Libby’s Pumpkin Bread (Moist, Easy & Classic Recipe)

The first cool snap of fall always pulls me into the kitchen. One blustery afternoon, I pulled out my oldest mixing bowl and opened a can of Libby’s pumpkin. The scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pumpkin filled the house. That warm, familiar smell wrapped around me like a cozy blanket. By the time the bread was out of the oven, I already knew we were making another loaf the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Libby’s Pumpkin Bread

This is the kind of pumpkin bread that feels like home. It’s tender, moist, and rich with warm spices. You’ll only need one bowl and a handful of pantry staples to bring it together. The texture is soft, the crumb is just right, and the flavor deepens overnight.

Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin gives it that rich, earthy taste and vibrant orange color. This recipe makes lovely mini loaves for gifting, but it’s just as comforting sliced thick with coffee. You can even freeze a loaf for later, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pantry Staples

Here’s what you’ll need from your cupboards:

• 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• ⅓ cup water

These create the perfect soft crumb and warm flavor that make this bread so loved.

Star Ingredient

• 1 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

Libby’s gives this bread its classic taste. It’s smooth, naturally sweet, and full of cozy pumpkin goodness.

Optional Add-Ins

Feel free to mix and match these for extra flair:

• 1 cup raisins
• ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1–2 cups chocolate chips
• ¼ cup brown sugar for sprinkling
• Extra spices like ground ginger, cloves, or pumpkin pie spice
• Cream cheese frosting (after cooling)

A handful of chocolate chips turns this into a dreamy dessert. A swirl of frosting makes it holiday-worthy.

How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bread

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps keep the bread light and even.

Next, whisk in the eggs, oil, and water until just combined.

Fold in the pumpkin gently. Don’t overmix. That’s the key to a soft and tender loaf.

Grease four mini loaf pans or one standard-size loaf pan. Divide the batter evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes if using mini pans, or 55 minutes for a large loaf. Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out clean.

Let the bread cool fully before slicing or adding any toppings.

Tips for Moist, Perfect Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined.
• Avoid overbaking. Take it out once the toothpick comes out clean.
• Always sift and then measure your flour for accuracy.

A little care goes a long way here. This bread rewards you with a rich, soft texture every time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One of the biggest mistakes is using pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin. Pie filling has added sugar and spices, which can throw off the texture and flavor.

Another common issue is overbaking. That leads to dry, crumbly slices. Start checking early and trust your toothpick.

And finally, be sure to measure your flour after sifting. Too much flour makes the bread heavy and dense.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Store the bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you refrigerate it, it will last about 6 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.

To freeze, wrap individual slices or whole loaves in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw at room temp or reheat slices in the microwave.

This bread tastes even better the next day. It’s great for make-ahead breakfasts or late-night treats.

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe Card

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Related Recipes to Try

If you love this cozy loaf, you’ll also enjoy these fall favorites:

• Try our pumpkin cheesecake bars with a rich cream cheese swirl for something creamy and spiced.
• These soft pumpkin oatmeal cookies perfect for fall snacking are always a hit with kids.
• Our chocolate chip pumpkin bread for a decadent seasonal twist is another delicious take.
• And don’t miss this easy pumpkin bread recipe with warm spices and moist texture for a simpler spin.

You can also find more inspiration on my Pinterest board. There’s something comforting about baking with pumpkin when the days grow shorter.

Frequently Asked Questions