The Best Moist & Flavorful Pumpkin Raisin Bread Recipe for Fall

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your home, especially when it’s a seasonal favorite like this incredibly moist and flavorful Pumpkin Raisin Bread. Perfect for cozy mornings with a steaming cup of coffee or as a delightful dessert, this easy-to-make loaf embodies the comforting spirit of autumn. Each slice offers a tender crumb, the sweet chew of golden raisins, and the warm embrace of pumpkin and spices. This recipe is not just about baking; it’s about bringing warmth, comfort, and delicious fall flavors directly into your kitchen, creating unforgettable moments with every bite. You’ll find the full recipe card below, packed with simple instructions to guide you through making this autumn classic.

A Beloved Family Tradition: Homemade Pumpkin Raisin Bread

For years, this particular pumpkin raisin bread recipe has been a cherished tradition in our family, thanks to my wonderful mother-in-law. Every autumn, as the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, she bakes batch after batch of this incredible bread. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a gesture of love and a cornerstone of fall celebrations. She generously shares these loaves with friends and family, and often wraps them tightly in plastic wrap and freezes them. This thoughtful act ensures that a delicious, homemade gift is always at hand, ready to bring warmth and joy to any occasion, whether it’s a sudden visitor, a neighborly thank-you, or a thoughtful gesture for a loved one during the busy holiday season. This tradition isn’t just about the bread itself, but the cherished memories created around it. The anticipation of that first slice, the shared moments over coffee, and the simple comfort it brings truly make it a centerpiece of our fall gatherings. Making this wholesome homemade pumpkin bread for your own family and friends can start a new, delicious tradition in your home, filling it with the comforting scents of the season.

The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

What makes this pumpkin raisin bread truly stand out is its exquisite balance of flavors and textures. The pumpkin puree provides a rich, earthy sweetness and an unparalleled moistness that keeps the bread wonderfully fresh for days. But it’s the addition of plump, juicy golden raisins that truly elevates this recipe. Their subtly sweet and chewy texture perfectly complements the robust pumpkin flavor, adding delightful bursts of natural sweetness in every bite without being overpowering. This harmonious blend creates a comforting taste experience that beckons you back for another slice.

While the recipe calls for fragrant cinnamon, which offers a classic, comforting spice note, don’t hesitate to experiment for an even richer profile! For an extra boost of autumnal flavor, consider substituting or adding a teaspoon of high-quality pumpkin pie spice. This blend, typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, will infuse your bread with an even deeper, more complex warmth, making this moist pumpkin bread even more irresistible. Imagine the inviting scent that will fill your kitchen as it bakes – it’s pure fall magic! When selecting your ingredients:

Choosing Your Raisins and Spices

• Golden Raisins: These are often preferred for their softer texture and milder, fruitier sweetness compared to darker raisins, which can sometimes be more tart or intense. They blend beautifully with the pumpkin and help ensure a perfectly moist crumb.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that classic warm spice profile. Using a fresh, good quality ground cinnamon makes a noticeable difference in the overall aroma and taste of your bread.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you want to enhance the “fall” flavor and make this truly a seasonal pumpkin bread, a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice (or cloves) is a fantastic addition. You can replace the cinnamon entirely with an equal amount of pumpkin pie spice, or use half and half for a nuanced flavor profile.

From Coffee Cans to Loaf Pans: A Recipe’s Evolution

This recipe has quite an interesting history! The original, very old instructions actually suggested baking the bread in three metal coffee cans – a charming, albeit outdated, practice in kitchens decades ago. While that might have added a rustic touch, it’s certainly not something we commonly do these days! Instead, we’ve perfectly adapted this timeless recipe for modern convenience by using standard loaf pans. This simple change makes the recipe much more accessible without sacrificing any of its wonderful flavor or the characteristic moist texture of this easy pumpkin bread recipe.

The bake time will naturally vary depending on the size of the loaf pans you use. For standard 8.5 x 4.5-inch or 9 x 5-inch loaf pans, the suggested baking time in the recipe card below will be accurate. If you opt for smaller pans or mini loaf pans, you’ll need to reduce the baking time and keep a close eye on them to prevent overbaking and drying out the bread. Conversely, if you use a larger pan or fewer pans, the bake time might increase. Always test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf – if it comes out clean, your homemade pumpkin loaf is perfectly baked!

Customizing Your Loaf: Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch

While delicious on its own, this pumpkin raisin bread also welcomes the addition of nuts for an extra layer of delightful texture and complementary flavor. I personally love using pecans in my recipe because they are so readily available where I live, and their buttery, slightly sweet flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy notes of pumpkin. However, the true beauty of this recipe is its versatility and how easily it can be customized to your taste!

Feel free to use any kind of chopped nuts that you prefer. Walnuts are another classic choice for quick breads, offering a slightly more earthy and bitter note that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the raisins and pumpkin, adding a sophisticated depth. Almonds, whether slivered or chopped, would also be a delightful addition, providing a delicate crunch and a subtle nutty aroma. If you’re not a fan of nuts, have allergies, or simply prefer a pure, smooth crumb, just omit them – the bread will still be incredibly tasty and moist.

Tips for Perfect Nut Integration:

• Chop Evenly: Ensure your nuts are chopped into relatively small, even pieces. This allows them to distribute well throughout the batter and provides consistent texture in each bite of your fall pumpkin bread.
• Toast if Desired: For an enhanced flavor, lightly toast your chopped nuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the batter. This brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor, adding another dimension to your bread.
• Mix Gently: Add nuts and raisins as the last ingredients and fold them in gently to prevent overmixing the batter, which can lead to a tough loaf.

This easy pumpkin bread recipe is truly a fall essential, a staple for any home baker looking to capture the essence of the season. Its simplicity makes it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, and the results are always impressively delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday breakfast, a comforting afternoon treat with a warm beverage, or to share as a thoughtful homemade gift, this pumpkin raisin bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your own kitchen.

For best results and the most tender crumb, always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the eggs and pumpkin puree, as this helps them incorporate more smoothly and evenly into the batter. This leads to a more homogenous mixture and a lighter, more even and tender crumb in your finished loaf. When mixing, be careful not to overmix the flour once it’s added. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tougher, denser bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no dry pockets of flour remain.

Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10-15 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing warm bread is incredibly tempting with its inviting aroma, but letting it cool fully allows the internal structure to set properly, preventing it from crumbling and ensuring perfectly clean, beautiful slices. Patience truly pays off here!

This generous recipe yields three standard loaves, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones, enjoying throughout the week, or freezing for future indulgence. To freeze, simply wrap cooled loaves tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, offering a delightful taste of fall whenever the craving strikes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. A quick reheat in the microwave or a low oven can bring back that “freshly baked” warmth and aroma, making it feel brand new again.

Embrace the quintessential flavors of autumn with this delightful moist pumpkin raisin bread. It’s more than just a sweet treat; it’s a taste of home, comfort, and cherished memories waiting to be made with every bite. Happy baking!

Yield: 24 slices

Pumpkin Raisin Bread Recipe

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
50 minutes

Ingredients for Pumpkin Raisin Bread

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 and 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (or 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice for more intense flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts recommended, optional)
• 1/2 cup golden raisins

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the bread goes in.
2. Prepare Loaf Pans: Thoroughly grease and flour three standard loaf pans (approximately 8.5 x 4.5 inches or 9 x 5 inches). Alternatively, you can line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
3. Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix until all ingredients are just well blended and no dry streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped nuts (if using) and golden raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Fill Pans: Divide the pumpkin bread mixture evenly among the three prepared loaf pans.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The bread is done when it’s golden brown on top and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and pan size.
7. Cool: Let the loaves cool in their pans on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing them from the pans and transferring them directly to the wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy.

Nutrition Information: (per serving)

Yield:

24 servings (approx. 1/24 of recipe)

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 209Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 255mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 4g

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