Moist Pumpkin Bread Loaf

Featured in: Cozy Baking Ideas

This moist pumpkin bread blends warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with creamy pumpkin purée, creating a comforting fall treat. Quick to prepare, it can be made directly in a mug using a microwave for an instant snack or baked as a traditional loaf for sharing. Optional additions like nuts or chocolate chips enhance texture and flavor. Easy to adapt for vegan diets by substituting eggs and milk. Perfect for cozy mornings or anytime indulgence with minimal tools required.

Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:20:00 GMT
Steaming mug of pumpkin bread, perfectly spiced and ready to enjoy with a warm drink. Save
Steaming mug of pumpkin bread, perfectly spiced and ready to enjoy with a warm drink. | birchplate.com

A moist warmly spiced pumpkin bread perfect for fall easily made in a mug for a quick treat or baked as a classic loaf. Budget-friendly and adaptable for any season.

I first discovered this pumpkin bread as a way to use up leftover pumpkin puré and it quickly became a favorite for busy mornings. Making it in a mug is such a lifesaver when you crave something fresh and cozy in minutes.

Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup (125 g)
  • Brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
  • Baking powder: 1 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
  • Ground nutmeg: 1/2 tsp
  • Ground ginger: 1/4 tsp
  • Ground cloves (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Pumpkin puré (unsweetened): 1 cup (240 g)
  • Eggs: 2 large
  • Vegetable oil or melted butter: 1/3 cup (80 ml)
  • Milk (dairy or plant-based): 1/4 cup (60 ml)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
  • Chocolate chips (optional): 1/2 cup (80 g)

Instructions

Mix Dry:
In a large bowl whisk together all dry ingredients.
Mix Wet:
In a separate bowl beat together pumpkin puré eggs oil milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine:
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add-ins:
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
For Mug Bread:
Lightly grease a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz/350 ml). Fill mug halfway with batter (about 1/2 cup). Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes or until set and a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 1–2 minutes before eating.
For Loaf:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. Pour all batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Close up shot of golden loaf pumpkin bread with visible nuts, perfect for autumn flavors. Save
Close up shot of golden loaf pumpkin bread with visible nuts, perfect for autumn flavors. | birchplate.com

Last Thanksgiving my family requested this pumpkin bread in both loaf and mug form. My niece loved sprinkling chocolate chips on top before microwaving her mug bread and everyone enjoyed customizing their slices.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls whisk measuring cups and spoons microwave-safe mug for mug bread loaf pan for loaf oven for baking loaf

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) eggs and possibly dairy (if using milk or butter). Omit nuts for nut allergies. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving loaf 1/8th)

Calories: 210 Total Fat: 8 g Carbohydrates: 31 g Protein: 3 g

Fluffy slice of homemade pumpkin bread, displaying a moist texture and inviting aroma. Save
Fluffy slice of homemade pumpkin bread, displaying a moist texture and inviting aroma. | birchplate.com

This pumpkin bread is a simple joy whether made in a mug for quick comfort or baked for sharing. Enjoy warm with coffee on a chilly morning.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I make this bread vegan?

Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk to keep it moist and rich while maintaining flavor.

What spices are used for flavor?

Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves combine to give the bread its warm, autumnal aroma and taste.

How long does the mug version take to cook?

The mug bread cooks quickly in the microwave, approximately 2–3 minutes until set and a toothpick comes out clean.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Yes, folding in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips adds texture and richness to the bread.

How do I tell when the loaf is done?

Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, typically 40–50 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

Moist Pumpkin Bread Loaf

A moist, spiced autumn bread crafted for quick mug or classic loaf baking with pumpkin and warm spices.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
5 minutes
Overall Time
15 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings produced 8 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1/2 cup brown sugar
03 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
09 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Wet Ingredients

01 1 cup unsweetened pumpkin purée
02 2 large eggs
03 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
04 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
02 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk all dry ingredients together in a large bowl until evenly mixed.

Step 02

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 03

Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 04

Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 05

Prepare Mug Bread: Lightly grease a microwave-safe mug (minimum 12 oz). Fill halfway with batter, about 1/2 cup.

Step 06

Cook Mug Bread: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool 1 to 2 minutes before serving.

Step 07

Prepare Loaf Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 08

Bake Loaf: Pour batter into pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden and toothpick comes out clean.

Step 09

Cool Loaf: Allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microwave-safe mug (for mug bread)
  • Loaf pan
  • Oven

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and possibly dairy if milk or butter is used.
  • Omit nuts if allergic to tree nuts.

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 210
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 3 g