Name: Harvest Spice Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup pumpkin puree ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup vegetable oil 2 large eggs 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg ¼ teaspoon ground cloves ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped pecans

Moist, warmly spiced, and irresistibly fragrant—Harvest Spice Bread is everything you crave when autumn rolls around. With its tender crumb and rich flavor, this loaf is a perfect companion to a hot mug of coffee on crisp mornings. The medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes, making it a seasonal must-have.

This bread balances sweet and earthy notes, with a touch of crunch from chopped pecans. Whether you serve it for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet ending to dinner, it delivers cozy fall vibes in every bite. Plus, it keeps beautifully, making it ideal for gifting or prepping ahead for busy weeks.

What Makes a Perfect Harvest Spice Bread?

The key to a great Harvest Spice Bread lies in the spice blend and moisture balance. A mix of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg adds depth, while ingredients like pumpkin puree or applesauce keep the loaf soft and luscious. Using oil instead of butter often results in a moister crumb that stays tender longer. And don’t forget a handful of nuts or seeds for texture.

Ingredients for the Harvest Spice Bread

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and foundation for the loaf.
Pumpkin puree: Adds rich moisture and classic fall flavor.
Brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb ultra-moist and tender.
Eggs: Bind the batter and help it rise.
Baking soda & baking powder: Ensure a light rise and fluffy texture.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger: Deliver that essential warm, spicy aroma.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
Chopped pecans: Add crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft crumb.

How To Make the Harvest Spice Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out. This helps keep the process smooth and quick.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the brown sugar and mix well until the sugar begins to dissolve. Stir in the vegetable oil and pumpkin puree, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans last, reserving a few to sprinkle on top if you like a decorative finish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Tap it gently on the counter to remove air bubbles and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve when it’s fully cooled to maintain its shape and texture.

How to Serve and Store Harvest Spice Bread

Serve this bread warm or at room temperature, sliced thick and slathered with butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence. It’s lovely alongside a cup of coffee or chai and can double as breakfast or dessert. For a festive twist, lightly toast the slices and top with apple butter or whipped cinnamon cream.

To store, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the toaster or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

Unsweetened applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes work well as substitutes. They offer similar moisture and body with a slight flavor variation.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend that contains xanthan gum for structure.

Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Absolutely. If you’re nut-free or just prefer a smoother texture, omit the pecans. You can also swap them for dried cranberries or chocolate chips.

Can I use fresh pumpkin?

Yes, just make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth. Drain any excess water to avoid making the batter too wet.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should also spring back slightly when pressed.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. You can double the ingredients and bake in two separate loaf pans. Freeze one for later or gift it to a friend!

Want More Fall Baking Ideas?

If this Harvest Spice Bread has you ready to turn on the oven, here are a few more cozy bakes you’ll love from the Life with Jam kitchen:

Amish Applesauce Cake for an ultra-moist slice with old-fashioned charm.
Cinnamon Sweet Alabama Pecanbread if you crave sticky-sweet, nutty flavor.
Brown Butter Dulce de Leche Rice Krispie Treats for a gooey, caramel-packed snack.
Old-Fashioned Egg Custard Pie for silky simplicity that’s perfect after dinner.
Easy Pumpkin Muffins when you want grab-and-go autumn flavor.

Each one brings seasonal comfort with a unique twist—perfect for filling your kitchen with warmth and spice.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you always have a cozy fall bake at your fingertips: Life with Jam Pinterest

Tried this Harvest Spice Bread? Let me know how it turned out in the comments. Did you add cranberries? Go nut-free? I love hearing how you personalize these recipes. Let’s make fall baking even better together.