Ingredients
You’ll need one 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling), three large eggs, half a cup of neutral oil like vegetable or canola, and a quarter cup of milk.
The pumpkin puree is the star here, so don’t substitute it with anything else when you make pumpkin spice bread from scratch.
2. The Dry Ingredients
Grab two cups of all-purpose flour, one cup of granulated sugar, half a cup of brown sugar, one teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt.
3. The Pumpkin Spice Blend
To make pumpkin spice bread taste like fall in a slice, whisk together two teaspoons of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, half a teaspoon of ginger, a quarter teaspoon of cloves, and a quarter teaspoon of allspice.
You can use a store-bought pumpkin pie spice blend instead, but mixing your own is part of what makes pumpkin spice bread from scratch so special.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread from Scratch: Step by Step
Now for the fun part, actually making pumpkin spice bread from scratch.
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
1. Mix the Wet Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and milk until smooth.
This is where the rich, moist texture of pumpkin spice bread from scratch begins, so take a minute to get it fully combined.
2. Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, both sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your pumpkin spice blend.
3. Combine Everything Gently
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ones and stir with a spatula until just combined.
Don’t overmix, because that’s the number one mistake people make when they make pumpkin spice bread from scratch, and it leads to a dense, dry loaf.
4. Bake Until Golden
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Bread from Scratch
Want your pumpkin spice bread from scratch to turn out bakery-level good?
Keep these tips in mind:
1. Don’t Skip the Rest Time
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing, as this helps the crumb set and makes pumpkin spice bread easier to cut.
2. Add a Glaze or Topping
A simple powdered sugar glaze or a sprinkle of pepitas takes pumpkin spice bread from scratch to the next level.
3. Store It Properly
Wrap your pumpkin spice bread tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze slices for up to three months.
So, Can You Make Pumpkin Spice Bread from Scratch?
You can absolutely make pumpkin spice bread from scratch, and it’s far simpler than most people think.
With pumpkin puree, basic pantry staples, and a warm pumpkin spice blend, you’ll have a moist, fragrant loaf ready in about an hour.
Hope this guide has helped you learn how to make pumpkin spice bread from scratch so you can enjoy it all season long.