
YaYa’s Pumpkin Bread
This classic pumpkin bread is tender, moist, and spiced just right with cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe makes three generous loaves, perfect for sharing, freezing, or enjoying with a spread of cream cheese. It’s a family favorite that fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall and makes every slice taste like home.
Meal Type: Bread, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pumpkin bread, fall baking, homemade bread, holiday recipes, quick bread, easy dessert, family favorite, spice loaf
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 55 minutes mins
Servings: 36 Slices
Calories 230
Ingredients
- 3 1/3 cups plain flour
- 3 cups sugar
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2/3 cup water
- 4 large eggs
- 1 15 oz can pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add oil, water, eggs, and pumpkin. Mix until well combined.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow loaves to cool in pans for at least 10 minutes before removing.
- Slice and serve plain, or spread cream cheese between slices.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
Pumpkin bread is one of those timeless recipes that makes the whole house smell like fall. To make sure your loaves turn out tender and flavorful, measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off. Do not substitute pumpkin pie mix for pure pumpkin, or the bread will turn out too sweet and spiced. Grease and flour your pans well so the loaves release easily after baking.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor, especially cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean.
- Let the loaves rest in the pans for at least 10 minutes before removing.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
You can make this pumpkin bread your own in many ways.
- Try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or stir in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
- If you enjoy a spiced flavor, a pinch of ground cloves or allspice can be added to the batter.
- This bread also freezes beautifully, so bake all three loaves and save some for later.
- For a creamier treat, slice and spread cream cheese between slices as the original recipe suggests.
If you love warm fall flavors, you might also enjoy my Apple Crisp as a sweet seasonal companion.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
