There’s something irresistible about the nostalgic aroma of pumpkin bread baking on a cool autumn day. This vintage-inspired pumpkin bread brings back the cozy essence of homemade goodness—moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a sweet crust that forms as it bakes. What sets this loaf apart is the subtle nuttiness from ground pecans, giving the bread richness without too much crunch. It’s simple, rustic, and absolutely perfect for sharing or enjoying all to yourself with a hot cup of tea.
Ingredients for Classic Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Mix These Wet Ingredients Together:
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1 can 100% pure pumpkin, 15 oz (425 g) – use the whole can
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3 cups sugar (600 g)
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3 eggs
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1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
Mix These Dry Ingredients Separately:
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3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g)
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1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder (2 g)
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1 teaspoon ground cloves (2 g)
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2 g)
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1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (2 g)
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1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
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1 cup ground pecans (100 g) – add after mixing the batter
How to Make Classic Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Test Kitchen Tip:
This recipe yields enough batter for two standard loaves. You can make one full-sized loaf and use the rest for mini loaves—perfect for gifting or bake sales!
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to blend the pumpkin, sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Mix just until everything is well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, one scoop at a time, mixing in between each addition. Do not overmix the batter.
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Once the dry ingredients are fully incorporated, gently stir in the ground pecans until evenly distributed.
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Grease and flour two loaf pans (8 x 4 inches or 20 x 10 centimeters).
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Fill each pan about halfway with the batter.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Note: The original recipe was designed for three 1 lb (450 g) metal coffee cans, which give a beautiful cylindrical loaf. If you can find vintage-style metal coffee cans, feel free to use them—they make a stunning presentation!
A Warm Slice of Nostalgia
This pumpkin bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a throwback to simpler times, baked with love and seasoned with tradition. The rich flavor of pumpkin, a hint of spice, and the subtle texture from ground pecans make this bread a fall favorite you’ll return to year after year. Whether served fresh out of the oven or wrapped as a cozy homemade gift, this classic spiced loaf never goes out of style.
