Pumpkin Bread with Holiday Spice Blend: A Cozy Slice of Fall Comfort 🍂

The Story & Intro

Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. 🍯 Cooking has been part of my life since I was a child, learning from my grandmother how to make traditional Greek dishes full of love and flavor. But as much as I adore Greek food, I’ve always been drawn to the warm, sweet aroma of fall spices cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves the comforting scent that fills the air when baking pumpkin bread.

I still remember one chilly November morning, standing barefoot in my kitchen, whisk in hand, as rain gently tapped against the window. The smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread with holiday spice blend wrapped the whole house in warmth. That’s when I realized food isn’t just about taste; it’s about comfort, connection, and memories.

This recipe brings together the heart of Greek home cooking with the spirit of the holidays. Moist, tender, and perfectly spiced, this pumpkin bread is the kind of treat that feels like a hug in every slice. Whether you’re baking it for Thanksgiving breakfast, a Christmas brunch, or just because you love fall flavors, it’s sure to make your home smell heavenly.

So let’s grab our mixing bowls and create something beautiful together!

Ingredients 🧡

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• ¼ teaspoon allspice

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 🥜
• ½ cup chocolate chips 🍫
• ½ cup dried cranberries for a holiday touch

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your holiday spice blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. This combination is what gives the pumpkin bread its cozy, festive aroma.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and olive oil until smooth. Add in the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined don’t overmix! If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or cranberries, fold them in now.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

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.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice thick and enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. 🍯

Serving Suggestions 🎄

• For breakfast: Toast a slice and spread butter or cream cheese on top.
• For dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• For gifting: Wrap in parchment and tie with rustic twine a perfect homemade holiday gift!
• For extra flair: Dust with powdered sugar or glaze with a simple vanilla icing.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread 🌟

1. Use fresh spices. They make a world of difference in flavor!
2. Don’t overmix the batter. That’s the secret to keeping it moist and tender.
3. Adjust sweetness. You can reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf.
4. Olive oil adds richness. It’s my Greek twist for extra moistness and depth.
5. Make it gluten-free. Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

🕒 Recipe Card

Time Clock ⏰

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients 🥣

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée
• ½ cup olive oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp each nutmeg & ginger, ¼ tsp each cloves & allspice
• ½ tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
• Optional: nuts, cranberries, chocolate chips

Instructions 🍞

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease loaf pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.
3. Combine wet ingredients separately.
4. Stir together gently until smooth.
5. Pour into pan, bake 55–60 minutes.
6. Cool, slice, and serve warm.

Notes 💡

• Keeps 4–5 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Nutrition (per slice)
Calories: 220 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 32g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 18g

Short Story Version (100 words)

Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! 🍂 This pumpkin bread with holiday spice blend is one of my favorite cozy bakes. Inspired by chilly mornings and my grandmother’s love for warm, comforting flavors, it fills your home with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Moist, lightly sweet, and perfectly spiced, it’s a slice of autumn joy you’ll love sharing with family. I often bake it on Sunday mornings a simple treat that feels like a hug. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the taste of homemade happiness! 🎃

Conclusion ✨

This Pumpkin Bread with Holiday Spice Blend isn’t just a recipe it’s a moment of warmth and love you can share. From my kitchen in Crete to yours, I hope each slice brings you comfort, connection, and maybe a little nostalgia.

Bake it for your family, gift it to a friend, or keep it all for yourself (I won’t tell!). Remember, food is more than just flavor it’s the feeling of home. 💛