Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf with 8 Simple Ingredients for a Cozy Morning

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf is the epitome of cozy fall baking. With its soft, moist texture and deliciously spiced flavors, it’s the perfect treat for a chilly morning or a comforting snack. The addition of a caramelized brown sugar topping adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making it irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it at a holiday gathering, this loaf brings a warm and inviting vibe to any occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cloves
1/4 tsp ginger
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup milk
2 tbsp brown sugar (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Stir in the pumpkin puree and milk until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the top with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar for a crunchy crust.
Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8–10 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Nutty Pumpkin Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch.
Glazed Pumpkin Loaf: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.
Spicy Pumpkin Loaf: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a more intense spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store wrapped in foil or an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This loaf freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the entire loaf in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of oil for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or any neutral oil of your choice.

2. Can I make this loaf without eggs?

Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water for each egg).

3. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar that will affect the flavor of the loaf.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, healthier loaf.

5. How do I know when the loaf is fully cooked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the loaf is done.

6. Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

7. Can I add chocolate chips to this pumpkin loaf?

Yes, adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips would give the loaf a delightful sweet touch.

8. How do I prevent my loaf from sinking in the middle?

Make sure to avoid overmixing the batter, as it can lead to a denser loaf that might sink in the middle. Also, ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh.

9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

10. Can I freeze slices of this loaf individually?

Yes, slice the loaf and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap or foil before freezing for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf is the perfect combination of moist, spiced pumpkin goodness with a sweet, crunchy brown sugar topping. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and is sure to become a fall favorite. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, it’s the kind of comforting loaf that warms the soul.

Brown Sugar Pumpkin Loaf with 8 Simple Ingredients for a Cozy Morning