The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, and as autumn rolls around on my beautiful island of Crete, I can feel the season whispering in the air a cool breeze, golden leaves, and the comforting scent of spices that remind me of warmth and togetherness.
Every fall, my kitchen turns into a haven of sweet aromas, and this pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season. I first baked it one rainy afternoon years ago when I wanted to bring a little coziness into my home. I remember my grandmother watching me with a smile as I whisked the batter, telling me, “Cooking is not about perfection, it’s about love.”
That’s exactly what this pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves represents love baked into every bite. The earthy sweetness of pumpkin, the warmth of nutmeg, and the soft spice of cloves come together to create something comforting and full of autumn spirit. It’s the kind of bread that makes your home smell like happiness and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying pumpkin bread for the first time, this recipe will fill your kitchen with that magical fall feeling. So grab your mixing bowl, light a candle, and let’s make some memories together.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk (any kind – dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. The combination of nutmeg and cloves gives this bread its deep, spiced aroma truly the heart of this recipe.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The pumpkin keeps the bread moist and tender, while the sugars add a lovely caramel undertone.
4. Combine the Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix a few small lumps are perfectly fine. If you’re using nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins, fold them in now.
5. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves best served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Serving Suggestions 🍂
This pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves is perfect for:
- Breakfast: Enjoy with Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair with black tea, chai, or coffee.
- Dessert: Toast a slice and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Gift Idea: Wrap it in parchment and tie with twine it makes a lovely homemade gift during the holidays!
Tips & Notes 🌾
- Pumpkin Purée: Make sure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin purée not pumpkin pie filling.
- Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. Add more nutmeg for warmth or more cloves for intensity.
- Storage: Wrap the bread tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze in airtight bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster or microwave for a quick fall treat.
- Moisture Tip: Don’t overbake! The bread should be moist and tender inside.
🍞 Recipe Card
⏰ TIME
Prep: 15 mins
Bake: 55 mins
Total: 1 hr 10 mins
🥣 INGREDIENTS
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp cloves
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup oil
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
👩🍳 INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Whisk wet ingredients in another bowl.
- Combine both mixtures until smooth.
- Pour into greased pan and bake 50–60 mins.
- Cool and enjoy!
📝 NOTES
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Add nuts or chocolate chips for texture.
- Keeps moist for days even better the next morning!
💪 NUTRITION (Per Slice)
Calories: 230 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 33g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g
Conclusion
Making this pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves isn’t just about baking it’s about creating a moment of peace, comfort, and connection. Every slice tells a story, every bite brings warmth. The blend of pumpkin, nutmeg, and cloves creates a perfect harmony that feels like fall in every sense cozy, fragrant, and full of love.
From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope this recipe becomes one of your seasonal favorites. Pour yourself a warm drink, share a slice with someone you love, and enjoy the simple magic of homemade baking. ❤️
Short Story Version (100 words)
Hi, I’m INAYA, from Crete! I’ve always loved baking during fall it’s when my home fills with the comforting scent of pumpkin bread with nutmeg and cloves. My grandmother taught me that cooking is love you can taste, and this recipe brings that to life. The warm spices, soft texture, and golden color make it perfect for cozy mornings or family gatherings. Whether it’s shared with friends or enjoyed alone with a cup of tea, this bread always makes me feel grateful for the simple joys of cooking. 🍂
