My Mom’s decades old, super easy, moist, spicy and delicious pumpkin bread recipe that can even be made using canned pumpkin or pie filling instead if you like.

The Best Pumpkin Bread
There is definitely no shortage of pumpkin bread recipes out there. Everyone who bakes probably already has a favourite recipe.
But, after several recent requests from readers I decided to post our family’s super easy recipe. It’s the one that I have been making for decades.
Pumpkin bread is really a kind of spice cake, made particularly moist by the addition of pumpkin puree. I used roasted pumpkin puree, made simply from roasting pumpkin pieces on a parchment lined baking sheet until tender.
Then, I puree the pieces in a food processor until smooth. At this time of the year canned pumpkin puree or even pumpkin pie filling can be used instead.

Sultana Raisins
Sultana Raisins are mostly what I use in this recipe but any kind on hand will do. Or, of course, you need not use them at all if you prefer.
If using pumpkin pie filling you will probably need to cut back on the spices a little because spices are already added to the filling. The raisins are optional but I always preferred my pumpkin bread with raisins when I was a kid and still do.

Fresh pumpkin puree, canned pumpkin or even pumpkin pie filling can be used in this recipe.
Originally published Feb 2013. Updated Sept 2020.
Love old fashioned baking recipes?
You might also like our Delicious Date Nut Bread!

Like this Pumpkin Bread recipe?
You’ll find hundreds of other sweet ideas in our Cakes & Pies Category and even more in our Desserts Category.
It’s easy to keep up with the latest home style cooking & baking ideas from Rock Recipes. Be sure to follow Rock Recipes Facebook Page and follow us on Instagram.
Plus you’ll see daily recipe suggestions from decadent desserts to quick delicious weekday meals too.

You can also sign up for our FREE newsletter to know immediately when we add new recipes. You’ll also get weekly suggestions for great family friendly meals and desserts too!

Rock Recipes a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Our product recommendations are almost exclusively for those we currently use or have used in the past.

Nancy Jacobs
Monday 10th of November 2025
What size are the loaf pans? 9"x5"? Or smaller? With only 2 cups of flour, I'm wondering if they are smaller.
Barry
Monday 10th of November 2025
@Nancy Jacobs, I've used both. I have slightly deeper 8x4 pans that work as well.
Shirley
Wednesday 17th of September 2025
Apparently, canned pumpkin purée and canned pumpkin pie filling are not interchangeable but the recipe says that either can be used. Have you tried using the pumpkin pie filling? Don’t want to try it and ruin the bread. Thank you.
Barry C. Parsons
Thursday 18th of September 2025
If the wcanned filling has spices added u will need to modify the recipe.
Nancy
Friday 30th of September 2022
Loved this pumpkin bread recipe. Made it today and already one half the loaf is gone. Yummy! 5 stars
Monika Goertz
Tuesday 28th of September 2021
Just wondering, would it be possible to substitute applesauce for the oil to make it a lower fat bread?
Lynn Parsons
Thursday 9th of December 2021
We have never tried it
Lloyd
Saturday 19th of September 2020
Barry I really love your posts. I would suggest adding 1/4 tsp of freshly ground black pepper to this pumpkin bread recipe. I know it sounds crazy but believe me it isn't. I have made it this way for years and people are always asking me what's in it that gives it that little extra kick It's a very subtle difference that makes people want more. I usually make ten extra loaves for the family at Christmas time.