1 Shares

As the crisp autumn air begins to weave through my window, I find myself drifting into the warm embrace of baking. There’s something undeniably inviting about the scent of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen, mingling with the nostalgic essence of cozy evenings. This Five Spice Pumpkin Bread has become my go-to recipe, bringing comfort to chilly days and delighting friends and family alike.

I stumbled upon this gem while experimenting with pantry staples during a particularly rainy afternoon, and it turned out to be an unexpected treasure. The combination of fragrant five-spice seasoning mixed with rich pumpkin creates an explosion of flavor that’s both comforting and exotic. Not only is this bread easy to whip up, but it also serves as a splendid centerpiece for gatherings, perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a staple in your own home!

Why is Five Spice Pumpkin Bread a Must-Try?

Irresistible Aroma: The delightful blend of five spices fills your kitchen with warmth, making it a must-bake in the fall.
Unique Flavor: This recipe offers a bold twist on traditional pumpkin bread, featuring an exotic flavor profile that will surprise your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, this cake is perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit at gatherings, ensuring happy smiles around the table!

Five Spice Pumpkin Bread Ingredients

Gather everything you need for this aromatic delight!

For the Bread

All-purpose flour – 1 ¾ cup (225 g); the foundation for your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread, providing the perfect texture.
Baking soda – 1 teaspoon; this is key for a nice rise in your bread, ensuring it’s fluffy and light.
Baking powder – ½ teaspoon; works with baking soda to add extra lift for a tender crumb.
Salt – 1 teaspoon; enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin and spices.
Cinnamon – 2 teaspoons; this classic spice elevates the warmth, making your bread synonymous with fall.
Five spice powder – 1 ¼ teaspoons; this unique blend is the star of the show, introducing a delightful twist to your pumpkin bread.
Granulated sugar – ½ cup (100 g); adds sweetness and a bit of crunch to the top of your loaf.
Brown sugar – ¾ cup (150 g) packed; gives a deeper flavor and moisture that keeps each slice delightful.
Pumpkin puree – 1 ¾ cups (345 g); the heart of the recipe, contributing flavor and natural sweetness.
Vegetable oil – ½ cup (100 ml); ensures your bread is moist without being overly heavy.
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon; enhances the flavor, adding a layer of warmth and richness.
Eggs – 2 large, room temperature; these bind everything together while adding richness to the bread.
Milk – ¼ cup (60 ml); helps create a tender crumb and keeps your bread moist.

Now you’re all set with your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread ingredients! Gather your supplies, and let’s make some kitchen magic!

How to Make Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

Preheat: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature for your bread to rise beautifully and develop a golden crust.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and five spice. Blend them thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout your bread.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and milk. Whisk until you have a smooth, well-combined mixture that embodies all the warm, inviting flavors.
Integrate Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t worry about small lumps; you want to avoid overmixing for the softest texture.
Pour into Pan: Grease your baking pan and pour the luscious batter into it, smoothing the top with a spatula. Imagine the warm, fragrant spices wafting through your kitchen as it bakes!
Bake: Place your pan in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. Your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and your kitchen smells heavenly.

Optional: Serve warm with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for an extra indulgent touch.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Tips for the Best Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

Room Temperature Eggs: Always use room temperature eggs for a smoother batter, ensuring a light and airy Five Spice Pumpkin Bread.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so embrace those little lumps!
Fresh Spices: Use fresh five spice powder for vibrant flavors. Old spices can dull the taste, making your bread less exciting.
Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the bread to test doneness; it should come out clean. Baking too long can dry it out.
Moisture Matter: If your pumpkin puree is too watery, drain it slightly to prevent a soggy texture in your finished bread.

Five Spice Pumpkin Bread Variations

Feel free to sprinkle your unique flair onto this delightful bread with these exciting twists!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a deliciously inclusive treat.
Nutty Addition: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an enjoyable crunch and added richness. Nuts bring a delightful texture that complements the soft bread so well.
Chocolate Swirl: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips or a swirl of melted chocolate for a decadent surprise in every bite. Imagine the way the chocolate melts and hugs the spices!
Dairy-Free: Swap milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a dairy-free option without missing out on flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes to the batter for a warm, spicy twist that brings depth to the sweetness.
Zesty Citrus: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon into the batter for a bright citrusy note that enhances the flavors of pumpkin and spice.
Pumpkin Seed Topping: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds on top before baking for a delicious, nutritious crunch that complements the bread beautifully.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple syrup glaze on top after baking for an irresistible sweetness that elevates your bread to a whole new level.

How to Store and Freeze Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

Room Temperature: You can keep your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread at room temperature for up to 3 days, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Fridge: If you prefer, this bread can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure to wrap it securely to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other odors.

Freezer: For extended storage, freeze slices or the whole loaf wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, pop slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.

Make Ahead Options

These Five Spice Pumpkin Bread preparations are a busy home cook’s dream! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and five spice) and store them in an airtight container up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, the wet ingredients (sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, vanilla, eggs, and milk) can be combined and refrigerated for up to 24 hours, which helps you save time on busy mornings. When you’re ready to bake, simply bring the wet mixture to room temperature and stir in the dry ingredients until combined. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delicious flavor and fresh-baked aroma with minimal effort!

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Cake?

Create the perfect autumn feast with delightful sides that enhance this comforting dessert.

Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin cake beautifully.
Maple Glaze: Drizzle some sweet maple glaze over each slice for an indulgent, fall-inspired flavor that will elevate your cake experience.
Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy element, enhancing the cake’s moistness while balancing its spices.
Caramel Sauce: A rich caramel sauce drizzled on top adds a delightful sweetness and a touch of decadence that pairs wonderfully with pumpkin spice.
Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea, with its own blend of spices, resonates perfectly with the flavors of the cake and invites cozy moments.
Candied Pecans: Crunchy candied pecans sprinkled on the side provide a delightful contrast in texture and add a nutty sweetness that complements the spices.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Keep the flavor theme strong with a pumpkin spice latte—its warm spices will mirror those of your cake, creating a harmonious combination.
Cheesecake Bites: Small cheesecake bites offer a creamy palate cleanser between bites and bring a hint of tanginess that balances the cake’s sweetness.

Five Spice Pumpkin Bread Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to select ripe pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing pumpkin for your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread, look for pumpkins that are firm, with a smooth skin and deep coloration. Avoid those with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe or spoiled. If you’re using canned pumpkin puree, ensure it’s 100% pure pumpkin with no added ingredients for the best flavor.

How should I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Very! You can store your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread at room temperature for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week, ensuring it’s also well-wrapped to maintain its moisture.

Can I freeze my pumpkin bread? How?
Absolutely! Freezing your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is a great way to preserve its deliciousness. Simply slice the bread or freeze the whole loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Label it with the date, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm treat, reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

What should I do if my bread comes out too dense?
If your Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Remember to stir gently until just combined, leaving some lumps. Also, make sure your baking soda and powder are fresh; old leavening agents can affect the rise, leading to a denser texture. Lastly, ensure you’re using room temperature ingredients to promote a better rise.

Are there any allergy considerations for this bread?
Definitely! When making Five Spice Pumpkin Bread, it’s key to consider any allergies. This recipe contains gluten (from all-purpose flour) and dairy (from milk). You can easily substitute gluten-free flour blends and plant-based milk to accommodate gluten and dairy sensitivities. Also, check that your five-spice powder doesn’t contain any allergens like nuts, which can vary by brand. Always label for those with food allergies!