Best Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine Recipe for Fall Baking
Nothing beats the warm, spiced aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn morning. This pumpkin bread bread machine recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a moist, flavorful loaf that’s bursting with cozy fall spices and rich pumpkin flavor.
Did you know that pumpkin bread became popular during World War II when sugar was rationed? Creative bakers discovered that pumpkin’s natural sweetness could reduce the need for added sugar. This recipe is incredibly simple – just dump all ingredients into your bread machine and let it work its magic in under 3 hours.
What makes this recipe truly special is its foolproof nature and family-friendly appeal. Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this pumpkin version offers that distinctive autumn taste that makes every slice feel like a warm hug. Get ready to fill your home with the most incredible fall fragrance!
What is Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine Recipe?
Ever wondered why we call it “pumpkin bread” when it’s more like cake than actual bread? This delightfully confusing name comes from early American settlers who baked everything in loaf pans, calling anything bread-shaped simply “bread.”
It’s like that old saying goes – “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and nothing captures hearts quite like a slice of warm, spiced pumpkin bread fresh from the bread machine. Ready to become the neighborhood’s pumpkin bread hero?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine Recipe
Incredibly Moist and Flavorful
This bread machine pumpkin bread delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and the perfect moisture balance creates a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Each bite offers notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and that distinctive pumpkin flavor that screams autumn comfort.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Making pumpkin bread at home costs about $3 compared to $8-12 for a similar loaf at bakeries or coffee shops. Your bread machine does all the heavy lifting, mixing, kneading, and baking while you focus on other tasks. It’s economical baking at its finest.
Customizable and Versatile
The beauty lies in the endless variations – add chocolate chips, pecans, or cream cheese swirls to make it uniquely yours. Unlike our classic white bread recipe, this sweet bread works perfectly for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Ready to create your signature fall treat?
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine Recipe
Quick Overview
This bread machine pumpkin bread recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep time and delivers a perfectly baked loaf in 2 hours and 50 minutes. The bread machine handles all the mixing, rising, and baking, ensuring consistent results every time.
Total Time: 3 hours Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 2 hours 50 minutes Servings: 12 slices
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup milk
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Bread Machine
Remove the bread pan from your machine and ensure the kneading paddle is properly attached. Lightly grease the pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients First
Pour the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, water, and milk into the bread pan. The order matters for bread machines – liquids always go first to protect the yeast and ensure proper mixing.
Step 3: Layer the Dry Ingredients
Carefully spoon flour over the wet ingredients, creating an even layer. Add sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger on top of the flour. Keep the salt and baking soda separate until mixing begins.
Step 4: Select the Right Setting
Choose the “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting on your bread machine. If your machine doesn’t have these options, use the “Basic” setting with a light crust. Set the loaf size to 1.5 or 2 pounds depending on your machine’s capacity.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins at the Right Time
If using nuts or chocolate chips, add them when your machine signals for add-ins (usually after the first mixing cycle). If your machine doesn’t have this feature, add them during the last 5 minutes of the mixing cycle.
Step 6: Monitor the Baking Process
The bread will bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes after the mixing cycles complete. Your kitchen will smell incredible! Avoid opening the lid during baking as this can cause the bread to collapse.
Step 7: Cool and Remove
Once the baking cycle completes, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn the pan upside down and gently shake to release the loaf. Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.
What to Serve Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine With
This versatile pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with various accompaniments:
For Breakfast:
- Cream cheese or butter spread
- Maple syrup drizzle
- Fresh coffee or spiced chai tea
- Greek yogurt with honey
For Dessert:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream with cinnamon
- Caramel sauce
- Cream cheese frosting
For Snacks:
- Apple butter
- Almond butter
- Hot chocolate
- Pumpkin spice latte
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bread Bread Machine
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs and milk can affect the bread’s texture. Let eggs sit on the counter for 30 minutes before using, or place them in warm water for 5 minutes.
Measure Pumpkin Puree Accurately
Too much pumpkin creates a dense, soggy loaf. Use exactly 3/4 cup and ensure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added spices and sugar.
Don’t Overmix Add-ins
If adding nuts or chocolate chips manually, fold them in gently during the last mixing cycle to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Check Your Baking Powder and Soda
Expired leavening agents result in dense bread. Replace baking powder every 18 months and baking soda every 2 years for optimal rise.
Adjust Liquid Based on Pumpkin Moisture
Different pumpkin puree brands vary in moisture content. If your batter seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk. If too thin, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour.
Use the Right Pan Size
This recipe is designed for 1.5 to 2-pound bread machines. Using a smaller machine may cause overflow, while larger machines might produce a shorter loaf.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper Storage Methods
Wrap cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. The bread actually improves in flavor after the first day as the spices meld together.
Freezing Instructions
Slice the bread before freezing for easy portion control. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date and contents.
Reheating for Best Results
For room temperature bread, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds. For frozen slices, microwave for 30-45 seconds or toast directly from frozen. For whole loaf reheating, wrap in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition Facts | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 285mg |
| Total Carbs | 31g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 45% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast a sugar pumpkin, puree the flesh, and drain excess moisture using a fine-mesh strainer. Fresh pumpkin may require slight liquid adjustments in the recipe.
Why is my pumpkin bread dense?
Dense bread usually results from too much flour, old leavening agents, or overmixing. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling, rather than scooping directly from the bag.
Can I make this recipe without a bread machine?
Absolutely! Mix wet and dry ingredients separately, combine them gently, pour into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan, and bake at 350°F for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread should spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I substitute oil with applesauce?
Yes, replace up to half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version. The bread will be slightly denser but still delicious.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is just cooked, mashed pumpkin with no added ingredients. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars, spices, and sometimes cream, which will throw off your recipe’s balance.
Can I double this recipe?
This recipe is specifically designed for bread machine capacities. Doubling it may overflow your machine. Instead, make two separate batches.
How can I make my bread more moist?
Ensure you’re not overbaking, use room temperature ingredients, and consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients.
Creative Variations to Try
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips during the add-in cycle for a sweet twist that kids love.
Maple Pecan Pumpkin Bread: Replace 2 tablespoons of sugar with maple syrup and add 1/2 cup chopped pecans for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture on top before baking and swirl with a knife for a bakery-style finish.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.
Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water) and use plant-based milk.
This incredible pumpkin bread bread machine recipe delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or complete beginner, this foolproof method ensures perfect, moist pumpkin bread every time. The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor make it the ultimate fall comfort food that your family will request again and again.
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