Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Featured in: Seasonal Simple Bakes

This moist and warmly spiced pumpkin bread offers versatility to be prepared either as a quick mug treat or a classic loaf. Using simple pantry staples like pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the batter comes together swiftly. For a mug version, cooking takes just a few minutes in the microwave, perfect for a fast indulgence. The loaf variation bakes until golden with a tender crumb, ideal for sharing or enjoying throughout the season. Adaptations include nuts, chocolate chips, and vegan substitutions, making this a flexible favorite for any time.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 08:45:00 GMT
Steaming mug of pumpkin bread, soft inside, spiced with cinnamon and perfect for fall flavor. Pin it
Steaming mug of pumpkin bread, soft inside, spiced with cinnamon and perfect for fall flavor. | weeknightwhisk.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 first made this pumpkin bread for a chilly October afternoon, and it instantly became a family favorite. I love that you can whip up a single serving or bake a whole loaf to share.

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 all dry ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat together 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.
Fold In 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:
Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, or until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before eating.
For Loaf:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan.
Fill Pan:
Pour all batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Pin it
| weeknightwhisk.com
Pin it
| weeknightwhisk.com

Sharing this pumpkin bread with my family has become an autumn tradition we all look forward to. There's nothing better than cozying up together with warm, spiced slices and a mug of tea.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, microwave-safe mug, loaf pan, oven

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and possibly dairy. For nut allergies, omit nuts.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (loaf, 1/8th): 210 calories, 8 g fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein

A freshly baked, golden brown pumpkin bread loaf, inviting aroma, ideal for sharing with friends. Pin it
A freshly baked, golden brown pumpkin bread loaf, inviting aroma, ideal for sharing with friends. | weeknightwhisk.com
A freshly baked, golden brown pumpkin bread loaf, inviting aroma, ideal for sharing with friends. Pin it
A freshly baked, golden brown pumpkin bread loaf, inviting aroma, ideal for sharing with friends. | weeknightwhisk.com

Enjoy your pumpkin bread warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.

Common Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour for this bread?

Yes, substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend can work well, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I make the vegan version of this pumpkin bread?

Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed meal + 6 tbsp water) and use plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Yes, fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips before cooking for added texture and flavor.

How do I tell when the loaf is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs when done.

Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Warm, spiced pumpkin loaf or mug bread ready quickly for cozy fall snacking.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
45 min
Time Needed
55 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Info Meat-Free

What You'll Need

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

Step-by-Step

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk all dry ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl until evenly distributed.

Step 02

Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.

Step 03

Incorporate Wet and Dry: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just blended. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 04

Add Optional Mix-ins: Carefully fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using, distributing evenly throughout the batter.

Step 05

Prepare for Mug Baking: Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug (minimum 12 oz capacity). Fill halfway with batter, approximately 1/2 cup.

Step 06

Microwave Mug Bread: Cook on high power for 2 to 3 minutes until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool briefly before serving.

Step 07

Preheat Oven and Prepare Loaf Pan: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 08

Bake Loaf: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.

Step 09

Cool Loaf: Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

Tools Required

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe mug (for mug method)
  • Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
  • Oven

Allergy Notice

Go through every ingredient to identify allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and potential dairy. Nut inclusion is optional. Adjust ingredients accordingly for allergies.

Nutrition Information (per portion)

Nutrition details are for general reference and shouldn't replace advice from your doctor.
  • Caloric Content: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 3 g