If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like autumn wrapped up in a loaf, you have to try Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe. This classic pumpkin bread is wonderfully moist with just the right balance of sweetness and spice, creating a comforting flavor that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Using Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin gives this bread its rich, velvety texture and vibrant orange color that invites smiles from the very first slice. Once you bake this, it’s hard not to keep coming back for another slice — trust me, it’s that good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this pumpkin bread is simple yet pivotal to nailing that perfect texture and flavor. From the warm spices to the moist pumpkin puree, every component plays its own role in making the magic happen.
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bread structure and tenderness.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the spices and enhances the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully so it’s light, not dense.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: A pinch that brings out all the flavors and prevents blandness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that adds warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a nutty, slightly sweet earthiness to the mix.
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves: A bold, aromatic touch that complements cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a little zing and brightness that balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 4 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
- 1 (15-ounce) can Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin: The pumpkin puree that delivers natural moistness and that iconic pumpkin flavor.
- 2/3 cup water: Hydrates the batter for softness and smooth consistency.
How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans — this simple step is crucial to ensure your pumpkin bread slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This evenly distributes the baking soda and spices, which is key to a perfectly uniform flavor in every bite of Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl to whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, Libby’s pumpkin puree, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the lush, moist base that makes this pumpkin bread stand out.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry while gently stirring. The trick to this step is to mix until just combined so the bread remains tender — overmixing can make the texture tough, and you definitely don’t want that in Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Step 5: Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Pop them into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. To know it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of each loaf — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once baked, let the loaves cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is important as it helps the flavors deepen and sets the texture beautifully before slicing.
How to Serve Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
While Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe is incredible on its own, adding a thin spread of softened butter or a dollop of cream cheese frosting takes it to another level. Sprinkle some chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea, making mornings feel extra special. For a wholesome snack, enjoy it alongside fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Instead of classic slices, try cubing the bread for a fall-themed bread pudding or serve toasted cubes alongside ice cream for a cozy dessert upgrade. You could also cut the bread into smaller pieces and serve as part of a brunch spread to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Libby’s Pumpkin Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it moist longer, wrapping each loaf tightly in plastic wrap is a great trick.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap your cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil before freezing. This bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When thawed, it tastes just as fresh as the day you baked it.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast it lightly. Reheating brings out that fresh-baked aroma and makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned Libby’s pumpkin?
While fresh pumpkin can work, canned Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin is ideal for consistent moisture and flavor. Fresh pumpkin often contains more water, which might alter the texture, so make sure to cook and puree it down well if you decide to substitute.
Is Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are fantastic add-ins that provide texture and extra flavor. Just fold about one cup into the batter before baking for a delicious twist.
How long will this pumpkin bread stay fresh?
Stored correctly at room temperature in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about 3 days. Refrigerating can extend freshness to a week, though it might dry out a bit without a proper seal.
Why does my pumpkin bread sometimes turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or not enough leavening can cause density. Following the steps carefully in Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe—especially mixing just until combined—helps ensure a light, tender crumb.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe enough for anyone who loves that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and pumpkin flavor all wrapped into one loaf. It’s easy to make, almost impossible to resist, and sure to become a favorite for you and your loved ones. Go ahead and bake up a batch—you’ll be smiling with every delicious slice!
Print
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Libby’s Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist, flavorful quick bread perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting, spiced treat. Made with pure pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. With its soft texture and rich flavor, this pumpkin bread is great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15-ounce) can Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
- 2/3 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, large eggs, Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin puree, and water until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender bread texture.
- Bake: Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread texture.
- Check the bread with a toothpick inserted in the center to ensure it’s fully baked.
- Store pumpkin bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a half cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips.
