Moist Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf Recipe
Get ready for a delicious breakfast. This pumpkin spice cake loaf is packed with flavor and is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings.
Fall is here, and nothing says autumn like the warm, comforting aroma of pumpkin spice cake loaf baking in your oven! This incredibly moist and flavorful treat combines the perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with rich pumpkin puree.
Here’s a fun fact: pumpkin spice actually originated in the 14th century as a spice blend for pumpkin dishes, long before it became a coffee shop sensation! This pumpkin spice cake loaf is special because it’s ridiculously easy to make, requires just 15 minutes of prep time, and creates the most tender, family-friendly dessert that rivals any bakery creation.
Just like our popular apple cinnamon bread, this recipe proves that homemade always beats store-bought when it comes to seasonal treats.
What is Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf?
Ever wondered why we’re absolutely obsessed with anything “pumpkin spice”? This delightful pumpkin spice cake loaf is essentially autumn baked into a perfect, sliceable form! Think of it as the sophisticated cousin of pumpkin bread, but with a more cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.
Legend has it that early American settlers created similar spiced pumpkin treats to make their limited ingredients stretch further during harsh winters. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe definitely proves that point! Ready to fall in love with your new favorite seasonal dessert?
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf:
Perfect Autumn Comfort Food
This pumpkin spice cake loaf delivers the ultimate cozy experience with every bite. The tender, moist crumb practically dissolves on your tongue while warming spices create an aromatic experience that fills your entire kitchen. The natural sweetness from pumpkin puree creates a rich, almost custard-like texture that’s absolutely divine.
Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness
Making this pumpkin spice cake loaf at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at specialty bakeries. Using simple pantry staples and canned pumpkin puree, you can create a gourmet-tasting dessert for under $5. Compare that to $15-20 for a similar loaf at upscale bakeries!
Incredible Flavor Combinations
The magic happens when warm cinnamon, earthy nutmeg, and aromatic cloves blend with rich pumpkin and vanilla. Optional cream cheese glaze adds tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the spiced cake. Just like our beloved cinnamon roll muffins, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors when combined thoughtfully.
Ready to transform your kitchen into an autumn wonderland? Let’s start baking this incredible pumpkin spice cake loaf together!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf:
Quick Overview
This pumpkin spice cake loaf is surprisingly simple to make and delivers bakery-quality results every time. The secret lies in not overmixing the batter and using room temperature ingredients for optimal texture. With its incredibly moist crumb and perfectly balanced spice blend, this cake stays fresh for days.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful loaf comes out perfectly intact.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This ensures consistent flavor in every bite of your pumpkin spice cake loaf.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be well-blended but don’t worry if it looks slightly separated.
Step 4: Create the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake instead of tender crumb.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
Pour batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The top should spring back lightly when touched and pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice with a sharp knife and serve plain or with optional cream cheese glaze drizzled on top.
What to Serve Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf With:
This versatile pumpkin spice cake loaf pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Serve warm slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For breakfast or afternoon tea, try it alongside hot coffee, spiced chai latte, or creamy hot chocolate.
Create an elegant autumn spread by serving with caramel sauce, maple butter, or cream cheese frosting. Fresh berries like cranberries or chopped pecans add delightful texture contrast. For special occasions, consider pairing with mulled cider or pumpkin spice coffee for the ultimate seasonal experience.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Spice Cake Loaf:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Room temperature eggs and other wet ingredients blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and more even texture in your finished cake loaf.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Gently fold ingredients together just until combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a dense, tough cake instead of the tender crumb we’re aiming for.
Check for Doneness Properly
Insert a toothpick in the center – it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. The cake continues cooking slightly as it cools in the pan.
Ingredient Substitutions
Substitute vegetable oil with melted butter for richer flavor, or use applesauce for a lighter version. Maple syrup can replace up to ½ cup of sugar for deeper autumn flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Store your pumpkin spice cake loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
For reheating, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. This refreshes the texture and enhances the spice aromas. Frozen slices can be thawed and warmed simultaneously in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Iron | 8% DV |
Nutritional values are approximate and based on standard ingredient measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Use 1 cup of fresh pumpkin puree. Roast pumpkin pieces at 400°F until tender, then puree until smooth. Make sure to drain excess moisture for best results.
Why is my pumpkin spice cake loaf dense?
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using expired baking soda. Mix ingredients just until combined and check that your baking soda is fresh (replace every 6 months).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use plant-based milk in the glaze and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The cake itself contains no dairy, making it naturally dairy-free.
How do I know when the loaf is fully baked?
The top should spring back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs. The cake will also start pulling away slightly from the pan sides.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips with the dry ingredients. This adds wonderful texture and flavor variation to your pumpkin spice cake loaf.
What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?
Pumpkin puree is pure pumpkin with no added spices or sweeteners. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which would throw off the recipe’s balance.
Additional Tips for Success
Make-Ahead Options
This pumpkin spice cake loaf actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Bake a day ahead for parties or special occasions. You can also prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine them in the morning for fresh-baked aroma.
Gifting Ideas
Wrap cooled loaves in decorative cellophane with autumn ribbons for perfect hostess gifts or holiday presents. Include a copy of the recipe card for a personal touch that recipients will appreciate.
Seasonal Variations
Try adding orange zest for citrus brightness, or swirl in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra sweetness. During winter holidays, add dried cranberries and chopped pecans for a festive twist.
Storage Solutions
Individual slices wrapped in parchment paper make perfect grab-and-go breakfast treats. Store in airtight containers with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
This pumpkin spice cake loaf recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every time. The combination of warm spices, tender texture, and incredible aroma makes it the perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating your family, this recipe never disappoints!
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