Pumpkin Bread Loaf for Holiday Baskets 🎃

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, the smell of baked bread always meant something magical was happening in our kitchen. My grandmother used to make pumpkin pies every autumn, using fresh pumpkins from her garden. She’d roast them slowly, mash them with a wooden spoon, and smile as she whispered, “This is how we bring sweetness into winter.”

Now, I love to bake Pumpkin Bread Loaf every year as the holidays approach. There’s something special about the cozy aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin filling the house. It instantly brings warmth like a hug from the past. I often wrap these loaves in parchment paper, tie them with a red ribbon, and place them in holiday baskets for friends and neighbors.

The beauty of this Pumpkin Bread Loaf recipe is that it’s both simple and rich. You don’t need fancy tools or complicated steps just basic ingredients and a bit of love. It’s moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, making it an ideal addition to any festive basket or breakfast table.

Whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it with your morning coffee, this holiday pumpkin bread loaf will fill your home with comfort and joy.

Keyword: pumpkin bread loaf, holiday pumpkin bread, pumpkin loaf recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need 🧡

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most delicious, soft, and flavorful Pumpkin Bread Loaf:

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 nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (for that rich caramel flavor)
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup mini chocolate chips or raisins

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥣

1. Preheat & Prep
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Let the edges of the paper hang over a bit it’ll make removing the loaf much easier later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all the spices. This blend gives your loaf that irresistible holiday aroma.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
4. Bring It Together
   Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir gently don’t overmix! The batter should be thick but pourable.
5. Add Extras (Optional)
   Fold in your favorite extras: nuts for crunch, chocolate chips for indulgence, or raisins for a traditional touch.
6. Pour & Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

1. Cool & Enjoy
   Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. The longer it rests, the more flavorful it becomes!

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

This Pumpkin Bread Loaf is perfect:

• Warm, with a pat of butter or cream cheese
• Sliced and toasted for breakfast with honey or jam
• Wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon for holiday gift baskets 🎁
• Served with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch

Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, spiced tea, or even Greek mountain tea my favorite on chilly mornings.

Recipe Card 🧁

🎃 Pumpkin Bread Loaf for Holiday Baskets

🕒 Time
Prep: 15 mins | Bake: 60 mins | Total: 1 hr 15 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 allspice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup oil
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Optional: ½ cup nuts or chocolate chips

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl.
4. Combine both, stirring gently.
5. Fold in optional nuts or chips.
6. Pour into loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes.
7. Cool completely before slicing.

📝 Notes

• Substitute oil with applesauce for a lighter loaf.
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months!

🍞 Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 230 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g

Tips & Variations 🌟

• Make it festive: Add cranberries or orange zest for a holiday twist.
• Mini loaves: Perfect for gift baskets bake in mini pans for 25–30 minutes.
• Cream cheese swirl: Drop dollops of sweetened cream cheese into the batter and swirl before baking.
• Healthier version: Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar by ¼ cup.

Storing & Gifting Ideas 🎁

This pumpkin bread loaf stays moist for days, making it an excellent gift. Wrap it in parchment paper, tie it with twine, and slip a cinnamon stick or sprig of rosemary on top simple yet elegant!

You can also bake multiple loaves and freeze them ahead of time. When ready to gift, thaw overnight, wrap beautifully, and include a handwritten recipe card it’s a heartfelt touch that never goes unnoticed.

Conclusion 💛

Baking this Pumpkin Bread Loaf for Holiday Baskets is more than just preparing dessert it’s about sharing warmth, memories, and love. From my kitchen here in Crete to yours, I hope this simple recipe brings joy to your table and comfort to your heart.

Every loaf I bake reminds me of my grandmother’s laughter and how food connects us even across generations. So, don’t wait for a special occasion; bake a loaf today, and fill your home with that sweet, spiced holiday magic. 🎃✨

Short 100-Word Version

Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! This Pumpkin Bread Loaf is one of my favorite holiday gifts soft, spiced, and full of cozy flavor. Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and love, it’s perfect for breakfast or gifting in festive baskets. My grandmother taught me that baking is about sharing warmth, and this loaf does just that. Bake it once, and your kitchen will smell like autumn! 🎃🍞