Cozy Up with Ina Garten’s Magical Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Autumn’s crisp breeze carries the warm, inviting aroma of spices dancing through kitchens everywhere.

This beloved Ina Garten pumpkin bread recipe captures the essence of cozy fall afternoons with its rich, comforting flavors.

Soft and moist, each slice promises a delectable journey into seasonal baking bliss.

The blend of classic spices creates a nostalgic harmony that wraps you in warmth.

pumpkin velvety texture mingles perfectly with cinnamon and nutmeg, promising a treat that satisfies deep comfort cravings.

The recipe’s simplicity makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s turn those autumn ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 12

Ingredients for Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the bread, providing structure and creating a tender crumb with soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Ground Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm, aromatic spices that give the pumpkin bread its classic autumn flavor profile.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and creates a smooth, tender crumb in the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together, add structure, and contribute to the bread's soft texture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings moisture, natural sweetness, and signature pumpkin flavor to the bread.

• Vegetable Oil Spray or Butter, Flour: Ensures easy removal of bread from the pan and prevents sticking.

Tools You’ll Use for Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dry ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar, and mix batter smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements for ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients evenly.
• 8 x 4-inch loaf pans: Specific size for baking pumpkin bread.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool completely without getting soggy.
• Toothpick: Helps check if bread is fully baked.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping batter and spreading evenly in pans.

Instructions to Bake Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm up your oven to a cozy 325°F and nestle the rack right in the middle. Grab two loaf pans and give them a quick butter massage, then dust with a light flour coating.

• Dry Ingredient Magic

Grab a mixing bowl and dance together the flour, salt, warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until everything looks beautifully blended.

• Creamy Butter Transformation

Using an electric mixer, cream together butter and sugar until they become a dreamy, fluffy mixture. Crack in eggs one by one, letting each blend smoothly.

• Pumpkin Fusion

Pour in the rich pumpkin puree – don’t worry if the mixture looks a bit uneven. Gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything comes together.

• Baking Adventure

Divide the batter between your prepared pans, creating smooth, even surfaces. Slide into the waiting oven and bake for about 65-75 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean, revealing a perfectly baked treasure.

• Cooling Finale

Let the warm bread rest in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow the loaves to cool completely, filling your kitchen with an incredible autumn aroma.

How to Customize Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• Add an extra tablespoon of vegetable oil or swap half the butter with applesauce to ensure an incredibly tender, soft pumpkin bread that stays fresh longer.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like ginger or cardamom to create a more complex flavor profile that enhances the traditional pumpkin bread taste.
• Fold in chopped pecans, dark chocolate chips, or dried cranberries just before baking to add delightful texture and unexpected bursts of flavor to your bread.
• Drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze or sprinkle turbinado sugar on top after cooling for a professional bakery-style finish that adds both sweetness and visual appeal.
• Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture, and store at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for long-lasting enjoyment.

Plating and Serving Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• Pair with Cozy Comfort: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn snacking experience.
• Elevate Breakfast Moment: Toast a slice and spread with cream cheese or honey butter for a delightful morning treat that transforms your everyday breakfast routine.
• Create Dessert Elegance: Dust with powdered sugar, add a dollop of whipped cream, and serve as a delectable after-dinner dessert that impresses family and friends with minimal effort.
• Gift with Love: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and present as a heartwarming homemade gift during holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful surprise.

Best Storage for Ina Garten Pumpkin Bread

• Refrigerate Wisely: Wrap cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Later: Slice the bread before freezing, then place individual portions in freezer-safe bags. Frozen pumpkin bread stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Room Temperature Tip: Keep uncut loaves on the countertop in an airtight container for 2-3 days, ensuring maximum flavor and soft texture.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore that fresh-baked warmth and softness.