If you’re in the mood for a cozy, flavorful treat that fills your home with the irresistible scent of autumn, look no further than Libby’s Pumpkin Bread. This classic loaf perfectly captures the essence of the season: moist, warmly spiced, and bursting with pure pumpkin goodness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just to treat yourself, this is one recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great pumpkin bread hinges on simple, familiar ingredients that each bring something special to the table. With pantry staples and just the right combination of fragrant spices, every loaf of Libby’s Pumpkin Bread comes out rich, tender, and absolutely delicious.
- Pumpkin: Use one 15-ounce can of Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin for maximum moisture and flavor.
- Eggs: Four large eggs provide structure and help the bread rise beautifully.
- Vegetable Oil: One cup of oil gives the bread its signature moist and tender crumb.
- Water: Two-thirds cup keeps the batter just the right consistency for baking.
- Sugar: Three cups of granulated sugar sweeten every slice and create a lovely caramelized crust.
- Flour: All-purpose flour ensures a hearty loaf with the perfect balance of fluffiness and density.
- Baking Soda: Two teaspoons help the bread rise and become beautifully golden.
- Salt: One and a half teaspoons sharpens all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon brings undeniable warmth to every bite.
- Nutmeg: One teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds that classic holiday aroma.
- Cloves: A half teaspoon of ground cloves gives a subtle depth that’s essential for pumpkin bread.
- Ginger: Just a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger brightens up the overall flavor with a gentle kick.
How to Make Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pans and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans. This ensures the bread releases perfectly, with a lovely golden crust every time.
Step 2: Create the Pumpkin Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, eggs, vegetable oil, water, and sugar. Beat everything together until the mixture looks smooth and well blended — this helps set the stage for incredibly moist and flavorful Libby’s Pumpkin Bread.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a separate bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Giving the dry ingredients a quick whisk means every slice will be evenly spiced and rise just right.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, gently stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Don’t overmix — just blend until everything is combined. The secret to tender Libby’s Pumpkin Bread is keeping the batter airy and light.
Step 5: Transfer to Pans and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula if needed. Pop them into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Let the loaves cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove them from the pans and let them finish cooling on a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy and keeps the crust deliciously crisp.
How to Serve Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple glaze for a festive touch. A handful of toasted walnuts or pepitas on top adds wonderful crunch and a rustic look.
Side Dishes
Pair Libby’s Pumpkin Bread with morning coffee, a latte, or even a dollop of tangy yogurt. It’s just as perfect at brunch alongside fruit salad as it is at dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread and toasting it lightly; top with butter or pumpkin cream cheese for a decadent treat. For gifting, wrap a cooled loaf in parchment and twine — the aroma alone makes it a memorable present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Libby’s Pumpkin Bread fresh by wrapping the cooled loaves tightly in plastic or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days; it actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Freezing
If you want to savor the flavors later, simply freeze whole loaves or individual slices. Wrap well and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat slices briefly in the microwave or for a few minutes in a low oven. This brings back the moisture and highlights all the delicious spice notes.
FAQs
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to Libby’s Pumpkin Bread?
Absolutely! Stir in one cup of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for texture and extra flavor. Just fold them in with the final mix so they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Why is my bread too dense or gummy?
Overmixing the batter or adding too much pumpkin can make the bread dense. Make sure to combine ingredients gently, and always measure pumpkin and flour accurately for light, tender slices.
How do I know when Libby’s Pumpkin Bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Baking times can vary, so start checking after 60 minutes.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
You can, but canned Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin gives consistent results. If using homemade, make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery, or the texture of your bread may change.
Is this bread suitable for gift giving?
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread makes a fantastic homemade gift! Package in parchment and tie with festive ribbon — it looks lovely and tastes even better shared with friends or family.
Final Thoughts
Baking a loaf of Libby’s Pumpkin Bread truly feels like sharing a cozy hug straight from your oven. With its unbeatable aroma, deep pumpkin flavor, and irresistible warmth, I can’t recommend it enough for your next bake. Give it a try — you’ll soon have a new autumn (and anytime!) favorite.
