Classic Buttermilk Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This classic buttermilk pumpkin bread recipe is perfect to make this fall! It’s moist and delicious every time you bake it. Give your family the gift of homemade bread this season by making this for family and friends!

Jump to:

• Pumpkin Bread Recipe
• What Mix-In's Go with Pumpkin Bread? 
• Why Does Pumpkin Bread Sink in the Middle? 
• Why is My Pumpkin Bread Dry? 
• Why is My Pumpkin Bread So Dense? 
• Ingredients
• Handy Kitchen Tools
• How to Make Pumpkin Bread
• Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bread?
• How Long is Pumpkin Bread Good? 
• More Sweet Bread Recipes
• 📖 Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This recipe for a classic pumpkin bread using buttermilk is perfect to make ahead of time and enjoy all week long! For a great dessert or breakfast, try this yummy treat. This bread will be moist and delicious every time you bake it.

I love breakfast bread and have made some delicious ones in the past like this authentic Amish cinnamon bread and this easy brown sugar walnut banana bread. They are a perfect addition to your meal plan and are super versatile!

What Mix-In's Go with Pumpkin Bread? 

While just a plain slice of pumpkin bread never disappoints, sometimes you just want a little something extra for texture or flavor. There are many things you can add that are delicious. Below are some of my favorite mix-ins for this pumpkin breakfast bread.

• Chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, or butterscotch chips.
• Golden raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries.
• Walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or peanuts.
• Cream cheese or vanilla frosting on top
• Streusel on top with cinnamon and sugar before baking.

You can also add things like additional spices to this pumpkin bread. Add some cinnamon or nutmeg over the top of the batter before baking it.

Why Does Pumpkin Bread Sink in the Middle? 

While this is a tried and true recipe, you may have struggled with your bread sinking in the middle. The reason this could happen is that when it is baking, the pumpkin puree releases a lot of moisture into the bread. It will rise beautifully on top while baking but then will fall once taken out because all the moisture has sunk to the bottom.

While it takes the look away from this pumpkin bread it certainly does not take anything away from the taste. The bread is going to taste exactly right.

Why is My Pumpkin Bread Dry? 

No one wants dry pumpkin bread. There are several reasons that the pumpkin bread is dry. Some of these reasons are during the baking process and some of it is what happens after the bread comes out of the oven.

First, you want to make sure you have the right amount of ingredients. If you are short of the amount of pumpkin puree the recipe calls for, it can make the bread dry. The flour overpowers the recipe and it becomes dry and crumbly.
If you overmix the batter it will become tough and dry too. You want to mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Do not over mix it.

Do not overbake the pumpkin bread. If you overbake the bread it will become dried out. Also, do not bake the bread at too high of a temperature. This will bake the moisture out of the bread.

Once the bread is done baking, you want to make sure it is stored properly. Make sure the bread is wrapped well and protected from the air. If it is left exposed, the air will cause it to become stale and this will leave a dry pumpkin bread.

Why is My Pumpkin Bread So Dense? 

Pumpkin bread is often a dense kind of bread. Similar to other sweet bread recipes, like banana bread, the pumpkin bread is meant to have a dense texture but it should not seem too dense.

If you have not followed the ingredients and the directions, the next reason your bread might be too dense is because of the baking time. You need to make sure that the pumpkin bread is baked all the way through. The top should be risen and cracked. You can also check it with a paring knife. Stick it into the center and see if it is done.

Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Handy Kitchen Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Loaf pan

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with parchment paper and set aside. 

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves until combined, then set aside. 

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until fully combined. 

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. 

Pour the batter into the prepared lof pan, and spread into an even layer. 

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan and letting it cool completely. 

Slice and serve warm or room temperature.

Can I Freeze Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! You can definitely freeze pumpkin bread for later. This recipe in particular is an excellent choice since it is naturally moist and dense.

When freezing pumpkin bread, cook as directed, then let it cool completely. Wrap each loaf in plastic wrap, then place it inside a freezer storage bag that has been dated and labeled. You can also wrap individual slices if you feel it will be best to grab an individual serving at a time.

Pumpkin bread is good in the freezer for up to 2 months in the freezer.

How Long is Pumpkin Bread Good? 

Fresh pumpkin bread is good for 3 to 4 days when stored at room temperature in an airtight bag or container. If stored in the refrigerator, it can be good for up to 1 week after baking. Before refrigerating, just make sure it has cooled completely so no condensation builds inside the storage container.

More Sweet Bread Recipes

If you enjoy a nice breakfast bread, then you will love the recipes below. A few great additions to your menu that are sweet, simple, and ideal for a grab-and-go breakfast, snack, or dessert.

• Yeast-Free Buttery Cinnamon Raisin Bread Recipe
• 25 Sweet Bread Recipes for Heavenly Breakfasts
• Moist Cheesecake Banana Bread Recipe
• Delicious Fresh Banana Bread Recipe