Best Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Last weekend, while the autumn leaves were dancing outside my kitchen window, I found myself craving something that screamed fall comfort.

You know that feeling when you want your whole house to smell like a cozy bakery? That’s exactly what inspired me to perfect this cinnamon sugar pumpkin bread recipe that has now become our family’s absolute favorite fall treat.

This moist pumpkin bread combines the perfect blend of warm spices with a gorgeous cinnamon sugar topping that creates the most delightful crust.

Trust me, once you smell this baking in your oven, you’ll understand why my kids Isabella, Emma, and Noah always ask when I’m making it again!

The best part? It’s surprisingly easy pumpkin bread recipe that doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

If you’re looking for more delicious pumpkin recipes, you’ll definitely want to check out my healthy pumpkin cookies recipe that’s perfect for sharing with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread

• Incredibly moist texture that stays fresh for days
• Perfect spice balance with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves
• Gorgeous cinnamon sugar topping that adds the perfect crunch
• Simple one-bowl mixing method that’s beginner-friendly
• Amazing aroma that fills your entire house while baking
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep and future cravings

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Loaf

The magic of this pumpkin spice bread lies in using the right combination of ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need to create this bakery-worthy treat:

For the bread:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour provides the perfect structure
• 1 cup granulated sugar for sweetness and moisture
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed adds depth and molasses flavor
• 1 teaspoon baking soda helps the bread rise beautifully
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder creates that perfect tender crumb
• 1/2 teaspoon salt balances all the flavors
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon the star spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg adds warmth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger brings subtle heat
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves provides aromatic depth
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree the moisture hero
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil keeps everything tender
• 2 large eggs binds everything together
• 1/4 cup milk adds extra moisture
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract rounds out the flavors

For the cinnamon sugar topping:

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pro tip: Always use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.

The puree gives you that perfect consistency without added sugars and spices that could throw off the balance.

How to Make Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread

Making this homemade pumpkin loaf is honestly so straightforward that even my teenagers can handle it solo.

Here’s my foolproof method:

Prep your kitchen first – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

I like using a light coating of butter followed by a dusting of flour.

Mix dry ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those gorgeous fall baking spices.

Make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Combine wet ingredients separately In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth.

This step is crucial for avoiding lumps in your finished bread.

The gentle fold technique Here’s where many people go wrong with pumpkin bread recipes.

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine and actually preferred.

Add the magic topping Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly.

Mix your cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle it generously over the surface. This creates that bakery-style crust we all love.

Bake with patience Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.

Start checking at 55 minutes with a toothpick inserted in the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Cool properly This is the hardest part!

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Tips for Moist Pumpkin Bread

One of the best things about this cinnamon sugar pumpkin bread is how well it keeps.

Store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

I often make two loaves at once – one for immediate enjoyment and one for the freezer.

The bread actually improves after the first day as all the spices meld together and the texture becomes even more tender. It’s like magic!

Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Bread

After making this recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference:

Don’t overmix the batter – This is the number one mistake I see people make.

Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in tough, dense bread.

Use room temperature ingredients – Take your eggs and milk out about 30 minutes before baking.

This helps everything combine more easily.

Check your spices – Fresh spices make a huge difference in fall baking recipes.

If your cinnamon or nutmeg has been sitting in your cabinet for over a year, it’s time to refresh them.

The toothpick test – When testing for doneness, insert the toothpick in the center, not near the edges.

The center takes longest to bake through.

Creative Variations for Your Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable!

Here are some variations my family loves:

Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter version that kids absolutely adore.

Or try 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture and richness.

For a cream cheese swirl variation, beat 4 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg.

Dollop this mixture over the batter and swirl with a knife before adding the cinnamon sugar topping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread

The Perfect Homemade Pumpkin Loaf Awaits

There’s something truly magical about pulling a perfectly golden cinnamon sugar pumpkin bread from your oven.

The aroma alone is worth the effort, but when you slice into that tender, moist pumpkin bread with its gorgeous cinnamon sugar crust, you’ll understand why this recipe has become such a treasured part of our family’s fall traditions.

Whether you’re baking this for a cozy weekend morning, bringing it to a potluck, or just wanting to fill your home with the most amazing scents, this easy pumpkin bread recipe delivers every single time.

Trust me on this one – your family will be asking for seconds before they’ve even finished their first slice!

More Fall Baking Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re as obsessed with pumpkin as I am, you need to try these other favorites from my kitchen:

• Healthy Pumpkin Chia Seed Pudding Recipe perfect for breakfast or dessert
• Best Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe cozy comfort in a bowl
• Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili Recipe hearty and satisfying

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