Why You’ll Love this Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bread
When fall arrives with its crisp air and colorful leaves, there’s nothing quite like filling your home with the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin bread baking in the oven.
This recipe combines the perfect balance of cinnamon and cloves with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. The crunchy walnuts add wonderful texture, while plump raisins bring bursts of natural sweetness.
I’m particularly fond of how moist this bread turns out—thanks to the oil and pumpkin—while still maintaining a tender crumb.
And can we talk about versatility? It’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even dessert. Trust me, your family will be asking for seconds.
What Ingredients are in Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bread?
The magic of this spiced walnut pumpkin bread lies in its perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors.
I think what makes this recipe so special is how the warm spices complement the natural sweetness of the pumpkin, while the walnuts and raisins add wonderful texture contrasts.
This is one of those recipes where the ingredient list might look long at first glance, but don’t worry—most of these items are probably already sitting in your pantry waiting to be transformed into something delicious.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 14 ounces canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup raisins
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
When shopping for ingredients, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Make sure you’re grabbing unsweetened canned pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—they’re different products and the pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices.
For the walnuts, you can buy them pre-chopped to save time, but whole ones that you chop yourself will have better flavor since they haven’t been exposed to air as long.
And those raisins? Don’t skip the soaking step in the recipe—it rehydrates them and makes them wonderfully plump and juicy in the finished bread.
How to Make this Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bread
Making this pumpkin bread is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F—this guarantees the oven reaches the right temperature by the time our batter is ready.
While the oven heats up, place 1 cup of raisins in a small bowl with warm water and let them soak for about 5 minutes. This simple step might seem skippable, but trust me, it makes a world of difference in how plump and juicy those raisins will be in the finished bread.
Next, prepare your loaf pan by thoroughly greasing it and dusting with flour. The recipe works beautifully in a small loaf pan, but you could also make mini loaves for gifting (just adjust the baking time accordingly). Many bakers prefer cast iron cookware for its excellent heat retention and even baking properties when making bread.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 cups sugar, and 14 ounces of unsweetened canned pumpkin until well blended. Add in 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves for that perfect fall spice profile, followed by 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons baking soda. Mix until just combined—overmixing can make the bread dense rather than tender.
For the final touch, drain those soaked raisins thoroughly and toss both the raisins and 1 cup chopped walnuts with a little flour. This coating helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
Gently fold these goodies into your batter, pour into the prepared pan, and bake for approximately 1 hour. For optimal results, consider using a high-end Dutch oven which provides exceptional heat distribution and moisture retention during baking. How do you know when it’s done? The toothpick test is your friend here—insert it into the center and look for it to come out almost clean, with perhaps a few moist crumbs attached.
That slight moistness means you’ll have a perfectly tender, not dry, pumpkin bread once it cools.
Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bread Substitutions and Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the basic recipe, let’s explore how flexible this pumpkin bread can be with some creative substitutions and variations.
Don’t have walnuts? Pecans or almonds work beautifully.
For a healthier twist, swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, or try gluten-free flour blends if that’s your preference.
Not a fan of raisins? Dried cranberries or chopped dates add wonderful texture and sweetness.
You can even mix in chocolate chips for a decadent treat, because, who doesn’t love chocolate?
For extra fall flavor, increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
What to Serve with Spiced Walnut Pumpkin Bread
While your freshly baked spiced walnut pumpkin bread smells absolutely divine on its own, pairing it with complementary foods and beverages elevates this autumn treat to new heights.
I love serving a warm slice with a generous smear of cream cheese or honey butter—the creamy richness against the spiced bread? Heaven.
A steaming cup of chai tea or coffee makes the perfect companion, especially on chilly mornings.
For an unexpected twist, try serving thin slices with a cheese board featuring mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
And during the holidays? This bread transforms into an elegant dessert when topped with vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
Final Thoughts
This spiced walnut pumpkin bread has become my ultimate fall tradition, bringing warmth and comfort with each slice.
The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is reason enough to whip up a loaf, trust me.
What makes this recipe special is its versatility. You can adjust the spices to your preference, swap walnuts for pecans, or even add chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Remember to let it cool completely before slicing, difficult as that may be. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead entertaining or weekend baking.
If you enjoy comforting home-baked goods, you might also appreciate how creamy sauce transforms simple ingredients in dishes like chicken and broccoli casserole.
Just like our pumpkin bread, the hashbrown casserole combines simple ingredients that merge into something greater than the sum of their parts when baked to golden perfection.
