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This Harvest Spice Bread is everything you love about fall baked into one incredibly moist, warmly spiced loaf. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves wrapped into a soft crumb and just enough sweetness, it’s the kind of bread that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a hot drink. Whether you’re using up leftover canned pumpkin or just craving something cozy, this loaf delivers comfort in every slice.

It’s ideal for breakfast with a smear of butter, an afternoon snack with tea, or even a festive addition to your holiday dessert table. The rich aroma while it bakes is reason enough to whip it up on a chilly afternoon. And the best part? It stays moist for days, making it perfect for gifting or prepping ahead for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Harvest Spice Bread

This bread has a soft, tender texture that slices beautifully and holds its shape. The spices are perfectly balanced—not too overpowering but definitely present—creating a classic autumn flavor without being too heavy. It’s incredibly simple to make with pantry staples, and you can customize it by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries.

It also makes a great base for toasting and topping with cream cheese or nut butter. And if you love quick breads but hate overly sweet ones, this recipe hits that just-right note.

What Kind of Spices Work Best for Harvest Bread?

The key to getting the flavor just right is using warm, aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a touch of cloves. You can use a pre-mixed pumpkin pie spice if you like, but measuring them individually gives you more control over the final taste. For a deeper flavor, freshly ground spices work wonders—especially nutmeg.

Ingredients for the Harvest Spice Bread

This bread uses classic baking ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The balance between flour, oil, and pumpkin puree gives it that perfect crumb. And the spices? They transform the bread into something deeply comforting and delicious.

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Ground cloves
• Canned pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

How To Make the Harvest Spice Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and all your spices until evenly combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—just stir enough that you no longer see dry flour.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as-is, or toast and slather with butter.

How to Serve and Store This Cozy Loaf

This Harvest Spice Bread is fantastic served warm with butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a swipe of cream cheese. You can also toast it lightly and enjoy it with coffee or spiced tea.

It makes about 10 slices and is a wonderful addition to brunch spreads or holiday buffets. To store, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat in a toaster oven.

What to Serve With Harvest Spice Bread?

Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a light and airy contrast to the dense, spiced loaf.

Warm Apple Compote

The sweetness and slight tartness of stewed apples pairs beautifully with the spices in the bread.

Creamy Greek Yogurt

Thick, tangy yogurt makes a nice protein-packed breakfast when paired with a slice.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

If you’re a fan of sweet-savory combos, try serving the bread with thin slices of sharp cheese.

Maple Butter

Spread on a little maple butter to intensify the cozy fall flavors.

Roasted Nuts

Serve alongside candied pecans or roasted walnuts for a crunchy contrast.

Spiced Chai Latte

This bread was practically made to be served with a steaming mug of chai.

Want More Fall Baking Ideas?

If you’re into warm, cozy bakes, check out these other comforting recipes:

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake for melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.
• Butter Pecan Pound Cake to double down on nutty flavor.
• Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze if you want a hint of veggie goodness.
• Churro Cheesecake Donut Cookies for when you’re craving something playful.
• Decadent Caramel Banana Pecan Cake for a sticky-sweet celebration.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the spices? Add chocolate chips or nuts? I always love hearing how you make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Harvest Spice Bread is the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Whether you make it for yourself, to share with loved ones, or as a holiday gift, it captures the essence of fall in a loaf. With warm spices, a tender crumb, and endless pairing possibilities, it deserves a spot in your baking rotation.

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