Thanksgiving Dessert Pumpkin Bread Recipe 🍂 | Moist, Spiced & Irresistible
The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Even though we don’t officially celebrate Thanksgiving here, I’ve always loved the warmth this American holiday brings the laughter, the cozy gatherings, and, of course, the desserts!
A few years ago, one of my close friends from the U.S. invited me to her Thanksgiving dinner. The table was filled with so many comforting dishes, but what stole my heart was her pumpkin bread so soft, moist, and fragrant that it felt like a warm hug. When I returned home to Crete, I started experimenting with my own version adding a touch of olive oil (because, well, we Cretans can’t resist it!) and just the right blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
This Thanksgiving Dessert Pumpkin Bread has since become a family favorite. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a sweet gift. I love how baking it fills the kitchen with that irresistible pumpkin spice aroma that makes everyone smile.
If you’re looking for a foolproof, moist, and flavorful pumpkin bread recipe for Thanksgiving, you’re in the right place. Let’s bake a loaf of happiness together warm, spiced, and deliciously tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🧺
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
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.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This helps evenly distribute the spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugars, olive oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. The olive oil adds extra moisture and a hint of Mediterranean richness.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing we want the bread soft and fluffy.
5. Add Mix-ins (Optional):
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired. They add texture and extra flavor.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. The longer it rests, the better the flavors develop.
Serving Ideas & Variations 🍽️
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for dessert.
- Toast a slice and spread with butter or honey for a cozy breakfast.
- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving for a festive look.
- For extra indulgence, drizzle with maple glaze or caramel sauce.
If you want a healthier twist, substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly it’s still incredibly delicious.
Recipe Card 🎃
| 🕒 Time | ⏰ Prep: 15 min | ⏱️ Cook: 60 min | 🍽️ Total: 1 hr 15 min |
|---|
| 🥣 Ingredients | 👩🍳 Instructions |
|---|---|
| 2 cups flour | 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease loaf pan. |
| 1 tsp baking soda | 2. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. |
| 1/2 tsp baking powder | 3. Mix wet ingredients in another bowl. |
| 1/2 tsp salt | 4. Combine both mixtures gently. |
| 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg | 5. Fold in nuts or chocolate if desired. |
| 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree | 6. Pour batter into pan and bake 55–65 min. |
| 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar | 7. Cool for 15 min, slice, and enjoy! |
📝 Notes:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature.
- You can freeze slices for up to 3 months just wrap them tightly.
- For extra moisture, don’t overbake!
🍂 Nutrition (Per Slice):
Calories: 210 | Fat: 9g | Carbs: 29g | Protein: 3g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g
Conclusion 💛
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, love, and sharing food that warms the heart. This Thanksgiving Dessert Pumpkin Bread is exactly that a simple yet soul-soothing recipe that brings people together. Whether you’re serving it at a big family dinner or enjoying a quiet cup of tea on a crisp afternoon, this bread is pure comfort.
From my Cretan kitchen to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with flavor, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime. 🍁
