When autumn mornings bring that first crisp chill in the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of a fresh-baked pumpkin loaf wafting from the oven. This pumpkin cranberry bread is a perfect harmony of warming spices, subtle sweetness, and hearty texture. With a moist, tender crumb and pops of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. Ideal for breakfast, tea time, or even as a seasonal gift, this loaf will become a go-to in your cool-weather baking rotation.
Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Cranberry Loaf
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1/3 cup canola oil (80 ml)
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1 1/4 cups sugar (250 g)
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2 eggs
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1 cup pumpkin purée (240 ml)
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1/4 cup water* (60 ml)
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1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (200 g)
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1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
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1/4 teaspoon baking powder (1 g)
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1/2 teaspoon salt (3 g)
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (1 g)
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (0.5 g)
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1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (0.5 g)
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1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (0.5 g)
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1/3 cup dried cranberries (Craisins) (50 g)
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1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts (40 g)
*Note: If you’re using defrosted pumpkin, you can use the separated liquid as part of the water measurement.
How to Make Spiced Pumpkin Cranberry Loaf
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of a loaf pan, approximately 9 x 5 inches (23 x 13 centimeters).
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the oil and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs, pumpkin purée, and water. Mix thoroughly.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger.
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Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined.
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Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the bread to cool in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
A Slice of Autumn Comfort
This spiced pumpkin cranberry loaf isn’t just a treat—it’s a cozy embrace in every bite. With just the right touch of sweetness, warm spices, and texture from cranberries and walnuts, it’s a seasonal masterpiece that’s easy to make but tastes like you bought it from a bakery. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or wrapped up for a thoughtful homemade gift, this loaf is destined to become part of your fall tradition. Bake it once, and you’ll crave it every autumn after.
