Fall is officially in the air — which means it’s time to break out the sweaters, light a candle, and fill your kitchen with all the cozy vibes. Around here, that can only mean one thing: Pumpkin Spice Bread season. 🙌
This isn’t just any pumpkin bread recipe — it’s a family favorite that’s been making our house smell like fall magic for generations. The moment those warm spices hit the bowl, it’s like you’ve invited autumn itself right into your kitchen. And trust me — the wait while it bakes is so worth it.
Once it’s out of the oven, we slice it thick, slather on a little brown-sugar cinnamon butter, and dive right in. Each bite tastes like a hug in dessert form — cozy, sweet, and perfectly spiced.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Moist and flavorful: Thanks to pumpkin puree, butter, and applesauce.
- Easy to make: No mixer required, no fancy steps.
- Versatile: Makes 2 loaves or 24 muffins — perfect for freezing or gifting.
- Cozy aroma: Your whole house will smell like a fall candle (but better).
For the Pumpkin Bread
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 1 cup cinnamon applesauce
- 2 cups sugar
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional but so good!)
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar (for topping)
For the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Butter
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two loaf pans (or line with parchment paper).
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, eggs, butter, applesauce, and sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Fold in chopped walnuts if using.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar.
- Bake 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- For the cinnamon butter: mix softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until fluffy. Spread on warm slices and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Swap the walnuts for chocolate chips or pecans if you like things extra indulgent.
- Freeze one loaf for later — it tastes just as good after thawing.
- To make muffins, bake for 22–25 minutes at 350°F.
How to Serve
Serve warm with your homemade cinnamon butter, or toast a slice for breakfast with a drizzle of honey. Pair it with your morning coffee, or sneak a piece for dessert after dinner (I won’t tell!).
This recipe is everything I love about fall — simple, sweet, and meant to be shared. If you’re ready to make your kitchen smell like pure pumpkin-spice heaven, go grab that can of pumpkin and let’s bake together!
