This pumpkin bread recipe offers a delicious alternative for those who need to avoid baking powder. Made with simple ingredients, it results in a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for fall or any time of year.
The recipe is straightforward and uses baking soda combined with an acidic ingredient to achieve the right rise. You can enjoy it plain or add nuts and spices for extra flavor.
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Bread
Crafting a loaf of pumpkin bread can be a delightful experience, especially when the aroma fills your kitchen. This recipe stands out for its simplicity, allowing even novice bakers to create a moist and flavorful bread without the need for baking powder.
Using baking soda combined with an acidic ingredient, this method achieves a lovely rise. The result is a soft, golden loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy fall gathering or a simple afternoon snack.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this pumpkin bread lies in its straightforward ingredients. Canned pumpkin puree serves as the star, providing rich flavor and moisture.
Complementing the pumpkin are warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which add depth to each bite. Optional nuts can introduce a delightful crunch, enhancing the overall texture.
Step-by-Step Process
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. This initial step is crucial for ensuring that your bread bakes evenly and releases easily once done.
Next, combine the wet ingredients in a large bowl. Mixing the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth creates a rich base for your bread.
Combining Flavors
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you choose to add nuts, fold them in at this stage for an extra layer of flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for an even bake. Place it in the oven and let it bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period is essential for achieving the perfect texture.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it plain or with a spread of butter. The moist, orange interior is inviting and pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
For a festive touch, consider garnishing with scattered pumpkin seeds and a few cinnamon sticks. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds to the warm, autumnal feel of the dish.
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe Without Baking Powder

This pumpkin bread features a rich pumpkin flavor enhanced by warm spices. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields one loaf, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped nuts.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g