Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe That’s Soft and Rich

Ethan
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Pumpkin season always brings comfort, and nothing feels more inviting than baking a fresh loaf of pumpkin butter bread. With its rich pumpkin flavor, tender crumb, and warm spices, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee, a cozy tea break, or as a comforting dessert, this bread brings fall to your kitchen in the most delicious way.

Pumpkin Butter Bread Loaf

In this article, you’ll discover the story behind this recipe, a step-by-step guide to making it from scratch, essential baking tips, and answers to common questions so you’ll always get perfect results.

A Fall Memory with Pumpkin Butter Bread

Why Pumpkin Butter Bread Brings Comfort

One of my favorite memories of fall revolves around the smell of pumpkin and cinnamon drifting through the kitchen while a loaf of bread baked in the oven. As the days grew cooler, baking became a way to invite warmth and coziness into the home. The first time I made pumpkin butter bread, I was struck by how inviting it tasted—soft, slightly sweet, and so perfectly spiced that it felt like fall wrapped into each bite. That moment of slicing into the warm loaf and spreading on a little softened butter is a memory I revisit every autumn. Pumpkin bread, especially when enriched with pumpkin butter, quickly became a tradition at my family table. It isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience of comfort, belonging, and celebration of the season.

Pumpkin is more than just a seasonal flavor; it’s a symbol of fall togetherness. From carving pumpkins to sipping pumpkin spice drinks, these small traditions make the season special. Baking a recipe for pumpkin bread adds another layer of meaning because it fills the home with warmth and creates something to share. The silky pumpkin puree combined with butter gives the loaf a distinctive richness that distinguishes it from other quick breads. Every slice feels indulgent, yet still homey and approachable. For many, the act of baking pumpkin butter bread can mark the official start of autumn. Whether shared during a family breakfast, wrapped as a gift for neighbors, or enjoyed during a quiet afternoon, it’s a seasonal ritual that blends nostalgia with flavor.

At its core, an easy moist pumpkin bread recipe thrives on two important elements: pumpkin puree and butter. Pumpkin puree provides natural moisture and flavor, while butter adds richness and tenderness. Together with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, these ingredients transform a simple loaf into something fragrant and bakery-worthy. Eggs and sugar bind everything together while balancing sweetness, and flour provides needed structure without drying the bread. The result is a soft, rich loaf that slices beautifully, stays moist for days, and feels indulgent yet comforting.

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Sliced pumpkin butter bread on a white plate with cinnamon sticks beside it

Pumpkin Butter Bread


  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Ultra-moist and buttery, this pumpkin butter bread gets deep autumn flavor from pumpkin butter plus warm spices. It bakes up tender with a fine crumb and a lightly crackled top—perfect for cozy breakfasts, snacks, or gifting.


Ingredients

Scale

DRY

1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp fine salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Pinch ground cloves

WET

2 large eggs (room temperature)

3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed

1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

1/2 cup (120ml) neutral oil (or melted butter, cooled)

1 cup (240g) pumpkin butter (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 cup (60ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 tsp vanilla extract

OPTIONAL TOPPING

1 tbsp coarse sugar (turbinado) for crunch


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5 in (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment; lightly grease.

2. Whisk dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves.

3. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar until slightly thickened. Whisk in oil, pumpkin butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Fold dry into wet just until no dry streaks remain (do not overmix).

5. Transfer batter to the pan; smooth the top. Sprinkle coarse sugar if using.

6. Bake 50–60 minutes until a tester comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (tent with foil the last 10–15 minutes if over-browning).

7. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then lift out to a rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For extra richness: replace 2 tbsp milk with sour cream or Greek yogurt.

Add-ins: fold in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips.

Mini loaves: divide into two 8×4 in pans; bake ~38–45 minutes.

Storage: airtight 3 days at room temp or 5 days refrigerated; freeze slices up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Fall Baking, Breads & Loaves, Breakfast & Brunch
  • Method: Baked, Oven
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: pumpkin butter bread, soft pumpkin loaf, fall quick bread, moist pumpkin recipe

How Keywords Matter: Best Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe

When people search for the best moist pumpkin bread recipe or crave ideas for an easy pumpkin bread recipe, they’re really looking for reliability—something that will work every time. That’s why this pumpkin butter bread stands out: it’s straightforward, requires only pantry staples, and has built-in flexibility for occasional variations. Whether you add chocolate chips, nuts, or enjoy it plain, it consistently delivers a loaf that’s tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. This isn’t just another recipe for pumpkin bread; it’s one that’s been carefully balanced to ensure every bite is soft, rich, and full of fall flavor.

Recipe for Pumpkin Butter Bread

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for pumpkin butter bread keeps things simple—most of these ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have. The pumpkin butter adds a velvety moisture and deeper flavor compared to plain pumpkin puree. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll need for one standard 9×5-inch loaf:

IngredientAmountPurpose in Recipe
All-purpose flour2 cupsBase structure of the bread
Baking soda1 teaspoonHelps the loaf rise evenly
Baking powder½ teaspoonAdds extra lift
Salt½ teaspoonBalances sweetness and enhances flavor
Ground cinnamon1 ½ teaspoonsClassic warm spice note
Ground nutmeg½ teaspoonAdds earthy depth
Ground cloves¼ teaspoonRich, bold spice
Unsalted butter, melted½ cup (1 stick)Provides richness and tender crumb
Pumpkin butter1 cupMoisture, sweetness, and concentrated flavor
Eggs2 largeBind and structure the loaf
Granulated sugar¾ cupSweetness without overwhelming flavor
Brown sugar¼ cup (packed)Caramel-like depth and moisture
Vanilla extract1 teaspoonRounds out the flavors

The combo of butter and pumpkin butter gives this loaf its signature richness. Pumpkin butter is thicker and more flavorful than puree, intensifying both moisture and flavor depth. Using two types of sugar creates balance: granulated sugar for lift, brown sugar for chewiness. The spice blend is essential—without it, the bread risks tasting flat. Finally, baking soda and baking powder work together to ensure the loaf rises tall and fluffy without becoming dense.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Whisk dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  3. Combine wet ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, pumpkin butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Incorporate the dry mix. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Batter should be thick but pourable.
  5. Transfer to pan. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
  6. Bake. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Begin checking at 50 minutes.
  7. Cool. Let bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow an additional 30 minutes before slicing.

The result is a bakery-worthy loaf with a golden crust and soft interior. It’s the type of easy moist pumpkin bread recipe you can rely on whether serving at brunch, gifting, or enjoying with a pat of butter.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

How to Keep Pumpkin Bread Soft and Rich

After your loaf has fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to lock in freshness. At room temperature, it stays moist for up to three days. Refrigerated in an airtight container, it lasts up to six days. This bread also freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices in parchment paper, seal in a freezer bag, and store for up to three months. Thaw at room temp or warm gently for that just-baked feel.

Common mistakes include overmixing, which creates dense bread, and inaccurate oven temperatures, which cause uneven baking. Always preheat fully and consider an oven thermometer. Also, be cautious with substitutions; replacing pumpkin butter with plain puree or swapping all the butter for oil changes both flavor and texture.

Fun Variations and Pairings

Add-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts bring new dimensions—gooey richness or nutty crunch. For a twist, swirl in cream cheese filling before baking for tangy depth. Each option keeps the bread moist but adds excitement.

Serving ideas vary from breakfast slices with coffee, to lightly toasted with cinnamon sugar butter, to dessert versions topped with whipped cream, caramel, or powdered sugar. Pumpkin butter bread transitions effortlessly between meals and moods.

FAQs

Can I make pumpkin butter bread ahead of time?
Yes. When wrapped after cooling, it stays fresh for three days at room temp or up to a week refrigerated.

How can I freeze pumpkin butter bread?
Cool fully, then wrap in plastic plus foil or place in a freezer bag. Lasts up to three months. Thaw at room temp or rewarm gently.

Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh puree?
Yes, but cook down and drain fresh puree until thick like canned pumpkin butter for best consistency.

How do I know when it’s fully baked?
Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the loaf is ready. The top should feel firm, edges pull slightly away from pan.

What makes this the best moist pumpkin bread recipe?
The balance of pantry staples, flavor-packed pumpkin butter, and its reliable moisture keeps bakers returning to this recipe again and again.

Conclusion

Pumpkin butter bread is more than a baked treat—it’s a seasonal comfort. Soft, spiced, and buttery, it delivers everything loved about autumn. The recipe is approachable yet adaptable, working perfectly for gatherings, gifts, or quiet moments with coffee. Play with add-ins or toppings, or enjoy the classic loaf as is; every slice embodies the coziness of fall. If you’ve been looking for the best moist pumpkin bread recipe, this is the dependable, flavorful loaf you’ll want to bake again and again.

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