The Ultimate Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe with a Zesty Orange Twist
If you’re searching for an effortlessly moist pumpkin bread to savor throughout the autumn season, look no further. This recipe delivers a classic pumpkin flavor, infused with beloved fall spices and a surprising, bright orange twist that will elevate your baking to new heights. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite quick bread!
As the days grow shorter and the air takes on that distinct autumn crispness, there’s a certain magic that draws us into the kitchen to bake. And when it comes to fall baking, what could be more iconic than a warm, fragrant loaf of pumpkin bread? While the pumpkin season might already be in full swing, I simply couldn’t wait another moment to share my all-time favorite easy pumpkin bread recipe with you.
A few weeks ago, my mom surprised me with an incredibly cute and festive loaf pan. Its charm practically begged to be used, serving as the perfect inspiration to whip up a batch of our family’s beloved pumpkin bread. But this time, I decided to add a bright, unexpected twist: a hint of fresh orange. This subtle citrusy addition, inspired by sophisticated dessert flavors, proved to be an absolute game-changer, enhancing the pumpkin and spice notes in the most delightful way.
The resulting loaf was even more delicious and moist than I remembered, with a tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s *the* moist pumpkin bread recipe you’ll return to year after year, especially when you crave that perfect balance of comforting fall flavors and a refreshing, zesty brightness. Get ready to impress everyone with this simple yet exceptional quick bread!
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This isn’t just another pumpkin bread recipe; it’s a tried-and-true favorite for good reason. Here’s what makes this particular loaf so special and why it’s destined to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire:
- Effortlessly Easy: Forget complicated techniques or a mountain of dishes. This pumpkin bread comes together with basic pantry staples and requires only two mixing bowls, making cleanup a breeze. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend baking session.
- Unbelievably Moist and Tender: The key to exceptional quick bread is moisture, and this recipe delivers in spades. Thanks to carefully balanced ingredients, this loaf boasts an incredibly tender, moist crumb that stays fresh and delicious for days. No dry, crumbly bread here!
- Fantastic Shelf Life: One of the best qualities of this moist pumpkin bread is how well it keeps. It tastes just as good—if not better—two, three, and even four days after baking. This makes it an ideal candidate for meal prepping snacks, gifting to friends, or simply enjoying at your leisure throughout the week.
- The Signature Orange Twist: While classic pumpkin bread is wonderful on its own, the subtle addition of orange zest and fresh orange juice provides an unexpected depth of flavor. Inspired by gourmet pumpkin desserts, the citrus brightens the warm spices and pumpkin, creating a more complex and utterly addictive taste experience without being overtly “orange.”
- Beautiful Presentation: This recipe is designed to create a beautifully domed loaf, perfect for showcasing on your autumn table or wrapping up as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Choosing the Right Loaf Pan for a Perfect Dome
You might be tempted by beautiful, elaborate loaf pans, especially around the holidays. However, let me assure you, you absolutely do not need a specialty loaf pan to achieve spectacular results with this pumpkin bread. This recipe was meticulously tested and designed to be baked in a standard 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
Using a standard pan helps the bread dome beautifully and evenly, ensuring consistent baking and that classic, comforting quick bread shape. While a festive novelty pan will technically work, it might not yield the same ideal rise and texture as a simple, reliable 9×5 pan. For the best outcome, stick to the classics!
The Special Ingredient: A Zesty Orange Infusion
What truly distinguishes this pumpkin bread from others is the subtle, yet impactful, addition of citrus. Inspired by refined pumpkin desserts, this recipe incorporates both fresh orange zest and a splash of orange juice. This isn’t about creating an “orange bread” with pumpkin; it’s about leveraging the bright, aromatic qualities of orange to enhance the inherent flavors of pumpkin and spices.
The citrus notes act as a brilliant counterpoint to the warm, earthy pumpkin and fragrant fall spices (cinnamon, ginger, and allspice). The orange zest releases its potent oils when rubbed into the sugar, infusing the entire loaf with a delightful aroma and a hint of tanginess that awakens the palate. It adds a sophisticated layer of flavor that will leave your guests guessing your secret ingredient.
If, for any reason, you don’t have fresh oranges on hand or prefer a purely classic pumpkin bread, don’t worry! You can easily omit the orange zest and substitute the orange juice with an equal amount of room temperature water. The bread will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful, just without that distinctive bright citrus undertone. It’s a versatile recipe that adapts to your preferences!
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Pumpkin Bread Loaf
Crafting this moist and flavorful pumpkin bread relies on a combination of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired texture, flavor, and incredible aroma. Let’s break down the stars of our show:
- Unbleached All-Purpose Flour: This forms the primary structure of our quick bread. Unbleached all-purpose flour provides a tender and soft crumb without making the bread overly dense. For those looking to add a touch more nutrition and fiber, you can experiment with substituting up to a quarter of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour. This alternative offers a healthier edge while maintaining a delicate crumb, unlike regular whole wheat flour which can make baked goods tougher.
- Cinnamon, Ginger, and Allspice: These are the warming heart of our fall-inspired loaf. Cinnamon brings a comforting, sweet spice; ginger adds a subtle, peppery warmth and aromatic depth; and allspice contributes a complex flavor profile reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon all in one. This blend creates that quintessential autumn fragrance and taste that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Salt (Kosher): Often underestimated, salt is vital for balancing the sweetness in the bread and enhancing all the other flavors. Without it, the bread can taste flat. Kosher salt is preferred for its clean taste and larger crystals, but fine sea salt can be used in slightly smaller quantities.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents are responsible for the beautiful rise and light, airy texture of your pumpkin bread. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like pumpkin puree) to produce carbon dioxide, while baking powder provides an additional boost of lift. Together, they ensure a perfectly domed top and a tender, open crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Beyond providing sweetness, granulated sugar contributes to the bread’s golden-brown crust through caramelization and helps tenderize the crumb, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Oil (Avocado, Vegetable, or other neutral oil): Using oil rather than solid fats like butter is key to achieving this bread’s exceptional moistness and keeping it tender for several days. Avocado oil is a fantastic choice due to its neutral flavor and healthier fat profile, but any neutral-tasting vegetable oil (like canola or grapeseed oil) will work equally well.
- Large Eggs: Eggs provide essential structure to the bread, acting as a binder for the other ingredients. They also add richness and contribute significantly to the bread’s overall moisture and tender texture. For best results, ensure your eggs are at room temperature before mixing, as they incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
- Orange Zest and Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: These are the components of our “orange twist”! The zest carries the aromatic citrus oils, infusing the bread with a bright, fragrant note. The fresh juice adds additional moisture and a subtle tangy brightness that perfectly complements and enhances the pumpkin and spices, making for a truly unique flavor experience.
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: The star ingredient! It’s crucial to use 100% pure canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced. The puree provides the rich pumpkin flavor and a significant amount of moisture, contributing to the bread’s tender crumb. This recipe uses one full cup, ensuring a robust pumpkin presence. Any leftover puree can be wonderfully utilized in recipes like my pumpkin soufflé pancakes!
Expert Baking Tips for a Flawless Loaf
Achieving the perfect moist pumpkin bread is easy, especially with a few key tips in mind. Follow these pointers for a flawless, fragrant loaf every time:
- Avoid Overmixing: This is perhaps the most crucial rule for quick breads. Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until the flour is just incorporated and no dry streaks remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a tough, chewy bread instead of a tender, moist one. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with the oil and sugar, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in the finished bread.
- The Zest-Sugar Rub: Don’t skip the step of rubbing the orange zest into the granulated sugar with your fingertips. This simple action helps to release the essential oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with intense citrus aroma and flavor that will permeate your entire loaf.
- Doneness Check: Baking times can vary depending on your oven. The best way to check if your pumpkin bread is done is to insert a wooden toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments until clean.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This initial cooling in the pan helps the bread set its structure, preventing it from collapsing or sticking. Cooling completely on a wire rack ensures air circulates around the entire loaf, preventing sogginess.
How to Store Your Delicious Pumpkin Bread for Maximum Freshness
One of the many charms of this moist pumpkin bread is its excellent keeping quality. With proper storage, you can enjoy its fresh taste and tender texture for days. Here’s the best way to store your freshly baked loaf:
Once your pumpkin bread has completely cooled to room temperature (this is critical!), take a clean paper towel and lightly wrap it around the entire cooled loaf. This ingenious trick works wonders by absorbing any excess moisture that might otherwise condense on the bread’s surface. This prevents the exterior from becoming sticky, gummy, or soggy—a common issue with high-moisture baked goods.
After wrapping it in a paper towel, transfer the loaf to a large airtight container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. Stored at room temperature, this pumpkin bread will remain beautifully moist and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days. For extended freshness, especially in warmer climates, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just bring it back to room temperature or gently warm a slice before serving for the best experience.
Freezing Pumpkin Bread for Later Enjoyment
This pumpkin bread also freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing ahead for holidays or enjoying a taste of fall anytime. To freeze, ensure the loaf is completely cooled. You can freeze it whole or slice it first for easy individual portions.
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets. Then, wrap it again in a layer of aluminum foil. This double layer protects against freezer burn and preserves its moisture and flavor. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply unwrap the desired amount and let it come to room temperature on the counter. You can also gently warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick, comforting treat.
Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Loaf
This easy moist pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile and delightful in many ways:
- Classic Comfort: Serve slices warm with a generous smear of softened butter, or for an extra treat, a dollop of homemade cream cheese frosting.
- Breakfast or Brunch Staple: Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or tea. Its rich flavors make for a satisfying start to any day.
- Elevated Dessert: For a simple yet elegant dessert, warm a slice and serve it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of maple syrup or a light orange glaze.
- Anytime Snack: It’s the perfect companion for an afternoon pick-me-up, a cozy evening by the fire, or packed in lunchboxes for a special treat.
Explore More Fall Favorites: Other Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love
If this delicious pumpkin bread has you craving more seasonal delights, be sure to check out these other fantastic pumpkin recipes from our collection:
- Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Spiced Cream Cheese Frosting: A wonderfully moist cake topped with a dreamy, spiced frosting.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chunk Espresso Muffins: A delightful combination of pumpkin, rich chocolate, and a hint of espresso.
- Pumpkin Carrot Muffins: A wholesome and flavorful muffin packed with vegetables and nuts.
Easy Moist Pumpkin Bread with Orange Zest
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Equipment
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USA Pan 9 x 5 inch Loaf Pan
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Nordic Ware Harvest Bounty Loaf Pan, One Size
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups (210 g) unbleached all-purpose flour fluffed, spooned, and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup (120 mL) avocado, vegetable, or other neutral oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 mL) freshly squeezed orange juice *see substitute option in notes
- 1 cup (240 g) canned pumpkin puree
Instructions
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1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) with an oven rack positioned in the center. This ensures even heat distribution for optimal baking. Thoroughly grease a standard 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with baking spray, making sure to coat all sides and corners. Set it aside for later use.
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2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the unbleached all-purpose flour (ensuring it’s fluffed, spooned, and leveled for accuracy), baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, and kosher salt until they are thoroughly combined and no lumps remain. Setting this aside ensures all dry ingredients are evenly distributed before mixing with the wet components, which is crucial for uniform leavening and flavor.
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3. Prepare Wet Ingredients with Orange Infusion: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingertips to rub the orange zest into the sugar vigorously for about a minute. This critical step helps release the aromatic oils from the zest, infusing the sugar with intense citrus flavor, which in turn will permeate the entire bread. Once the sugar is moist and very fragrant, add the oil (avocado, vegetable, or other neutral oil), two room temperature large eggs, pure vanilla extract, fresh orange juice (or your water substitute, as mentioned in the notes), and the canned pumpkin puree. Whisk these wet ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and uniform in color.
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4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the whisked dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in the larger bowl. Using a whisk or a rubber spatula, mix until the flour mixture is just absorbed and no dry streaks of flour are visible. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough and less tender loaf. A few small lumps are acceptable. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated into the batter. Transfer the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula for even baking and a beautiful finish.
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5. Bake to Perfection: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 65 minutes. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven’s calibration. To check for doneness, insert a wooden toothpick into the very center of the loaf; if it comes out clean with no wet batter attached, your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and immediately set it on a wire rack. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes. This initial cooling in the pan helps the bread set its structure and makes it easier to remove without breaking. After this resting period, carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer it directly to the wire rack to let it cool completely. This ensures proper air circulation and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
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6. Store for Lasting Freshness: Once your pumpkin bread is completely cool, gently wrap the loaf in a paper towel. This clever trick helps absorb any excess moisture, preventing the bread’s exterior from becoming sticky or gummy, which can often happen with moist baked goods. Next, transfer the paper towel-wrapped loaf into a large airtight container or a heavy-duty Ziploc bag. Store at room temperature, and your pumpkin bread will remain incredibly moist, tender, and delicious for 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, refer to the detailed “How to Store Your Delicious Pumpkin Bread” section above, including freezing instructions.
Tips for Success:
- I love the subtle orange flavor in this loaf, as it complements the pumpkin and spices very nicely. If you do not wish to use it, you can omit the orange zest and substitute the orange juice with room temperature water.