Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread is soft, moist, and packed with the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. It’s a simple yet satisfying bake that fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fall. Whether you serve it with your morning coffee, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert topped with butter, this recipe promises a slice of pure autumn comfort.

A Quick Glimpse at Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a classic American quick bread that became popular in the 20th century as canned pumpkin puree entered home kitchens. The Pioneer Woman’s take on this traditional favorite delivers a rich, moist texture with balanced sweetness and warm spices. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails — perfect for holidays or everyday baking.

Other Popular Pioneer Woman Recipes

• Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Soup
• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chili
• Pioneer Woman Runza Casserole

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Super moist and flavorful thanks to pumpkin puree and oil.
• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Easy to make in one bowl — no mixer needed.
• Freezes beautifully, great for make-ahead breakfasts.
• A crowd favorite during fall and winter gatherings.

Essential Ingredients for This Recipe

Dry ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Useful Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Directions to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter or oil.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine wet ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft and tender.

Step 5: Bake the bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Dense texture: avoided overmixing the batter and measured flour correctly.
• Cracked top: reduced oven temperature slightly for even baking.
• Dry loaf: added oil and didn’t overbake beyond 60 minutes.
• Sticky bottom: lined the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Healthier Ways to Make Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

• Swap half the flour for whole wheat flour for more fiber.
• Replace oil with unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories.
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar.
• Add chopped nuts or seeds for healthy fats and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

• Pumpkin puree: substitute with mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.
• Vegetable oil: use melted coconut oil or olive oil.
• Brown sugar: replace with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Eggs: use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water each) for a vegan version.

Unexpected Ways to Enjoy Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

• Pumpkin French toast: dip slices in egg mixture and cook on a griddle.
• Toasted with butter: enjoy warm with salted butter or cream cheese.
• Pumpkin trifle: layer cubes of bread with whipped cream and caramel sauce.
• Dessert crumble: serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel.

Best Tips for Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread Success

• Don’t overmix the batter to maintain tenderness.
• Use fresh baking soda for a good rise.
• Cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Store properly to keep the bread moist longer.
• Customize spices to suit your taste preference.

Tasty Twists on Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

• Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Top with cream cheese glaze for an extra indulgent treat.
• Make mini loaves for gifting during the holidays.

Best Ways to Store Your Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread

• Room temperature: store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerator: keeps well for 5–6 days, wrapped tightly.
• Freezer: freeze slices or a whole loaf for up to 2 months.

Ways to Warm It Up Again

• Microwave: heat slices for 10–15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Oven: warm at 300°F for 8 minutes to restore freshness.
• Toaster: lightly toast for a crisp edge and warm center.

Nutritional Breakdown (per slice)

• Calories: ~210
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 180mg

FAQs

Where did pumpkin bread originate?

Pumpkin bread originated in American cuisine, inspired by early colonial recipes that used mashed pumpkin and cornmeal. As canned pumpkin became widely available in the 20th century, home bakers adapted traditional quick bread methods to create the moist, spiced loaf we know today. The Pioneer Woman’s version follows this tradition with a modern, flavorful twist.

How do I make pumpkin bread moist and soft?

To keep pumpkin bread moist, use oil instead of butter, as it helps retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter once dry ingredients are added — this prevents a dense texture. Baking just until a toothpick comes out clean ensures a tender, soft crumb every time.

Why did my pumpkin bread sink in the middle?

Pumpkin bread can sink if it’s undercooked or mixed too much, which traps excess air. Always check for doneness using a toothpick and bake in the center of the oven. Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing to maintain structure.

Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to pumpkin bread?

Yes, you can easily customize pumpkin bread with chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans. Fold them gently into the batter just before baking. The added texture and flavor complement the warm pumpkin spices beautifully.

Wrapping It Up

The Pioneer Woman Pumpkin Bread is a timeless fall favorite — rich, moist, and full of warm spices that make every bite comforting.

Once you try it, it’s sure to become a family tradition year after year.

Print