Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread has always been my go-to when the autumn air starts to chill. I remember the first time I tried making it myself; the kitchen filled with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the batter itself tasted like pure comfort. It’s a truly easy pumpkin spice bread recipe that even beginners can master, and the crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping is just divine. This recipe delivers a wonderfully moist crumb and a burst of cozy flavors that will make your home feel like fall. Let’s bake this deliciousness together!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread

This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s a hug in loaf form. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Incredibly moist pumpkin spice bread texture that melts in your mouth.
A delightful crunchy cinnamon-sugar crust for that perfect sweet crunch.
The aroma alone will transport you straight to autumn bliss.
It’s a truly pumpkin spice bread recipe easy enough for anyone to bake.
Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a comforting flavor.
Makes your kitchen smell absolutely divine while baking.
A crowd-pleasing treat that’s perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right spiced pumpkin bread ingredients is the first step to baking this delicious loaf. You’ll need a few pantry staples and some key flavor makers.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender crumb
1 teaspoon baking powder – for a nice lift
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – helps with leavening and browning
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – essential for that warm spice
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a cozy, fragrant note
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger – for a little zing
1/4 teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – crucial for that moist texture
3/4 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness in the batter
2 large eggs – bind everything together
1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) – the star ingredient for flavor and moisture
1/2 cup buttermilk – adds tenderness and a slight tang
1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) – creates a lovely crunchy crust
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping) – amps up the cinnamon flavor

How to Make the Best Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Let’s get baking! Following these steps will ensure you create the most delicious and moist pumpkin bread.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to really get that oven nice and hot. Then, prepare your 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it generously, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, grab a whisk and combine the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until they’re nicely blended; this ensures even distribution of our flavors.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened and 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, a beautiful creamy color. This step is key for a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat well after each addition, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Step 5: Stir in the 1 cup pumpkin puree until it’s just combined. You want to see streaks of orange, not a completely uniform color yet, as overmixing can make the bread tough.
Step 6: Now, we’ll alternate adding the dry ingredients from Step 2 and the 1/2 cup buttermilk to the wet ingredients. Start with about a third of the dry ingredients, mix gently, then add half the buttermilk, mix, then another third of the dry, the rest of the buttermilk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. This method for how to make spiced pumpkin bread helps create a perfectly balanced batter. Mix until just combined – stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour. This is how you achieve that wonderful, easy pumpkin spice bread texture.
Step 7: For that irresistible topping, combine the 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix them well; this will form a delightful crunchy crust.
Step 8: Pour the glorious batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over the batter. The scent at this point is already amazing!
Step 9: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The smell filling your kitchen will be heavenly.
Step 10: If you notice the top browning too quickly before the center is cooked, don’t worry! Tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil. This simple trick protects the crust while the inside finishes baking.
Step 11: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means a perfect slice every time!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Bliss Bread

Elevate your baking with these insider tips for the ultimate loaf. These little tricks ensure your homemade pumpkin bliss bread is always a showstopper.

Always use pure pumpkin puree, not the pre-spiced pie filling. The pie filling has added sugar and spices that can throw off the flavor balance of this recipe.
Don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, dense bread instead of a tender, moist one.
For an extra-special topping, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mixture. It adds another layer of warm, cozy flavor.
Ensure your ingredients like eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter for a more cohesive and evenly baked loaf.

What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread?

The secret to the best spiced pumpkin bread recipe lies in the balance of moist ingredients like pumpkin puree and buttermilk, combined with not overmixing. That crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping also adds a delightful textural contrast. For more baking tips, check out these food baking tips.

Can I make Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake this bread a day in advance and store it at room temperature. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Learn more about how to store baked goods.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread?

The biggest pitfalls are using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree and overmixing. Also, be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick; an underbaked loaf will be gummy. Understanding the science behind baking can help prevent these issues; explore the science of baking quick breads.

Delicious Ways to Serve Your Spiced Pumpkin Bread

This versatile loaf is wonderful on its own, but it truly shines with a few simple additions. Enjoying your Spiced Pumpkin Bread is all about enhancing those cozy fall flavors.

For a simple yet satisfying treat, a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream is divine. If you’re looking for something truly special, try a warm glaze made from powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a hint of vanilla. For a pairing that highlights the warm spices, consider serving slices alongside a steaming mug of coffee or apple cider, especially with that lovely hint of pumpkin bread with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Nutrition Facts for Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per slice of this delightful loaf. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy those fall flavors!

Calories: Approx. 250-300
Fat: Approx. 10-15g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 5-7g
Protein: Approx. 3-4g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 35-40g
Fiber: Approx. 2-3g
Sugar: Approx. 20-25g
Sodium: Approx. 150-200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size.

Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread: 1 Amazing Loaf - Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread - additional detail

How to Store and Reheat Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Once your delicious Spiced Pumpkin Bread has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. For enjoying this fall pumpkin bread recipe over a few days, place the completely cooled loaf in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It should stay perfectly moist at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap and warm gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread

What is pumpkin bliss bread?

Pumpkin bliss bread is a type of quick bread that features pumpkin puree as a primary ingredient, giving it a wonderfully moist texture and a subtle, earthy sweetness. It’s typically flavored with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making it a perfect treat for autumn. This pumpkin bread recipe simple to follow and results in a delicious, comforting loaf. For more about quick breads, see this guide on quick breads.

Is this a moist pumpkin spice bread?

Absolutely! The combination of pumpkin puree and buttermilk in this recipe ensures a wonderfully tender and moist crumb. We also avoid overmixing, which is a common pitfall that can lead to dry bread. You’ll find this loaf stays delightfully soft.

Can I use different spices in my Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread?

Yes, you can absolutely customize the spices! While cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are classic, feel free to add a pinch of cloves, cardamom, or allspice for a more complex flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite blend for a truly delicious spiced pumpkin bread.

Is this a quick bread?

Yes, this is a quick bread, meaning it uses chemical leaveners like baking powder and baking soda instead of yeast. This makes the process much faster as there’s no dough rising time required. It’s a fantastic pumpkin bread recipe simple enough for a weeknight bake. Learn more about the difference between quick breads and yeast breads on Food Network.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread Variations You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic Spiced Pumpkin Bliss Bread, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to adapt this recipe to suit your tastes or needs. Here are a few ideas to make your loaf even more special.

Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. You might need to slightly adjust the liquid content, so start with the recommended amount and add a tablespoon more if the batter seems too thick. This makes for a wonderfully sweet pumpkin spice bread that everyone can enjoy.
Bundt Cake Style: Instead of a loaf pan, bake this batter in a greased and floured Bundt pan. Baking time might be a little longer, so start checking around 60-65 minutes. The beautiful shape makes for an impressive dessert centerpiece.
Pumpkin Spice Muffins: Pour the batter into a greased or paper-lined muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. They’re perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts!
Add-Ins for Extra Flavor: For an even more delicious spiced pumpkin bread, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even some chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. These additions add delightful texture and flavor bursts.