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Why Is Everyone Obsessed with Pumpkin Bread—and What Makes the Bread Maker Version Better?
Did you know that pumpkin bread searches spike by over 120% every fall, according to Google Trends? It’s no surprise—this cozy, spiced loaf is a seasonal staple. But what if you could enjoy all that warm, comforting flavor with even less effort? Enter the pumpkin bread maker recipe—your new favorite way to bake. Using a bread machine not only streamlines the process but ensures a moist, evenly baked loaf every time. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weekend baker, or someone who just loves fall flavors, this method transforms an autumn favorite into an effortless delight.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you need for a fragrant, flavorful pumpkin bread:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s not pumpkin pie mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or try melted coconut oil for a light, tropical flavor boost)
- 1/4 cup milk (regular dairy or plant-based options like oat or almond milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option)
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but they add a satisfying crunch)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional, for a touch of added sweetness)
Substitution Suggestions:
- Gluten-free flour blend for gluten-sensitive bakers
- Applesauce instead of oil for a lower-fat option
Timing
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Bread Maker Cycle Time: 80–90 minutes (varies by machine)
- Total Time: ~90–100 minutes
Fun fact: This pumpkin bread maker recipe saves about 20% of the time compared to traditional oven baking, thanks to the all-in-one mixing and baking process.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, spices, salt, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly combined.This dry mixture forms the foundation of your pumpkin bread, providing both its structure and flavorful spice blend.
Step 3: Add to Bread Maker
Arrange your ingredients in the bread pan following the guidelines provided by your bread maker. Typically, wet ingredients go first, followed by dry, with nuts or mix-ins added at the appropriate beep.
Step 4: Select the Proper Setting
Choose the “Quick Bread” or “Cake” setting on your bread maker. This setting is designed for non-yeast recipes and ensures even baking.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Once done, remove the bread and let it cool on a wire rack for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and enhances the flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, assuming 10 slices)
- Calories: ~210
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutritional information is based on standard ingredients; using substitutions may affect the overall nutritional values.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Looking to lighten things up? Try these variations:
- Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol for a lower-carb option.
- Use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Swap in applesauce for oil to reduce fat content without sacrificing moisture.
- Omit chocolate chips and add more nuts for a higher-protein, lower-sugar version.
These tweaks let you enjoy this pumpkin bread maker recipe guilt-free and tailored to your health goals.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile loaf pairs beautifully with:
- A dollop of Greek yogurt and honey for a protein-rich breakfast.
- A warm cup of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte.
- Toasted and topped with almond butter for an energizing snack.
- Cut into cubes and layered in a fall-inspired trifle, topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Personal Tip: Try warming a slice for 10 seconds in the microwave—it intensifies the spices and gives you that just-baked feeling all over again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure success:
- Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: too sweet and spiced.
- Skipping the right setting: the bread maker’s cake or quick bread setting is crucial.
- Overmixing: let the bread maker do the work; pre-mixing ingredients too much can lead to a dense loaf.
- Ignoring altitude adjustments if you’re above 3,000 ft—reduce baking powder slightly.
Each tip comes from extensive user reviews and real-world baking tests.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Here’s how to keep your pumpkin bread fresh and tasty:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Wrap in foil or plastic wrap and keep for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
To thaw, leave slices at room temperature for 30 minutes or pop into the toaster.

Conclusion
This pumpkin bread maker recipe delivers all the comfort of traditional pumpkin bread with a modern twist—effortless prep and consistently delicious results. Try it today, leave a comment below with your favorite twist, or subscribe to our blog for more cozy seasonal recipes!
FAQs
Can I double this recipe in the bread maker? Most machines aren’t designed for double batches. Stick to one batch to avoid overflow.
What setting should I use if there’s no quick bread option? Use the “Cake” or “Bake” setting, and monitor the doneness with a toothpick test.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just be sure to puree it thoroughly and strain excess moisture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan? Yes—sub eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk.
Why did my pumpkin bread collapse in the middle? This often happens due to overmixing or too much leavening. Follow measurements and avoid disturbing the batter
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