Libby’s Pumpkin Bread has long been a staple in kitchens across the globe, loved for its perfect balance of warmth, spice, and moist texture. Imagine the cozy aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your home on a crisp fall morning—this is what makes Libby’s Pumpkin Bread not just a dessert, but an experience. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive gathering, this loaf is guaranteed to impress.
Fall in love with this easy, classic recipe that blends canned pumpkin, spices, and simple pantry ingredients into a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, Libby’s Pumpkin Bread is versatile, comforting, and timeless.
Why You’ll Love This Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
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Moist & Flavorful – The perfect balance of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg ensures every bite melts in your mouth.
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Quick & Easy – Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients found in any pantry.
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Kid-Friendly – Soft texture and natural sweetness appeal to all ages.
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Budget-Friendly – Uses common ingredients, making it an affordable treat.
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Versatile – Enjoy plain, with cream cheese frosting, or toasted with butter.
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Freezer-Friendly – Bake in advance and freeze for later without losing freshness.
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Classic Comfort – A nostalgic favorite that evokes the warmth of home baking.
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Perfect for Gifting – Mini loaf pans create thoughtful, shareable gifts for any occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this classic pumpkin loaf. Substitutions and tips included.
Dry Ingredients
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1 ⅓ cups flour – All-purpose is ideal; swap for whole wheat for a nuttier flavor.
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1 cup sugar – Granulated works best, but brown sugar adds richness.
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1 tsp baking soda – Ensures a tender rise.
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¾ tsp salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
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½ tsp ground cinnamon – Adjust to taste; freshly ground yields deeper aroma.
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½ tsp nutmeg – Optional but adds warm, spicy undertones.
Wet Ingredients
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½ cup oil – Vegetable or canola oil keeps bread moist; butter can be used for richer flavor.
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2 large eggs – Bind ingredients and add structure.
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⅓ cup water – Adjust slightly for batter consistency.
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1 cup canned pumpkin – The star ingredient; Libby’s canned pumpkin is ideal for consistency and flavor.
Pro Tip: Use room temperature eggs and oil to help ingredients blend evenly, producing a tender, moist loaf.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large loaf pan or line 4 mini loaf pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk well to evenly distribute the spices.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix oil, eggs, and water until smooth. Add canned pumpkin and stir until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
5. Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake for:
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Mini loaves: 30 minutes
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Large loaf: 55 minutes
Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
6. Serve
Enjoy plain, lightly buttered, or with cream cheese frosting for a decadent touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
How do I keep my pumpkin bread moist?
Use oil instead of butter, avoid overmixing, and check for doneness early. Overbaking dries the loaf.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and bake slightly longer, monitoring with a toothpick.
Can I add mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries enhance texture and flavor.
Why use canned pumpkin instead of fresh?
Canned pumpkin provides consistent moisture and flavor, ensuring even baking every time. Fresh pumpkin can vary in water content and density.
Best Ways to Serve Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
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Pair slices with hot coffee or spiced tea for a cozy breakfast.
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Serve warm with cream cheese frosting for dessert.
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Toast slices and add butter or honey for a simple snack.
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Include in gift baskets for autumn or holiday treats.
Nutrition per Serving (1 slice, ~80g)
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Calories: 210 kcal
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Total Fat: 9g
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Saturated Fat: 1.5g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 18g
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Protein: 3g
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerator: Wrap tightly; lasts up to a week.
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Freezer: Slice, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.
Tip: Lightly toast slices after freezing to restore moisture and aroma.
FAQs About Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, but cook and puree the pumpkin first. Remove excess water to avoid soggy bread.
Q: Can I make mini loaves or muffins?
A: Absolutely. Reduce baking time to 25–30 minutes for mini loaves or muffins.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Increase cinnamon, add ¼ tsp ginger, or a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
A: Definitely! The soft texture and mild sweetness are kid-friendly, and you can skip any optional mix-ins like nuts for younger children.
Variations of Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
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Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut oil.
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Nut-Free: Omit nuts or swap with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in ½ cup semi-sweet chips before baking.
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Spiced Autumn Bread: Add ¼ tsp ginger, ¼ tsp cloves, and ¼ tsp allspice for deeper flavor.
Conclusion
Baking Libby’s Pumpkin Bread is more than just following a recipe—it’s creating memories. Its tender crumb, aromatic spices, and cozy warmth make it a perfect companion for fall mornings, holiday gatherings, or any time you need a comforting treat.