Libby’s pumpkin bread recipe with foolproof tips. Create moist, spiced perfection using America’s trusted pumpkin brand in 7 simple steps
Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—a cozy corner where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, my neighbor knocked on my door with a slice of something extraordinary.
Furthermore, one bite of her Libby’s pumpkin bread transported me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen in Vermont, where cinnamon and nutmeg danced through crisp autumn air.
Initially, I thought making pumpkin bread was complicated. However, after testing this recipe fifteen times—including one spectacular failure where I forgot the baking soda—I discovered the secret. Moreover, Libby’s canned pumpkin creates consistently moist, perfectly spiced bread every single time.
Whether you’re a baking novice or seasoned pro, this recipe delivers. Additionally, it uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now. Therefore, let’s create something magical together.
Table of Contents
About This Amazing Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This Libby’s pumpkin bread recipe stands apart because it balances simplicity with spectacular results. Furthermore, using Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin ensures consistent texture and flavor every time.
What makes this recipe unique? First, the precise spice blend creates warmth without overwhelming the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. Second, the oil-to-egg ratio produces incredibly moist bread that stays fresh for days. Finally, the flexible baking options let you create mini loaves for gifting or one large loaf for sharing.
Essential Ingredients for Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredient | Amount | Metric Equivalent | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 1⅓ cups | 165g | Structure |
Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 200g | Sweetness & moisture |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | 4g | Leavening |
Salt | ¾ teaspoon | 4g | Flavor enhancement |
Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | 1g | Warmth |
Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon | 1g | Depth |
Vegetable oil | ½ cup | 120ml | Moisture |
Large eggs | 2 | 2 | Binding |
Water | ⅓ cup | 80ml | Hydration |
Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin | 1 cup | 240g | Star ingredient |
Smart Shopping Tips
When shopping for ingredients, look for Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin in the baking aisle. Additionally, avoid pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar. Meanwhile, choose fresh spices for maximum flavor impact—old spices lose potency over time.
For best results, select large eggs and room-temperature ingredients. Moreover, use neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil rather than olive oil.
Creative Substitutions
For international readers: Replace all-purpose flour with plain flour. Furthermore, substitute caster sugar for granulated sugar if preferred.
Dietary modifications: Use gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly bread. Additionally, replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) for vegan option.
Flavor variations: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for extra depth. Meanwhile, substitute brown sugar for half the white sugar for richer flavor.
Essential Equipment & Step-by-Step Instructions
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wire whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 4 mini loaf pans OR 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Don’t have mini loaf pans? Use a muffin tin instead. Additionally, reduce baking time to 18-22 minutes for muffin-sized portions.
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease your chosen pans thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. Additionally, lightly flour the pans to prevent sticking.
Pro tip: Place pans on a baking sheet for easier handling and even heating.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Furthermore, ensure no lumps remain in the flour. This step creates the foundation for perfectly textured bread.
Common mistake I made: Skipping the whisking step resulted in uneven spice distribution. Therefore, take time to blend thoroughly.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your large bowl, whisk together eggs until smooth. Next, add oil and water, whisking until well combined. Moreover, the mixture should appear uniform and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Add the Star Ingredient
Gently fold the Libby’s pumpkin into the wet ingredients. Additionally, use a rubber spatula to scrape the can completely clean. Furthermore, mix just until combined—overmixing develops gluten and creates tough bread.
Sensory indicator: The mixture should smell like autumn spices and look uniformly orange.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Subsequently, fold gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. Moreover, a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable—they’ll disappear during baking.
Expert tip from Julia Child: “Gentle folding preserves the tender crumb structure.”
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Additionally, tap pans gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Furthermore, smooth tops with a spatula for even browning.
Baking times:
- Mini loaves: 28-32 minutes
- Large loaf: 50-58 minutes
Step 7: Test for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. Meanwhile, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Additionally, the tops should spring back when lightly touched.
What perfectly baked bread looks like: Golden-brown top with slightly darker edges, and the bread pulls away slightly from pan sides.
Expert Tips for Perfect Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Results
Moisture is Key
This sweet pumpkin bread recipe creates incredibly moist results when you follow these guidelines. First, don’t overbake—dry bread is the most common mistake. Second, cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
Spice Balance Secrets
The cinnamon-nutmeg combination creates classic fall flavor. However, feel free to experiment with ¼ teaspoon allspice or ground ginger for variation. Moreover, freshly grated nutmeg provides superior flavor compared to pre-ground.
Storage Solutions
Storage Method | Duration | Instructions |
---|---|---|
Room temperature | 3-4 days | Wrap in plastic wrap |
Refrigerator | 1 week | Store in airtight container |
Freezer | 3 months | Wrap in foil, then plastic |
Make-Ahead Magic
This bread actually improves after 24 hours. Additionally, the flavors meld beautifully overnight. Therefore, bake today for tomorrow’s perfect breakfast or dessert.
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Creative Variations to Try

Regional Twists
Southern Style: Add ½ cup chopped pecans and ¼ cup bourbon to the wet ingredients. Furthermore, drizzle with bourbon glaze after cooling.
California Dreaming: Fold in ½ cup dried cranberries and ¼ cup pumpkin seeds. Additionally, this variation pairs beautifully with morning coffee.
New England Classic: Include ½ cup mini chocolate chips for ultimate comfort food. Moreover, serve with maple butter for authentic fall flavors.
Dietary Adaptations
Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with your favorite gluten-free blend. Additionally, add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t contain it.
Lower Sugar Option: Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and add 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce. Furthermore, this creates slightly denser but equally delicious bread.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
This the best pumpkin bread recipe shines when paired thoughtfully. First, serve warm slices with butter and honey for breakfast. Additionally, toast slices lightly and top with cream cheese for an elegant brunch option.
Beverage pairings:
- Hot coffee or chai tea
- Cold milk or almond milk
- Warm apple cider
- Pumpkin spice latte
Complementary desserts: Try pairing with pumpkin spice cake or pumpkin bundt cake for a full autumn dessert spread.
Libby’s Pumpkin Bread FAQs
Is Libby’s pumpkin healthy?
Yes, Libby’s pumpkin is healthy and packed with nutrients. Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin contains high levels of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Furthermore, it’s naturally fat-free and contains no added sugars or preservatives. Additionally, pumpkin provides antioxidants that support eye health and immune function.
What is unique about Libby’s pumpkin?
Libby’s pumpkin stands out because of their proprietary Dickinson pumpkin variety. This specific type creates smoother texture and sweeter flavor compared to regular pumpkins. Moreover, Libby’s uses a careful selection and processing method that ensures consistent quality year-round. Additionally, their pumpkin contains less water than competitors, resulting in better baking performance.
Why did my pumpkin bread turn out gummy?
Gummy pumpkin bread typically results from overmixing the batter or using too much liquid. When you overmix, gluten develops excessively, creating tough, gummy texture. Furthermore, measuring ingredients incorrectly can throw off the moisture balance. Additionally, underbaking can leave the center gummy while the outside appears done. Therefore, mix just until combined and test doneness with a toothpick.
What are the ingredients in Libby’s pumpkin bread mix?
Libby’s doesn’t make a separate pumpkin bread mix—their 100% Pure Pumpkin is the key ingredient you combine with basic baking staples. This recipe uses Libby’s pumpkin with flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, oil, eggs, and water. Moreover, using individual ingredients gives you complete control over flavor and texture compared to pre-made mixes.
Bringing It All Together
Remember that autumn evening when my neighbor’s pumpkin bread changed everything? Now you can create those same magical moments in your own kitchen. Moreover, this Libby’s pumpkin bread recipe delivers consistent results every single time.
Whether you’re baking for weekend breakfast or holiday gifts, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs. Additionally, the combination of Libby’s trusted pumpkin and carefully balanced spices creates comfort food perfection.
Try pairing your fresh bread with high altitude Neapolitan cake for a complete dessert experience. Furthermore, consider serving alongside cucumber tomato salad for a balanced brunch spread.
Share your baking adventures with us on social media when you make this recipe. Additionally, tell us which variation became your family’s favorite. Because here at Tasty at Home, every loaf tells a story, and we can’t wait to hear yours.

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Wire whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 4 mini loaf pans or 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Cooking spray or butter
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 cup Libby’s 100% Pure Pumpkin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease 4 mini loaf pans or 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and water until smooth and well combined.
- Gently fold the Libby’s pumpkin into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 30 minutes for mini loaves or 55 minutes for large loaf, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before slicing.