Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Featured in: Cozy Cravings

This moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread brings cozy fall flavors to your table. Made with pumpkin purée, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional nuts or chocolate chips, it can be quickly prepared in a microwave mug or baked as a classic loaf. Perfect for a budget-friendly snack or dessert, it offers versatility for any season. Whether you prefer a fast single-serving treat or a loaf to share, this warmly comforting bread delivers tender crumb and rich texture, ideal for autumn enjoyment or anytime you want a wholesome baked delight.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:35:00 GMT
Golden-brown pumpkin bread rising perfectly in a loaf pan, ready for your warm kitchen. Save
Golden-brown pumpkin bread rising perfectly in a loaf pan, ready for your warm kitchen. | butterhollow.com

A moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread perfect for fall, easily made in a mug for a quick treat or baked as a classic loaf. Budget-friendly and adaptable for any season.

I first discovered mug pumpkin bread when I wanted a comforting autumn snack but didn&t have time for a full loaf. Both methods offer delicious results, and I often switch versions based on how much time I have.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
  • Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground cloves (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Pumpkin purée (unsweetened): 1 cup (240 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup (80 g)

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Mix wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin purée, eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add-ins:
Fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips if desired.
Mug Bread:
Lightly grease a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz/350 ml). Fill mug halfway with batter (about 1/2 cup). Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes, or until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before eating.
Loaf:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. Pour all batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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We love making this pumpkin bread together on chilly evenings. My kids always request the chocolate chip version, and it&s become a fun seasonal tradition.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, microwave-safe mug, loaf pan, oven

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and possibly dairy. Omit nuts for nut allergies and always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (loaf, 1/8th): Calories: 210, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 31 g, Protein: 3 g

Close-up of a mug with pumpkin bread freshly baked, promising comforting fall flavors to enjoy. Save
Close-up of a mug with pumpkin bread freshly baked, promising comforting fall flavors to enjoy. | butterhollow.com

Try both versions to see which you love best. Pumpkin bread is best enjoyed warm with a cozy drink!

Kitchen Tips & Answers

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes, by replacing eggs with flax eggs and using plant-based milk, you can create a vegan version without compromising flavor or texture.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is baked through and ready to cool.

Can I add mix-ins to the batter?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can be folded into the batter for added texture and flavor.

Is the mug bread suitable for a quick snack?

Yes, the mug version cooks in just a few minutes in the microwave, perfect for a quick and warm treat.

How can I store leftovers?

Wrap the bread tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness.

Moist Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Warm, moist pumpkin bread with fall spices, adaptable for mug or loaf baking, with nut or chocolate options.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat duration
45 min
Complete duration
55 min
Created by Ella Thompson


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Eating preferences Meat-free

What you'll need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
02 2 large eggs
03 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
04 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
02 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Method

Phase 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk all dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until evenly mixed.

Phase 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Phase 03

Incorporate Wet into Dry: Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix.

Phase 04

Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Phase 05

Prepare Mug Bread: Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug (12 oz or larger) and fill it halfway with batter (about 1/2 cup).

Phase 06

Cook Mug Bread: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes until set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool 1 to 2 minutes before consuming.

Phase 07

Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Phase 08

Bake Loaf: Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Phase 09

Cool Loaf: Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe mug (for mug preparation)
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan (for baking)
  • Oven (for loaf baking)

Allergy details

Always review individual ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and eggs; may contain dairy depending on milk or butter used.
  • Nuts present if added; omit for nut allergies.

Nutrient breakdown per portion

Numbers shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 3 g