If you love baking with pumpkin, you’re going to love this collection of the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipes! From classic pumpkin bread and delicious cream cheese-filled loaves to pumpkin breads with chocolate chips, cranberries, nuts and streusel toppings, there are so many wonderful ways to enjoy this fall favorite.
Pumpkin bread is one of my favorite things to bake when the weather starts getting cooler. There’s just something about the smell of pumpkin, cinnamon and warm spices baking in the oven that makes the house feel extra cozy.
I’ve gathered 25 delicious pumpkin bread recipes, including some longtime favorites from RecipeGirl and RecipeBoy. Some are simple, everyday quick breads, while others have special fillings, glazes or toppings that make them perfect for sharing.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional pumpkin bread recipe or something a little different, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for your fall baking with canned pumpkin!
Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Bread Recipes
- Lots of variety. From classic pumpkin bread to chocolate-filled and cream cheese-swirled versions, there’s something for everyone.
- Perfect for fall baking. Pumpkin bread is a wonderful treat for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon snack.
- Great for sharing. Homemade pumpkin bread makes a lovely gift for friends, neighbors and family.
- Make-ahead friendly. Many pumpkin breads freeze beautifully, so you can bake a few loaves to enjoy later.
- Easy to make. Most pumpkin quick breads don’t require yeast, kneading or complicated techniques.
Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipes
Sometimes you just can’t beat a good, old-fashioned pumpkin bread! These recipes are perfect when you’re craving a soft, moist loaf filled with pumpkin flavor and warm fall spices. They’re delicious on their own or served with a little butter.
1. Best Pumpkin Bread
Every pumpkin bread collection needs a great classic recipe! This is the kind of moist, flavorful pumpkin bread you’ll want to make again and again throughout the fall season.
2. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Bread with Olive Oil
This pumpkin bread is made with a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour, olive oil and plenty of pumpkin flavor. It’s a delicious alternative to traditional pumpkin bread and a wonderful choice for fall baking.
3. Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Bread
A classic pumpkin loaf gets an extra-special touch with a sweet, crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. It’s a wonderful choice when you want something a little more indulgent than traditional pumpkin bread.
4. Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin and maple are two flavors that belong together! A sweet maple glaze gives this spiced pumpkin bread a delicious finishing touch.
5. Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread
Brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor to traditional pumpkin bread. It’s a simple way to give a classic fall favorite something a little different.
Pumpkin Breads with Fruit and Nuts
Pumpkin pairs beautifully with bananas, cranberries, pecans and walnuts. These recipes combine those flavors to create delicious breads with extra texture and sweetness. They’re especially nice for breakfast, brunch or sharing with friends.
6. Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Tart cranberries are a delicious addition to sweet pumpkin bread. This is a wonderful loaf to bake throughout the fall and especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.
7. Pumpkin Banana Nut Bread
Can’t decide between banana bread and pumpkin bread? This recipe brings both favorites together! The addition of nuts gives it a little crunch, too.
8. Whole Wheat Pumpkin Banana Bread
This pumpkin banana bread combines the flavors of ripe bananas and pumpkin with whole wheat flour. It’s a nice change from traditional pumpkin bread and a great way to use up ripe bananas.
9. Pumpkin Pecan Bread
Pumpkin and pecans are a natural combination for fall baking. The nuts add a delicious crunch to a soft, spiced pumpkin loaf.
10. Apple Pumpkin Bread
Two favorite fall ingredients come together in this delicious quick bread. Apples add extra flavor and texture to a moist pumpkin loaf, making it a wonderful choice for autumn baking.
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip and Chocolate Breads
Chocolate and pumpkin are such a delicious combination! Whether you prefer chocolate chips scattered throughout a pumpkin loaf or a rich chocolate swirl, these breads are perfect when you’re craving something a little sweeter.
11. Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread combines whole wheat flour with sweet chocolate chips for a delicious fall treat. It’s a fun way to add chocolate to your pumpkin baking.
12. Nutella Cheesecake Pumpkin Bread
This is definitely not your average pumpkin bread! Pumpkin, Nutella and cheesecake flavors come together in one indulgent loaf that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
13. Double Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
For serious chocolate lovers, this rich pumpkin bread is a delicious choice. Cocoa powder and chocolate chips give it plenty of chocolate flavor while pumpkin helps keep the loaf moist.
14. Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Bread
A beautiful chocolate swirl makes this pumpkin bread extra special. Every slice has a combination of spiced pumpkin bread and rich chocolate flavor.
15. Pumpkin Bread with White Chocolate Chips
White chocolate adds a creamy sweetness to pumpkin bread that pairs beautifully with fall spices. It’s a fun alternative to traditional chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Breads
Pumpkin and cream cheese are one of my favorite fall flavor combinations. These breads feature creamy fillings, pretty swirls or sweet toppings that make them feel a little more special. They’re wonderful for holiday brunches and fall gatherings.
16. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread
A ribbon of cream cheese filling runs through this delicious pumpkin bread. It’s a beautiful loaf to slice and serve, with a little cheesecake flavor in every bite.
17. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread
If you love pumpkin cheesecake, you’ll want to try it in bread form! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin bread with a rich, creamy cheesecake element.
18. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist, spiced pumpkin bread topped with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting is a delicious fall treat. It’s a little more dessert-like than traditional pumpkin bread.
19. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Streusel
This pumpkin bread combines the flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese with a sweet crumb topping. It’s a wonderful choice when you want something special for brunch or an afternoon treat.
20. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Pull-Apart Bread
Soft pieces of pumpkin-flavored bread with a creamy, sweet filling make this a fun recipe for sharing. It’s especially nice for a fall brunch or holiday breakfast.
Special Pumpkin Breads and Fun Variations
Looking for something beyond a traditional pumpkin loaf? These recipes offer a few fun twists, including pull-apart bread, gluten-free options and other creative ways to enjoy pumpkin.
21. Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread
This is such a fun way to enjoy pumpkin bread! Instead of slicing a traditional loaf, you can pull apart individual pieces. It’s a wonderful treat to share with family and friends.
22. Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread
You don’t have to miss out on delicious pumpkin bread if you’re baking gluten-free. This recipe is a great option for enjoying those classic fall flavors without traditional wheat flour.
23. Pumpkin Monkey Bread
Soft pieces of dough coated with pumpkin spice flavors bake together into a sweet, pull-apart treat. It’s especially fun to serve for a fall breakfast or brunch.
24. Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread
A beautiful ribbon of cinnamon sugar runs through this pumpkin bread. It’s a delicious combination of two favorite fall baking flavors.
25. Pumpkin Brioche Bread
This soft, rich yeast bread gets a seasonal twist with pumpkin. It’s a wonderful option when you want to try something a little more involved than traditional pumpkin quick bread.
Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Use plain pumpkin puree. Most pumpkin bread recipes call for unsweetened pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices.
- Measure your flour carefully. Too much flour can make pumpkin bread dry or dense. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off, or use a kitchen scale if the recipe provides weights.
- Don’t overmix the batter. For quick breads, mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
- Use ripe bananas when needed. If you’re making pumpkin banana bread, ripe bananas will provide the best sweetness and flavor.
- Prepare your loaf pan properly. Grease the pan or line it with parchment paper so the bread is easy to remove.
- Check for doneness. Pumpkin bread can take quite a while to bake because it’s so moist. Insert a toothpick into the center to check for wet batter, and follow the individual recipe’s instructions.
- Let the bread cool before slicing. Warm pumpkin bread can crumble when sliced too soon. Allowing it to cool helps it hold together.
- Cool completely before adding frosting. Cream cheese frosting and sweet glazes should generally be added after the bread has cooled.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread
What’s the secret to moist pumpkin bread?
Pumpkin puree helps keep quick breads moist and tender. Oil, butter, eggs and other ingredients also contribute to the texture. Carefully measuring the ingredients and avoiding overbaking will help give you the best results.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it’s best to use plain unsweetened pumpkin puree unless the recipe specifically calls for pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which can change the finished bread.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes! Homemade pumpkin puree can work in many pumpkin bread recipes. Just be sure it’s thick and not watery, since too much moisture can affect the bread’s texture.
Why is my pumpkin bread gummy in the middle?
Pumpkin bread can turn out gummy if it’s underbaked, contains too much moisture or is sliced before it has cooled sufficiently. Follow the recipe’s measurements and check carefully for doneness.
Can pumpkin bread be frozen?
Absolutely! Most pumpkin quick breads freeze beautifully. Let the bread cool completely, wrap it tightly and freeze according to the recipe’s recommendations. You can freeze an entire loaf or individual slices.
How long does homemade pumpkin bread last?
Storage time depends on the recipe and toppings. Many plain pumpkin quick breads can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Breads with cream cheese fillings or frosting should be refrigerated.
Can I make pumpkin bread into muffins?
Many pumpkin quick bread batters can also be baked as muffins, but you’ll need to adjust the baking time and sometimes the pan preparation. Check the individual recipe for muffin instructions.
What’s the difference between pumpkin bread and pumpkin cake?
Pumpkin quick breads and pumpkin cakes often have similar ingredients. Pumpkin bread is usually baked in a loaf pan and served in slices, while pumpkin cake is often made in a cake pan and may include frosting. The distinction isn’t always strict.
Can I make pumpkin bread ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin bread is a great make-ahead recipe. Many loaves are just as delicious the following day, making them convenient for holiday brunches and entertaining.
More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking for even more pumpkin inspiration, be sure to check out my 44 Recipes to Make with Canned Pumpkin collection. It’s filled with pumpkin recipes for breakfast, dinner and dessert.
You might also enjoy these other pumpkin recipe collections:
