There’s something magical about the first crisp day of fall. The air smells like woodsmoke and damp leaves. Scarves reappear. And the craving for something warm and comforting kicks in. For me, that usually means pulling out my stand mixer and getting to baking. There’s just no better way to embrace the season than with a loaf of freshly baked bread, and this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread for Cozy Fall Baking Days is the champion. It’s packed with warm spices, moist pumpkin flavor, and a sweet, crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Seriously, the aroma alone will transform your kitchen into a cozy haven.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your grandma’s dry, crumbly pumpkin bread (unless, of course, you love your grandma’s dry, crumbly pumpkin bread!). I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe, and here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Ultra-Moist: The secret to incredibly moist bread is a combination of pumpkin puree, oil (not just butter!), and a touch of Greek yogurt. Trust me on this one.
- Perfectly Spiced: The spice blend is warm, welcoming, and not overpowering. It’s the quintessential fall flavor combination.
- Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is straightforward. Even beginner bakers can achieve fantastic results.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves pumpkin bread. It’s a guaranteed hit for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.
- Freezable: Got leftovers? (Doubtful!) But if you do, this bread freezes beautifully.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll bring to the baking party:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these steps for a loaf of sunshine baked into bread form.
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal. A little pam spray works wonders too.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures even distribution of the spices.
- Cream Sugars & Oil: In a separate large bowl (or the bowl of your stand mixer), combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the oil and beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate the Pumpkin & Yogurt: Add the pumpkin puree and Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients and beat until combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Mix well.
- Pour & Top: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping generously over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it completely prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Let’s elevate your pumpkin bread game! Here are some ideas to customize and enhance your experience.
- Spice it Up: Want it spicier? Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cloves or ginger. A pinch of cardamom is also lovely.
- Chocolate Chip Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the batter. Semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate all work well.
- Nutty Goodness: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Maple Syrup Swirl: Before baking, drizzle a little maple syrup over the batter and swirl it with a knife for a beautiful presentation and extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, a drizzle of maple syrup, or alongside a cozy cup of coffee or tea. It’s also fantastic toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (Estimated, per slice – assumes 10 slices per loaf)
- Calories: 320-350
- Fat: 14-16g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Sugar: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
Embrace the Cozy with Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread
There you have it! A delicious, easy-to-make loaf of Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread for Cozy Fall Baking Days. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is a joy to make and even more joyful to eat. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of fall. Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out – be sure to share your baking adventures in the comments below!
