Easy & Moist Pumpkin Bread: Your Go-To Recipe with a Zesty Orange Twist
If you’re searching for an incredibly easy and moist pumpkin bread recipe to savor all season long, your search ends here. This classic pumpkin bread, infused with traditional fall spices and a bright, zesty orange twist, is designed to be your new favorite go-to. It’s simple to make, yet yields a show-stopping loaf that’s perfect for autumn gatherings, cozy breakfasts, or a delightful afternoon treat.
Is it truly ever too late in the season to share a truly spectacular pumpkin bread recipe? We think not, especially when it’s as effortlessly delicious as this one! Just a few weeks ago, I received an incredibly charming and festive loaf pan from my mom. It practically begged to be used, inspiring me to whip up a batch of my family’s tried-and-true pumpkin bread recipe, but with a delightful little secret: an orange twist.
The outcome was nothing short of perfection. The resulting pumpkin bread was just as flavorful – if not even *more* delicious – than I remembered. Its tender, moist crumb and comforting aroma immediately convinced me that I absolutely had to share this recipe with you. Get ready to experience the ultimate easy and moist pumpkin bread!
Why This Easy Pumpkin Bread Will Be Your New Favorite
Beyond its incredible flavor, this pumpkin bread offers several compelling reasons to make it a staple in your autumn baking rotation:
Effortless Preparation with Pantry Staples
One of the best features of this recipe is its simplicity. This pumpkin bread comes together seamlessly with basic pantry staples and requires only two mixing bowls. No fancy equipment or intricate techniques are needed, making it accessible even for novice bakers. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble the batter and have a fragrant loaf baking in your oven.
Unrivaled Moistness and Exceptional Keeping Qualities
The highlight of this recipe is its texture: it is incredibly moist, tender, and stays that way for days. Unlike some quick breads that dry out quickly, this pumpkin bread holds up exceptionally well. It tastes just as delightful two, three, and even four days after baking, making it absolutely ideal for gifting, sharing with loved ones, or enjoying throughout the week. The secret lies in the careful balance of wet ingredients, especially the pumpkin puree and oil, which contribute to its superior moisture retention.
Versatile and Adaptable for Any Occasion
Whether you’re looking for a delightful breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a comforting dessert, this pumpkin bread fits the bill. It’s robust enough to be enjoyed plain with a cup of coffee or tea, yet elegant enough to be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Its seasonal charm makes it perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply celebrating the flavors of fall.
Before diving into the full details, let me emphasize a crucial point: you do not need a specialty loaf pan to prepare this pumpkin bread. While I used a cute festive one, this recipe was meticulously tested and designed to be baked in a standard 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. This pumpkin bread naturally domes beautifully, so while it *will* work in a specialty pan, a classic loaf pan will give you a perfect, high-rising result every time.
What Makes This Pumpkin Bread Uniquely Delicious: The Orange Twist
While we rely on everyday pantry ingredients for the base of this delightful pumpkin bread, what truly sets it apart is a subtle yet impactful twist: the addition of orange zest and fresh orange juice. Inspired by the bright, complementary flavors found in Ina Garten’s famous pumpkin flan, this citrusy infusion elevates the classic fall spices and rich pumpkin flavor.
The orange beautifully complements and enhances the warmth of the pumpkin and spices, creating a nuanced flavor profile that is sophisticated without being overtly “orangey.” It’s a subtle brightness that makes each bite more intriguing. If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, don’t worry! You can simply omit the zest and substitute the orange juice with an equal amount of water. The bread will still be wonderfully delicious, just without that extra citrusy zing.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pumpkin Bread
Crafting the perfect loaf begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this pumpkin bread so special:
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: This forms the essential structure of our bread, providing a tender and consistent crumb. For those seeking a slightly more nutritious option, feel free to substitute a portion (up to one-third) with whole wheat pastry flour. Its finer texture will integrate well without significantly altering the delicate crumb.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, and Allspice: This carefully balanced blend of warming spices is the heart of our fall flavor profile. Cinnamon provides classic warmth, ginger adds a gentle zing, and allspice ties them together with its complex notes, reminiscent of cloves and nutmeg. These spices are what truly evoke the cozy spirit of autumn.
- Salt: A non-negotiable ingredient, salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors, making them pop. Don’t skip it!
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These are our leavening agents, working in tandem to give the pumpkin bread its beautiful rise and signature domed top. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like pumpkin puree) while baking powder provides an extra lift, ensuring a light and airy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond just sweetness, sugar plays a vital role in keeping the bread incredibly moist and contributing to its tender crumb. It also helps with the browning process, giving the crust a lovely golden hue.
- Oil: I prefer avocado oil for baking due to its neutral flavor and better nutritional profile compared to other common vegetable oils. However, any neutral-flavored oil like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil will work beautifully, contributing to the bread’s moistness and rich texture.
- Eggs: Eggs are essential for binding the ingredients, providing structure, and adding richness and moisture to the bread. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsification with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Orange Zest and Orange Juice: This is our special twist! The finely grated zest infuses the bread with aromatic citrus oils, while the fresh juice adds a subtle bright note. Together, they create a harmonious flavor that beautifully complements and subtly enhances the pumpkin and spices without overpowering them.
- Pumpkin Puree: This recipe uses one full cup of canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!). It’s the star ingredient, providing the characteristic pumpkin flavor and a significant amount of moisture. Have extra puree? Use it for a batch of my favorite pumpkin soufflé pancakes!
This pumpkin bread, with its fragrant spices and tender, moist crumb, is truly a delight. Since the batter comes together so quickly, you’ll be able to whip up a delicious loaf in just over an hour from start to finish. Let’s get baking!
Tips for Achieving the Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bread
- Do Not Overmix: This is paramount for quick breads! Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dry loaf. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and pumpkin puree are at room temperature helps them emulsify better with the oil, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For the most accurate measurement, fluff your flour with a spoon, then gently spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge. Don’t pack it down!
- The Orange Zest Trick: Don’t just dump the orange zest into the batter. Rub it vigorously into the granulated sugar with your fingertips. This releases the aromatic oils from the zest, infusing the sugar (and subsequently the entire bread) with a much more intense orange flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Quick breads can go from perfectly moist to dry very quickly. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time range. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
- Cooling is Key: While tempting, allow the bread to cool in the pan for the recommended 5-10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows it to set and prevents it from breaking. Cool completely on the rack before slicing for the best texture.
Storing Your Delicious Homemade Pumpkin Bread
To keep your pumpkin bread wonderfully moist and fresh for as long as possible, follow this simple trick: once the bread has completely cooled, lightly wrap it in a paper towel. This genius step helps absorb any excess moisture that might otherwise create a gummy or sticky exterior, which can be common with high-moisture baked goods. After wrapping, transfer the bread to a large airtight container or a Ziploc bag.
Stored at room temperature, this pumpkin bread will remain incredibly moist and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to extend its freshness, you can also freeze individual slices or the whole loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and it will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a fresh-baked taste.
Serving Suggestions for Your Zesty Pumpkin Bread
This easy pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your experience:
- Classic: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea.
- Toasted: Lightly toast a slice and spread with a generous dollop of butter, cream cheese, or even a swirl of maple syrup.
- With a Glaze: A simple orange or maple glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and shine. Whisk together powdered sugar with a little orange juice or maple syrup until smooth.
- Dessert Style: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
Exciting Variations and Add-ins
While this pumpkin bread is perfect as is, it’s also a fantastic canvas for your favorite additions:
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark, semi-sweet, or white chocolate) for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
- Dried Fruit: Fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for added texture and sweetness.
- Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of deliciousness, sprinkle a simple streusel topping over the batter before baking. Combine ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons cold butter (cut into small pieces), and a pinch of cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly.
More Fall Favorites & Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love:
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Espresso Muffins
- Pumpkin Carrot Pecan Muffins
Easy Pumpkin Bread
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Equipment
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USA Pan 9 x 5 inch Loaf Pan
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Nordic Ware Harvest Bounty Loaf Pan, One Size
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (210 g) unbleached all-purpose flour fluffed, spooned, and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup (120 mL) avocado, vegetable, or other neutral oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice *see substitute option in notes
- 1 cup (240 g) canned pumpkin puree
Instructions
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1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) with a rack positioned in the center. Lightly grease a standard 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with baking spray or butter and flour. Set aside.
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2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, and kosher salt until well combined. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed. Set this dry mixture aside.
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3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Using your fingertips, vigorously rub the zest into the sugar. This crucial step releases the essential oils from the orange zest, making the sugar moist and incredibly fragrant. Next, add the oil, room temperature eggs, pure vanilla extract, and fresh orange juice (or water, if substituting). Add the canned pumpkin puree. Whisk all these wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and evenly incorporated.
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4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Using a whisk or spatula, gently mix until the flour mixture is just absorbed and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Transfer the batter to your greased loaf pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula.
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5. Bake: Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (no wet batter). Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it. Once baked, set the pan on a wire rack and allow the bread to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Transfer the loaf to the wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
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6. Store for Optimal Moistness: To store your delicious pumpkin bread, lightly wrap a paper towel around the completely cooled loaf. This simple yet effective trick helps absorb any excess moisture, preventing the bread from developing a sticky or gummy exterior – a common issue with highly moist baked goods. Then, transfer the paper towel-wrapped bread to a large airtight container or Ziploc bag and store at room temperature. This pumpkin bread will remain wonderfully moist and fresh for 3 to 4 days.
Tips for Success:
- I absolutely love the subtle orange flavor in this loaf, as it truly complements the pumpkin and spices wonderfully. However, if you prefer a classic pumpkin bread without the citrus notes, you can easily omit the orange zest and simply substitute the ¼ cup of fresh orange juice with room temperature water.