Spiced Cranberry Pumpkin Bread with Walnuts

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread on a crisp autumn morning. This recipe combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy burst of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of walnuts. A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth, while freshly grated nutmeg elevates the flavor to bakery-level perfection. Moist, tender, and full of seasonal charm—this loaf is just right for breakfast, tea time, or an afternoon treat.

Ingredients for Spiced Cranberry Pumpkin Bread with Walnuts

• 1/3 cup (80 ml) canola oil

• 1 1/4 cups (250 g) sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup (240 g) pumpkin purée

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water*

• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons (200 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt

• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground ginger

• 1/3 cup (50 g) dried cranberries (Craisins)

• 1/3 cup (40 g) coarsely chopped walnuts

*Tip: If using frozen pumpkin, you can use the water released during thawing.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a loaf pan.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the canola oil and sugar. Add the eggs, pumpkin purée, and water, mixing until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.

4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the pumpkin mixture until just combined—do not overmix.

5. Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Perfect Autumn Treat

This pumpkin bread is a celebration of fall flavors in every slice. The cranberries add a gentle tartness, the walnuts a rustic crunch, and the warm spices make it wonderfully aromatic. Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, or wrap it up and share it with friends—it’s the kind of recipe that makes autumn mornings feel even more special.