10 Autumn Pumpkin Bread Recipes with Spices
As the leaves turn golden and the air carries that crisp hint of fall, my kitchen transforms into a cozy haven of pumpkin-scented magic. I still remember my childhood in rural New England, where my grandmother would whip up her secret pumpkin bread every October, filling our old farmhouse with the warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg. Those slices, slathered in butter, were the ultimate comfort after apple-picking adventures—simple, spiced perfection that made the season feel eternal.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking classic recipes with bold spice blends inspired by global flavors. From chai-inspired loaves to chocolate-studded twists, these creations have become my go-to for brunches, gifts, and lazy afternoons. In a world rushing by, there’s something profoundly grounding about baking pumpkin bread—it’s affordable, versatile, and packs nutrients like vitamin A from pumpkin while spices boost digestion and mood.
Classic Cinnamon-Nutmeg Pumpkin Bread
This timeless loaf is my nod to grandma’s recipe, packed with cozy fall spices for a moist, tender crumb. Ingredients (for one 9×5 loaf): 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp salt, ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional).
Mix wet ingredients (pumpkin, sugar, oil, eggs), fold in dry (flour, spices, soda, salt), stir in nuts, bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Benefits include fiber-rich pumpkin for gut health and anti-inflammatory spices for seasonal immunity.
Chai-Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Infused with the exotic warmth of chai, this bread brings Indian-inspired spices to autumn baking. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ¾ cup sugar, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp chai spice blend (or ½ tsp each cardamom, ginger, cloves), ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch black tea leaves.
Whisk wet (pumpkin, sugar, butter, eggs), combine with dry (flour, spices, powder), bake in a greased loaf pan at 350°F for 55 minutes. It’s digestion-friendly thanks to ginger and cardamom, plus a mood-boosting caffeine hint from tea.
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread
Sweet maple syrup and crunchy pecans elevate this bread into a breakfast star, perfect for harvest vibes. Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup maple syrup, ¼ cup yogurt, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp allspice, ¾ cup pecans.
Blend wet ingredients, stir in dry and pecans, pour into pan and bake at 325°F for 60 minutes. Loaded with antioxidants from pecans and blood-sugar-stabilizing fiber from pumpkin.
Gingerbread Pumpkin Loaf
A fusion of gingerbread cookies and pumpkin, this loaf delivers bold ginger kick with molasses depth. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup molasses, ⅓ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ginger, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cloves.
Mix wet (pumpkin, molasses, oil, eggs), add dry spices and flour, bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Ginger aids nausea relief, ideal for holiday indulgences.
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread
Swirls of cinnamon sugar make this bread a showstopper, like pumpkin pie in loaf form. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ¾ cup sugar (½ for swirl), ¼ cup butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg.
Prepare batter as usual, swirl in cinnamon-sugar mix midway, bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Heart-healthy cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar.
Pumpkin Spice Latte Bread
Inspired by your coffee shop fave, this bread incorporates espresso for caffeinated spice bliss. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup sugar, ¼ cup brewed espresso, ⅓ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice.
Combine all, bake at 350°F for 50 minutes; optional cream cheese glaze. Provides a gentle energy lift and vitamin-packed comfort.
Cardamom Orange Pumpkin Bread
Bright orange zest pairs with fragrant cardamom for a citrusy, Middle Eastern twist on fall baking. Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup sugar, zest/juice of 1 orange, ¼ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cardamom, ½ tsp cinnamon.
Mix wet with zest/juice, fold in dry, bake at 325°F for 60 minutes. Cardamom supports digestion; orange adds vitamin C boost.
Nutmeg Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Creamy nutmeg enhances melty chocolate chips in this indulgent yet healthy treat. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup applesauce, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp nutmeg, ¾ cup chocolate chips.
Stir batter, fold in chips, bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Nutmeg’s antioxidants fight inflammation; dark chips add minerals.
Clove and Apple Pumpkin Bread
Diced apples and pungent cloves mimic apple pie in bread form, ultra-moist and fruity. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin, ½ cup sugar, 1 chopped apple, ⅓ cup oil, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking powder, ¾ tsp cloves, 1 tsp cinnamon.
Mix all, bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. Apples provide pectin for heart health; cloves offer antimicrobial benefits.
Allspice Walnut Pumpkin Bread
Robust allspice and walnuts create a hearty, nutty loaf that’s freezer-friendly for weeks. Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 ½ tsp allspice, 1 cup walnuts.
Combine wet/dry, add nuts, bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Walnuts deliver omega-3s for brain health; allspice aids digestion.
These 10 spiced pumpkin bread recipes capture the essence of autumn in every slice—warm, aromatic, and endlessly adaptable. Grab your puree and spices, preheat that oven, and bake up some fall magic today; your home (and taste buds) will thank you!
