Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

Oh my gosh, have you ever tried Five Spice Pumpkin Bread? It’s so warm, soft, and packed with cozy spice. I just had to share how much I love it.

At first, I wasn’t sure about the five spice. But wow, it makes the bread taste so special and yummy. It’s super easy, too!

If you want a sweet treat that feels like fall in every bite, this is it. Let me show you how fun it is to bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: Pumpkin is the heart of autumn baking, and this bread takes it to the next level with the sweet and savory notes of five-spice powder.
• Moist & Fluffy: Thanks to the right balance of oil, milk, and pumpkin, this bread has an incredibly moist crumb that will melt in your mouth.
• Packed with Flavor: A wonderful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy that’s cozy and comforting.
• Easy to Make: This is a simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment or skills. The prep is quick, and the baking process fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can bake this bread in advance and freeze it, making it an excellent option for meal prep or holiday gifting.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the ingredients and steps, here’s a list of what you’ll need to make this delicious pumpkin bread:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining your dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk & Wooden Spoon or Electric Mixer – To mix the ingredients together.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – To ensure the right proportions.
• Loaf Pan – A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best for this recipe.
• Parchment Paper or Cooking Spray – To prevent the bread from sticking to the pan.
• Cooling Rack – To cool the bread after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this flavorful pumpkin bread:

• 1 ¾ cup (225 g) All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour gives this bread its structure and texture.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
• ½ teaspoon Baking Powder: Works in tandem with the baking soda to give this bread its light texture.
• 1 teaspoon Salt: To balance the sweetness of the pumpkin and spices.
• 2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: This common fall spice adds warmth and sweetness.
• 1 ¼ teaspoons Five Spice Powder: This is the star of the show, bringing a delightful blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and pepper. It adds depth and complexity to the bread.
• ½ cup (100 g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the spices.
• ¾ cup (150 g) Brown Sugar (packed): Brown sugar brings moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• 1 ¾ cup (345 g) Pumpkin Puree: The main ingredient that gives this bread its distinctive flavor and moisture.
• ½ cup (100 ml) Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness of the bread and adds a lovely aroma.
• 2 Large Eggs (room temperature): Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together.
• ¼ cup (60 ml) Milk: Adds a touch of creaminess and helps achieve the perfect consistency for the batter.

Variations for Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

While this pumpkin bread is already packed with flavor, there are a few ways you can customize it to make it even more personal:

• Add Nuts or Seeds: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even pumpkin seeds would make a great addition to the batter for added crunch.
• Incorporate Chocolate Chips: For a touch of sweetness, fold in some semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
• Substitute for Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free: If you need a dairy-free version, substitute the milk for almond milk or coconut milk, and use a dairy-free oil. For gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Spiced Up: If you like your bread extra spicy, try adding ground ginger or nutmeg to enhance the five-spice flavor.
• Sweet Glaze: Once your bread cools, drizzle it with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk for an extra sweet finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and five-spice powder. Set the dry ingredients aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix these ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Then, add the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that could result in a denser bread.

5. Add Milk and Adjust Consistency

Add the milk and stir to combine. This will help loosen the batter to the perfect consistency, which should be thick but spoonable.

6. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to even it out.

7. Bake the Bread

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and slightly cracked.

8. Cool the Bread

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

This Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is so versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few ideas for how to serve and enjoy it:

• For Breakfast: Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a hot cup of coffee or tea.
• As a Snack: Pair with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a delicious snack.
• With a Glaze: Drizzle the bread with a light icing made from powdered sugar and vanilla for a sweet finish.
• As Dessert: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• For Gifting: Wrap it in parchment paper and twine, and share with friends and family during the holidays.

Storing Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also store the bread in the fridge for up to a week if you prefer a chilled treat.

If you want to keep your pumpkin bread for a longer period, it freezes wonderfully. Simply wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it at room temperature or warm it up in the microwave.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving – 1 slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	18 g
Protein	3 g

Conclusion

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday event, or simply for your own enjoyment, this Five Spice Pumpkin Bread will surely become a favorite. The balance of spices, the moist texture, and the rich flavor of pumpkin make it an autumn must-have. So, why wait for fall? Embrace the season and bake this delicious, spiced bread today!