Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Featured in: Sweet Treats

This warmly spiced pumpkin bread offers a moist and tender crumb, ideal for a quick treat or a comforting loaf. Using simple pantry ingredients like pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and warm spices, it easily adapts to any season. The mug version cooks in minutes in the microwave, while the loaf bakes to golden perfection. Optional add-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips enhance texture and flavor. Perfect for a comforting dessert or snack with minimal prep time and flexible serving options.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:13:00 GMT
Warmly spiced pumpkin bread, freshly baked, offering the comforting flavors of fall within each bite. Pin
Warmly spiced pumpkin bread, freshly baked, offering the comforting flavors of fall within each bite. | potfuljoy.com

A moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread perfect for fall, easily made in a mug for a quick treat or baked as a classic loaf. Budget-friendly and adaptable for any season.

I remember the first time I tried making pumpkin bread in a mug during a busy autumn afternoon, and it turned out so fluffy and comforting. Since then, this recipe has been a go-to whether I need an instant treat or want to bake a loaf for family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
  • Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground cloves (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Pumpkin purée (unsweetened): 1 cup (240 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup (80 g)

Instructions

Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine Mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add-ins:
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
For Mug Bread:
Lightly grease a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz/350 ml). Fill mug halfway with batter (about 1/2 cup). Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 1 to 2 minutes before eating.
For Loaf Bread:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. Pour all batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
A slice of golden pumpkin bread, delicious with nuts, perfect for breakfast or dessert with a coffee. Pin
A slice of golden pumpkin bread, delicious with nuts, perfect for breakfast or dessert with a coffee. | potfuljoy.com

On chilly evenings, my kids love helping me mix the batter, and it's become a simple tradition to enjoy pumpkin bread together after dinner with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, microwave-safe mug (for mug bread), loaf pan (for loaf), and oven (for loaf).

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and possibly dairy if using regular milk or butter. Omit nuts for nut allergies and always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of loaf (1/8th) provides 210 calories, 8 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Homemade pumpkin bread loaf, perfectly browned and aromatic, ready to enjoy with a generous pat of butter. Pin
Homemade pumpkin bread loaf, perfectly browned and aromatic, ready to enjoy with a generous pat of butter. | potfuljoy.com

This pumpkin bread always lifts spirits and warms up even the busiest day. Choose your style (mug or loaf) and savor the fall flavor anytime.

Recipe Q&A

How can I make the pumpkin bread vegan?

Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk instead of dairy milk or butter.

What spices are used in this pumpkin bread?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional cloves provide a warmly spiced flavor that complements the pumpkin base.

Can I add nuts or chocolate to this bread?

Yes, chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added texture and richness.

How long does the mug version take to cook?

The mug bread cooks quickly in the microwave, taking about 2 to 3 minutes until set.

What is the best way to store the baked loaf?

Once cooled, store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I substitute the flour used in this bread?

All-purpose flour is recommended, but blends like whole wheat or gluten-free flours can be used with adjustments in texture and moisture.

Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Warm and moist pumpkin bread with cozy spices, made swiftly in a mug or baked as a loaf.

Preparation time
10 min
Cooking time
5 min
Total time
15 min

Category Sweet Treats

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin purée
02 2 large eggs
03 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
04 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
02 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 03

Mix Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 04

Incorporate Optional Add-ins: Fold in walnuts or pecans and/or chocolate chips if using.

Step 05

Prepare Mug Bread: Lightly grease a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 ounces). Fill halfway with batter (approximately 1/2 cup). Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until set; insert a toothpick to check doneness. Allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Step 06

Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Pour all batter into the pan, smoothing the top evenly.

Step 07

Bake Loaf: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

Step 08

Cool and Serve: Remove from pan onto a wire rack and cool completely before slicing and serving.

Required equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe mug
  • Loaf pan
  • Oven

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and possibly dairy
  • May contain nuts; omit for nut allergies

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Carbs: 31 g
  • Protein: 3 g