In this recipe for pumpkin bread we’ve suggested using pumpkin purée, instead of fresh pumpkin, to create the tastiest baked good. Fresh pumpkin will carry a lot more water than the puréed variety, which can make your pumpkin bread undesirably dense. There are also lots of different pumpkin varieties available but canned pumpkin purée is usually made from types of pumpkins that have a more concentrated flavor that’s preferable for baking.
If you’re set on cooking with fresh pumpkin this fall, have a read of our helpful guide explaining how best to easily peel and prepare a pumpkin. If you’re keen to use the flesh from your carving pumpkin, then dishes such as pumpkin soup or curry will work better with this stringy flesh than pumpkin bread. And once you’ve decided on your perfect pumpkin dish, take a look at our pick of the top food pairings to enjoy with the sweet and nutty flavors of pumpkin.
To keep your pumpkin bread recipe moist, vegetable oil and milk are vital ingredients to include in your batter. You can use any relatively neutral oil that you have available in your kitchen. Other styles, such as avocado oil, would also work well in the recipe. Equally, for the milk, if you’d prefer a plant-based substitute, oat milk or almond milk can be used in this recipe too.
We’ve kept the recipe fairly simple above, but you can garnish your loaf with ingredients, such as pumpkin seeds or a sprinkling of powdered sugar, to elevate the presentation. While it’s delicious warm out of the oven, it often tastes even better the day after baking, as the spices have had more time to develop and combine together.
Spice Variations to Customize Your Loaf
We’ve featured the classic spice variations to use for pumpkin bread in the recipe above. You’ll commonly find ground cinnamon and nutmeg used in traditional pumpkin bread recipes. But you can add to this list as desired. Many chefs will introduce allspice to the recipe, which brings a depth of flavor to the bread.
Ground ginger pairs well with pumpkin, bringing a sweet spiciness to the baked good. For a real kick, try adding a few red chili flakes, or for a more indulgent take on this recipe, mix in cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. Finally, if you want to draw inspiration from the enduringly popular pumpkin spice latte, add espresso powder to the mix to recreate this modern classic fall flavor in your pumpkin bread.
Storage Tips and Freezing Options
You can store pumpkin bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to four days. It is possible to store the sweet bread in the fridge too, but make sure the container is truly airtight to prevent the texture from drying out and tasting stale. You can also freeze pumpkin bread. Let it cool completely to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and placing into the freezer. It will keep for up to three months in the freezer and can be thawed on the kitchen counter when ready to eat.
