Introduction
Nothing says fall like the smell of Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl baking in the oven. The sweet pumpkin spice and buttery cinnamon scent fill your kitchen with cozy vibes. Each bite feels soft, moist, and full of warm flavor.
This ultra-soft pumpkin bread is made in one bowl—no mixer needed. You can whip it up in minutes with simple pantry ingredients like pumpkin purée, brown sugar, and cinnamon. The cinnamon-sugar swirl runs through the center, giving every slice a sweet, fragrant touch.
It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet fall treat with coffee or tea. The best part? It stays moist for days and freezes beautifully, so you can bake ahead and enjoy it anytime.
Once you taste this fragrant, bakery-style pumpkin bread, you’ll want to make it all season long.
For more pumpkin recipes, try our:
- 30 Minute Creamy Pumpkin Soup — Simple, Comforting, Delicious
- Easy Creamy Pumpkin Pasta Recipe | One-Pot Weeknight Winner
- Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Brown Butter and Parmesan Crisps
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
Ultra-Soft, Bakery-Style Crumb with Real Pumpkin Purée
This easy pumpkin bread tastes like it came straight from a bakery. The real pumpkin purée keeps every slice moist and tender. Each bite melts in your mouth and feels perfectly soft.
Fragrant Cinnamon-Sugar Swirl in Every Slice
The cinnamon-sugar swirl makes this bread smell amazing. As it bakes, warm cinnamon fills the kitchen. You’ll get a sweet, cozy taste in every slice.
One-Bowl Method — No Mixer, Minimal Cleanup
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Just one bowl, a whisk, and a loaf pan. Mix, swirl, and bake—then enjoy a soft, fragrant pumpkin bread with almost no dishes to wash.
Pantry Staples, Ready for Weeknight Baking
Everything you need is already in your kitchen. Flour, sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin purée come together in minutes. It’s the perfect quick loaf for a cozy fall night.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly for Busy Seasons
Bake it today, enjoy it all week. This pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully. Slice, wrap, and reheat for an instant homemade treat anytime.
Ingredients & Smart Substitutions
Pumpkin Purée and Moisture Boosters
Use real pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. It gives this easy pumpkin bread its soft, rich texture and deep flavor. Add oil or melted butter to keep it moist. For extra tenderness, mix in a spoon of Greek yogurt or buttermilk. These simple swaps make the crumb ultra-soft and full of flavor.
Flour Options
All-purpose flour works best for a tender loaf. However, you can make this pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl gluten-free. Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture stays light, and you still get that bakery-style rise.
Sweeteners
Combine brown sugar and white sugar for the perfect balance. Brown sugar gives a caramel note and helps the bread stay moist. You can also use maple sugar or coconut sugar for a natural sweetness. Each option adds its own warm, cozy flavor to this pumpkin loaf recipe.
Spice Profile
Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice bring the classic fall taste. Add a little nutmeg or ginger for more depth. The mix of spices fills your home with a fragrant, comforting aroma as the bread bakes.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your loaf with fun extras. Try toasted pecans, walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or raisins. These add a lovely crunch and texture without changing the soft crumb.
Step-by-Step: One Bowl, No Mixer
Prep
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a parchment sling. Grease the sides for easy release. This sets you up for easy pumpkin bread success.
Batter
Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth. Add the dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined. Do not overmix. A light hand keeps the crumb ultra soft and tender.
Swirl
Stir cinnamon and sugar together. Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over it. Then add the rest of the batter. This builds that fragrant cinnamon swirl in every slice.
Technique
Drag a knife or skewer in a gentle figure-8. Make two or three passes for clear ripples. Stop before you blend the layers. Less swirl gives better definition and a pretty cut.
Bake & Cool
Bake 55–65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if it browns too fast. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then lift to a rack. Slice when fully cool for neat, bakery-style pieces.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Prep
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a parchment sling. Grease the sides for easy release. This sets you up for easy pumpkin bread success.
Batter
Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth. Add the dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined. Do not overmix. A light hand keeps the crumb ultra soft and tender.
Swirl
Stir cinnamon and sugar together. Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over it. Then add the rest of the batter. This builds that fragrant cinnamon swirl in every slice.
Technique
Drag a knife or skewer in a gentle figure-8. Make two or three passes for clear ripples. Stop before you blend the layers. Less swirl gives better definition and a pretty cut.
Bake & Cool
Bake 55–65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if it browns too fast. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then lift to a rack. Slice when fully cool for neat, bakery-style pieces.
Variations, Serving & Pairing
Prep
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a parchment sling. Grease the sides for easy release. This sets you up for easy pumpkin bread success.
Batter
Whisk the wet ingredients until smooth. Add the dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined. Do not overmix. A light hand keeps the crumb ultra soft and tender.
Swirl
Stir cinnamon and sugar together. Spread half the batter in the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over it. Then add the rest of the batter. This builds that fragrant cinnamon swirl in every slice.
Technique
Drag a knife or skewer in a gentle figure-8. Make two or three passes for clear ripples. Stop before you blend the layers. Less swirl gives better definition and a pretty cut.
Bake & Cool
Bake 55–65 minutes. Use a toothpick to test the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Tent with foil if it browns too fast. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, then lift to a rack. Slice when fully cool for neat, bakery-style pieces.
Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — Ultra Soft & Fragrant
Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl — Ultra Soft & Fragrant
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a small loaf pan (6×3-inch) with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk together pumpkin purée, egg, oil, yogurt, sugars, and vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mix gently until just combined.
- Make the swirl: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Assemble: Pour half the batter into the pan, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter. Gently swirl with a knife in a figure-8 motion.
- Bake: 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let rest 15 minutes in the pan, then move to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm.
FAQs
1) Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
No. Pumpkin pie filling has sugar and spices. Use 100% pumpkin purée for best texture and flavor.
2) How do I keep pumpkin bread ultra soft and moist?
Measure flour correctly, don’t overmix, and bake until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. Oil or melted butter plus yogurt/buttermilk help a lot.
3) Can I make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour with xanthan gum. Check doneness a few minutes early.
4) What’s the best pan size?
A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best. For 8.5×4.5-inch, add 5–10 minutes if needed.
5) How do I get a defined cinnamon swirl?
Layer half the batter, add the cinnamon-sugar, top with the rest, then make 2–3 gentle figure-8s with a knife. Do not over-swirl.
Conclusion
This Easy Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is all about comfort and warmth. It’s simple to make, full of cozy aroma, and always comes out soft and tender. Every slice brings that perfect mix of pumpkin spice and sweet cinnamon.
If you love easy baking, try this recipe and share your thoughts. Rate it, leave a quick tip, or tag me on Instagram with your fresh loaf—I’d love to see your cozy bakes!
And while you’re here, explore more fall baking recipes like Creamy Pumpkin Soup or Sweet Potato Casserole. Together, they make the perfect autumn menu that fills your kitchen with flavor and your home with warmth.
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