There’s something about the first chilly morning that calls for a slice of pumpkin apple bread. It’s that moment when the kitchen smells like cinnamon and nutmeg, and you find yourself sneaking a piece before breakfast, just because. I remember one autumn day—I had about ten minutes before heading out, and the loaf was still a bit warm. The crust was slightly crisp, just how I like it, and the sweet scent of apple mixed with pumpkin filled the room. I wasn’t even fully awake, but that first bite felt like a soft hug, with just a hint of spice tickling my tongue. Somewhere between the crunch of the crust and the tender crumb, I realized this bread wasn’t just about flavor—it was about those little imperfect mornings, with a bit of butter melting a little too fast because I was distracted by my to-do list.

Combines the moist texture of pumpkin with tender chunks of apple for a satisfying bite.
Warm spices create a cozy atmosphere, but it’s simple enough to enjoy any time.
Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, though it’s not the quickest to bake if you’re in a rush.
Offers a comforting balance of sweetness without being overpowering.

If you’re wondering whether this bread will fit your busy mornings, the answer is yes—just plan ahead. It’s worth the wait.

Pumpkin Apple Bread

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x

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Description

A moist and flavorful pumpkin apple bread, perfect for fall. This quick bread combines the sweetness of pumpkin and apples with warm spices for a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 cup)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger until well combined.
In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chopped apple evenly into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes

Don’t worry about fancy equipment here—just a reliable loaf pan and your usual mixing bowls do the trick. I like to serve this with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey, depending on my mood. Sometimes I add chopped walnuts for an extra crunch, though I haven’t tried it with pecans yet. If you’re feeling adventurous, a handful of raisins or dried cranberries could add a nice twist, but honestly, the apple and pumpkin combo stands strong on its own. Also, if you end up with a few slices left, they toast up nicely the next day.

FAQ

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? I usually stick with canned for consistency, but fresh pumpkin puree works too—just roast and puree it well first.

How do I store leftover bread? Keep it airtight at room temp for a few days or freeze tightly wrapped for longer storage.

Is the batter very thick? It’s a bit thick but still easy enough to spread in the pan, so don’t worry if it looks dense.

Can I swap apples for pears? I haven’t tried pears myself, but they might add a different texture—worth testing if you like experimenting.

Give this pumpkin apple bread a try when you want a little extra warmth in your day. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a quiet celebration of fall, slice by slice.