12 Spiced Pumpkin Bread Recipes for Autumn

ByChef Sage

As the leaves turn golden and the air carries that crisp autumn chill, nothing transports me back to my childhood quite like the aroma of spiced pumpkin bread baking in the oven. I remember bundling up with my siblings on rainy October afternoons, eagerly waiting for Mom to slice into her towering loaf studded with pecans and warm spices. That first warm bite—moist, fragrant, and perfectly spiced—was pure comfort, a hug from fall itself.

Lately, I’ve been on a pumpkin bread binge in my own kitchen, experimenting with twists on the classic to make it healthier, vegan, or decadently loaded with mix-ins. With pumpkin puree in abundance from my local farm stand, I’ve whipped up batches that incorporate global spices, nuts, and even savory elements. These recipes aren’t just nostalgic; they’re a celebration of autumn’s bounty, packed with nutrients like vitamin A from pumpkin and heartwarming flavors that make cozy gatherings unforgettable.

Classic Spiced Pumpkin Bread

This timeless recipe is the foundation of all pumpkin bread love—moist, tender crumb infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp ginger, 2 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup oil, 1/4 cup water. Mix dry ingredients, then stir in wet until just combined. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes. It’s beginner-friendly, freezes beautifully, and delivers antioxidants from pumpkin for a wholesome treat.

Benefits include its simplicity for busy bakers and natural moisture that keeps it fresh for days without additives.

A high-resolution photo of a sliced loaf of classic spiced pumpkin bread revealing its moist orange crumb, dusted with powdered sugar, under soft lighting.

Walnut Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread

Elevate the classic with crunchy walnuts and extra cinnamon swirl for texture and depth. Ingredients: 1.75 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon (plus 2 tbsp for swirl), 1/2 tsp allspice, 2 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup chopped walnuts. Combine batter, layer half in pan with cinnamon-walnut mix, top with rest, and bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. The nuts add healthy fats and omega-3s, making it a satisfying snack that curbs cravings.

This version boosts fiber for better digestion and pairs perfectly with coffee.

A high-resolution photo of walnut cinnamon pumpkin bread with visible nut chunks and cinnamon swirls, steam rising from a fresh slice, under soft lighting.

Chocolate Chip Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Indulge in chocolatey pockets amid spicy pumpkin bliss for a dessert-like loaf. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 eggs, 1.5 cups pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup oil, 1 cup chocolate chips. Fold chips into batter, bake in two loaf pans at 350°F for 50 minutes. Antioxidants from dark chocolate and pumpkin make it guilt-free-ish, while the spice balance prevents it from being too sweet.

Ideal for potlucks, it stays moist and kid-approved.

A high-resolution photo of chocolate chip spiced pumpkin bread with gooey melted chips oozing from a warm slice, under soft lighting.

Vegan Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Plant-based perfection using flax eggs and coconut oil for egg-free tenderness. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup maple syrup, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp pumpkin spice, 3 flax eggs (3 tbsp flax + 9 tbsp water), 1.5 cups pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1 tsp vanilla. Mix, pour into pan, bake at 350°F for 60 minutes. Dairy-free and refined sugar-free, it’s rich in fiber for gut health and accessible for vegan diets.

A high-resolution photo of a vegan spiced pumpkin bread loaf with a glossy top, sliced to show fluffy texture, under soft lighting.

Gluten-Free Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Almond flour base yields a nutty, hearty loaf without gluten. Ingredients: 2 cups almond flour, 1/2 cup coconut flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tbsp pumpkin spice, 3 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup melted coconut oil. Blend smooth, bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. Grain-free with protein from nuts, it supports low-carb lifestyles and is naturally anti-inflammatory.

A high-resolution photo of gluten-free spiced pumpkin bread with a rustic crumb, topped with pumpkin seeds, under soft lighting.

Ginger Clove Pumpkin Bread

Bold ginger and clove punch up the spice profile for a warming, aromatic twist. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp cardamom, 2 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup applesauce, 1/3 cup oil. Stir batter, bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Ginger aids digestion, and the combo evokes chai-like comfort without caffeine.

A high-resolution photo of ginger clove pumpkin bread sliced open, showing spicy flecks throughout the vibrant orange interior, under soft lighting.

Streusel-Topped Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Crispy oat streusel crowns a spiced pumpkin base for crunch contrast. Ingredients (bread): As classic, minus toppings. Streusel: 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tsp cinnamon. Layer batter, top with streusel, bake at 350°F for 65 minutes. Adds fiber from oats for sustained energy and elevates presentation for gifting.

A high-resolution photo of streusel-topped spiced pumpkin bread with golden crumbly topping cascading over a slice, under soft lighting.

Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread

Marbled with tangy cream cheese for a cheesecake-pumpkin hybrid. Ingredients (bread): Classic base. Swirl: 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg. Swirl into batter, bake at 350°F for 60 minutes. Protein from cheese balances carbs, creating a decadent yet portion-controlled treat.

A high-resolution photo of cream cheese swirl pumpkin bread with white ribbons weaving through orange batter in a cross-section slice, under soft lighting.

Oat-Flour Healthy Pumpkin Bread

Oats replace refined flour for a nutrient-dense, lower-glycemic option. Ingredients: 2 cups oat flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1.5 tsp pumpkin spice, 2 eggs, 1.5 cups pumpkin puree, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup oil. Bake at 350°F for 50 minutes. High in beta-glucan for cholesterol control and keeps you full longer.

A high-resolution photo of oat-flour healthy pumpkin bread with a hearty texture, garnished with oats, under soft lighting.

Maple Glazed Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Drizzled with maple glaze for sticky-sweet autumn elegance. Ingredients (bread): Classic. Glaze: 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 1 tbsp milk. Bake bread, cool, drizzle. Natural sugars from maple provide antioxidants, and it’s paleo-friendly adaptable.

A high-resolution photo of maple glazed spiced pumpkin bread with shiny drizzle pooling on a platter, fresh slice nearby, under soft lighting.

Savory Herb Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Rosemary and sage shift it savory for soups or brunch. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp rosemary, 2 eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup oil, 1/2 cup feta crumbles. Bake at 350°F for 55 minutes. Lower sugar promotes savory pairings, with herbs for anti-inflammatory benefits.

A high-resolution photo of savory herb spiced pumpkin bread studded with feta, sliced to reveal green flecks, under soft lighting.

Mini Spiced Pumpkin Bread Loaves

Bake in muffin tins for grab-and-go portions. Ingredients: Classic, divided into 12 muffins. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Perfect for freezing, portion control aids mindful eating, and ideal for bake sales.

A high-resolution photo of mini spiced pumpkin bread loaves arranged on a wooden board, one split open with butter, under soft lighting.

These 12 spiced pumpkin bread recipes capture the essence of autumn in every slice—warm, inviting, and endlessly versatile. Grab some pumpkin puree, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch today; your home (and taste buds) will thank you!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *