One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread (better than Starbucks!)

Bake the best One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread — moist, spiced, and better than Starbucks! Easy quick bread recipe with pumpkin seeds and brown sugar.

If you’re craving that cozy fall flavor but want something homemade, this One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread is your new go-to recipe. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly spiced — and yes, it truly tastes better than the Starbucks version! Made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand, this quick bread recipe comes together effortlessly in one large bowl, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy that irresistible pumpkin aroma wafting through your kitchen.

What makes this the best pumpkin bread recipe is its soft, moist crumb and warm flavor from the pumpkin spice and brown sugar. Each bite is filled with the comforting taste of fall, whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next morning with a drizzle of maple syrup. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you’ve got the ultimate cozy breakfast or snack. This one-bowl wonder is proof that homemade pumpkin bread can be simple, satisfying, and even better than your favorite coffee shop treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This easy pumpkin bread recipe requires just one bowl and minimal effort. No electric mixer needed — just whisk, stir, and bake.
• Perfectly spiced: The blend of pumpkin spice and cinnamon creates a warm, fragrant loaf that captures everything you love about fall.
• Healthier twist: Using applesauce instead of oil keeps it moist without being heavy, and you can even substitute some all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber.
• Versatile: Make it your own by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
• Great for gifting: Turn this recipe into mini loaves for thoughtful holiday treats — wrap them in aluminum foil or parchment paper and tie with twine for a rustic touch.

Whether it’s your first time baking pumpkin bread or you’ve been searching for the best way to make a moist bread that rivals bakery-quality, this recipe delivers every time.

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Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the simple ingredients that make this quick bread recipe shine:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure. You can swap part of it for whole wheat flour if you like a heartier texture.
• 2 eggs (room temperature): Eggs help create that moist crumb and bind everything together.
• ¾ cup pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin for convenience, but if you have extra pumpkin puree from scratch, it works beautifully too.
• ½ cup applesauce: Keeps the bread soft and naturally sweet. Both sweetened and unsweetened applesauce work fine.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and extra moisture. For a different flavor, try using coconut sugar instead.
• ⅓ cup milk: Keeps the batter smooth. Make sure it’s at room temperature so it blends evenly with the other ingredients.
• 1 tsp pumpkin spice + 1 tsp cinnamon: The perfect spice combo for a classic fall aroma. You can also use pumpkin pie spice if that’s what you have.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds a warm undertone.
• ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp salt: The leavening and balance your bread needs. Don’t skip that pinch of salt!
• Pepitas (pumpkin seeds): These not only make the top of the loaf look beautiful but also add a satisfying crunch.

Optional add-ins include chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist or a drizzle of maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.

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How to Make One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread

This easy pumpkin bread recipe truly lives up to its name — all you need is a large bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan!

1. Preheat your oven: Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch bread pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the wet ingredients: In your large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, applesauce, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Add the dry ingredients: Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Gently stir until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing will lead to a dense loaf — you want that moist crumb!
4. Pour and top: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds evenly over the top of the loaf.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. Check your bake time by inserting a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.
6. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you’re making mini loaves, reduce the bake time to about 25–30 minutes, checking for doneness at the 25-minute mark.

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How to Store the Recipe

To keep your soft pumpkin bread fresh and flavorful:

• Room temperature: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and tender.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week. Warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
• Freezer: For long-term storage, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight on the counter before enjoying.

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Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Bread

1. Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and a smoother batter.
2. Don’t overmix. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet just until combined — this ensures a tender texture.
3. Top with pumpkin seeds or chocolate chips before baking for added crunch or sweetness.
4. Check your oven temperature. Every oven varies slightly, so start checking around the 45-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
5. Try variations. Substitute whole wheat flour for part of the purpose flour or add a drizzle of maple syrup on the top of the loaf before baking for extra flavor.
6. Wrap it right. Once cooled, cover tightly with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container to preserve moisture.

This recipe is forgiving, so even if it’s your first time making quick breads, you’ll end up with a beautifully moist bread that looks and tastes professional.

This One-Bowl Pumpkin Bread is everything you love about fall in a single slice — soft, warmly spiced, and full of cozy flavor. Whether you bake it for your family, share it as mini loaves with friends, or enjoy it solo with a cup of coffee, it’s bound to become one of your best pumpkin breads of the season. Simple to make, easy to store, and endlessly delicious — this is the best pumpkin bread recipe to have in your fall baking lineup.

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FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?
Yes! Just make sure your puree is thick and smooth. Too much liquid can affect the texture.

What’s the best way to tell when the bread is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely. Chocolate chips add sweetness, while chopped pecans or walnuts provide crunch.

Can I make this into muffins or mini loaves?
Yes! For mini loaves, bake 25–30 minutes. For muffins, bake about 18–22 minutes at the same oven temperature.

Is this bread sweet enough without extra sugar?
Yes, thanks to the brown sugar and applesauce. For a deeper flavor, drizzle maple syrup on slices before serving.

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