There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling the kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This recipe, passed down through generations, delivers a moist, flavorful loaf with just the right balance of sweet pumpkin, warm spices, and the subtle crunch of pecans. It’s a simple, no-fuss bake that produces a beautiful sugary crust on top—perfect for slicing and enjoying with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Whether you make it for your family, bring it to a bake sale, or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift, this bread will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients for Classic Homemade Pumpkin Bread
Mix the following ingredients together well:
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1 can 100% pure pumpkin, 15 oz (425 g) — use the whole can
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3 cups (600 g) sugar
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3 eggs
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1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
In a separate bowl, mix these ingredients together well:
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3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt
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1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) baking powder
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1 teaspoon (2 g) ground clove
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1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon
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1 teaspoon (2 g) ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
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1 cup (120 g) ground pecans — add pecans last, after batter is mixed
How to Make Classic Homemade Pumpkin Bread
Test Kitchen Tip:
This recipe makes enough for two standard loaves. You can bake one large loaf and use the remaining batter for mini loaves—perfect for bake sales, sharing, or gifting.
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Using a mixer, combine all wet ingredients with the sugar, mixing only until well incorporated.
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In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients except the pecans.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, one scoop at a time, mixing well after each addition. Do not overmix the batter.
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Once all the dry ingredients are incorporated, fold in the ground pecans until evenly distributed.
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Grease and flour two bread pans.
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Fill each pan halfway with batter.
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Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Optional: This recipe was originally baked in three 1 lb (450 g) metal coffee cans, which give the bread a unique cylindrical shape. If you find such cans, you can use them for a vintage presentation.
A Slice of Comfort in Every Bite
This pumpkin bread is more than just a baked good—it’s a tradition in every slice. Moist, tender, and infused with the nostalgic flavors of fall, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to pass on to your own family. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or enjoy it plain; either way, it’s bound to bring smiles and maybe even a few requests for the recipe.
