Pumpkin Dessert Bread Swirled with Spiced Cinnamon

Few things capture the essence of autumn quite like the warm scent of pumpkin dessert bread coming from the oven. The blend of pumpkin purée, sweet spices, and a buttery cinnamon swirl makes this loaf more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a true celebration of cozy fall baking recipes. Whether you’re new to making pumpkin bread or already have a favorite pumpkin bread recipe in your family cookbook, this version brings something special: a ribbon of spiced cinnamon running through the center, creating both beauty and flavor in every slice.

Pumpkin bread with cinnamon is the kind of comforting bake you’ll want to enjoy with a steaming mug of coffee on a chilly morning, bring to a family gathering, or gift to a neighbor during the holidays. It’s versatile, festive, and irresistibly fragrant. In this article, we’ll share not only the ingredients and step-by-step instructions but also the little baking secrets, serving ideas, and storage tips that make this recipe foolproof. Before diving into the details, let’s take a moment for a more personal story—the way food connects us to the seasons, to family, and to tradition.

My very first memory of pumpkin dessert bread swirled with cinnamon takes me back to a crisp October afternoon. The leaves had just begun to turn shades of gold and amber, and the entire house smelled like cinnamon and nutmeg. I remember walking into my grandmother’s kitchen, where she had just pulled a loaf of pumpkin bread with cinnamon from the oven. The swirl inside wasn’t perfectly even, but that made it even more charming. A slice, still warm, was placed on a small floral plate, and with the first bite, the world outside faded into comfort.

Pumpkin Dessert Bread Swirled with Spiced Cinnamon

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• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x

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Description

A moist and tender pumpkin quick bread marbled with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl. Perfect for fall breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ teaspoon ground cloves

1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)

½ cup granulated sugar (for swirl)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirl)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

3. In a large bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon for the swirl.

6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the batter.

7. Add remaining batter to the pan, then sprinkle with the remaining cinnamon-sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers in a figure-eight pattern.

8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil.

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

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Sodium: 220
• Fat: 10
• Carbohydrates: 36
• Protein: 4

That single loaf quickly became a tradition in our household. Every year when fall returned, so did the recipe. Sometimes we baked it just for ourselves to enjoy as an afternoon snack, and other times we doubled the batch to share with friends during cozy weekend gatherings. The smell of spiced pumpkin bread has now become, for me, the very scent of fall itself. That is the magic of baking—not only the flavor but the memories it creates and carries forward.

Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stands Out

What makes this pumpkin bread recipe so memorable and worth repeating year after year? Texture and flavor. The base is moist without being dense, with that soft crumb you expect from a well-balanced quick bread. But what makes it distinct among other fall baking recipes is the cinnamon swirl. Every slice reveals a ribbon that not only looks stunning but also adds bursts of sweetness and warm spice.

This isn’t just another pumpkin bread with cinnamon tossed into the batter—it’s a thoughtfully layered pumpkin dessert bread designed to surprise and delight. The cinnamon sugar mixture is swirled into the batter before baking, so when you cut into the loaf, you enjoy alternating bites of pure pumpkin and spiced filling. It’s a small detail, but it makes this recipe stand out in holiday spreads or casual weekend breakfasts.

Whether you’re preparing it for family, packing a loaf for a potluck, or looking to add another gem to your fall baking recipes, this pumpkin bread recipe fits the bill. It’s festive without being fussy, nostalgic yet customizable, and above all, it offers that most important element of seasonal baking: comfort.

Gathering Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl

The beauty of this pumpkin bread recipe is that it uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand, along with the seasonal star—pumpkin purée. The addition of a cinnamon-sugar swirl takes classic pumpkin dessert bread to the next level, creating a loaf that feels both nostalgic and delightfully elevated.

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
3. In a large bowl whisk pumpkin purée, sugars, oil/butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
4. Stir dry mixture into wet until just combined. Don’t overmix.
5. Combine swirl sugar + cinnamon separately.
6. Layer half the batter in the pan, sprinkle half the swirl mixture, add remaining batter and top with the rest. Swirl lightly with a knife.
7. Bake 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean with crumbs but no wet batter.
8. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack until fully cooled.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Dessert Bread

• Don’t overmix—gentle folding keeps the crumb soft.
• Check oven accuracy; tent with foil if browning too quickly.
• A few figure-eight swirls create the best ribbon—avoid over-swirling.
• Use gluten-free mix, plant-based milk, or coconut sugar for dietary swaps.
• Check at 55 minutes—don’t overbake or bread will dry out.

Serving & Storing This Pumpkin Bread Recipe

• Serving: Warm with butter, sliced with coffee, topped with cream cheese glaze, or paired with ice cream.
• Storage: Wrap tightly. Room temp for 3 days or refrigerate for 5.
• Freezing: Wrap slices or whole loaf. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or microwave slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée? Yes, just roast or steam, blend smooth, and drain excess liquid.

How do I keep the cinnamon swirl from sinking? Use thick batter, layer evenly, and swirl lightly on top.

Can I freeze pumpkin dessert bread? Yes, wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

How long will pumpkin bread stay fresh? 3 days at room temp, 5 days refrigerated.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips? Sure—mix in chopped nuts or mini chips before layering.

Conclusion: Fall Comfort in a Loaf

Pumpkin dessert bread swirled with spiced cinnamon is more than just a seasonal recipe—it’s a slice of autumn comfort. From the warm aromas that fill your kitchen to the cozy satisfaction of cutting into a loaf and revealing that perfect swirl, this pumpkin bread with cinnamon earns a spot among your go-to fall baking recipes.

Whether you enjoy it during a quiet breakfast, share it at a holiday gathering, or bake extra loaves to freeze for later, this pumpkin bread recipe delivers both nostalgia and joy. It combines the simplicity of a classic quick bread with a special cinnamon twist that feels festive without being complicated.

So the next time autumn leaves begin to fall, let this recipe become part of your seasonal tradition. Grab a mug of something warm, slice into this tender, fragrant loaf, and savor the comfort that only homemade pumpkin dessert bread can bring.