Description
This Perfect Pumpkin Bread recipe delivers moist, flavorful loaves infused with warm pumpkin spice, enriched with pumpkin purée, and complemented by a sweet, crunchy sugar topping. Ideal for fall or anytime you crave comforting baked goods, these loaves are easy to prepare and bake in under an hour and a quarter.
Ingredients
Scale
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup neutral oil (e.g., extra virgin olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon bourbon or vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (plus 3 tablespoons divided)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon fine salt
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin spice
Other
- Oil or baking spray, for preparing pans
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pans: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with oil or baking spray. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar in each pan to coat the bottom evenly which adds a subtle crunch and sweetness to the crust.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, bourbon or vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fully combined and smooth, creating a well-blended base for the bread.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice until thoroughly combined to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking to incorporate them well. Once mostly mixed, stir by hand for about 50 strokes to develop a smooth, homogenous batter without overmixing.
- Divide batter and add sugar topping: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the tops of each loaf to create a sweet, crunchy finish as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the loaves for 60-65 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool loaves: Remove the loaves from the oven and carefully turn them onto a cooling rack. Let them cool completely before slicing to allow flavors to develop fully.
- Store leftovers: Wrap any leftover bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months to preserve freshness.
Notes
- Room temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly.
- For a stronger flavor, bourbon extract can be used instead of vanilla extract.
- Sprinkling sugar in the pan helps produce a crunchy bottom crust.
- Allowing the bread to rest overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for easy thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bread, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
