My first bite of Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts is a vivid memory. A close friend invited me over on a chilly autumn afternoon, and as soon as she pulled that loaf from the oven, my kitchen filled with warm cinnamon and nutmeg scents—the kind that automatically bring everyone to the table. The texture was just right: moist pumpkin bread with a subtle crunch from toasted nuts woven through. That loaf wasn’t just a dessert; it was the reason our small gathering felt cozy and special.
Since then, Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts has become a reliable kitchen gem in my rotation. It fits perfectly into real-life cooking, whether it’s a casual afternoon snack, a seasonal brunch, or a thoughtful homemade gift. This pumpkin spice bread offers more than flavor; it’s a simple way to celebrate fall without fuss or expensive ingredients. I especially love sharing it alongside other easy favorites like my pumpkin whipped feta dip—another cozy crowd-pleaser you might want to try.
If you’re a home cook hunting for a delicious, reliable recipe that feels like a warm hug from the oven, this Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts might be exactly what you need. It’s approachable enough for weeknight baking but special enough for holiday gatherings. Plus, with ingredients you probably already have, you can bring this fall spiced quick bread to life anytime. And if your family loves this, they might enjoy something like my toasted walnut pumpkin loaf or variations inspired by classic autumn nut bread traditions.
So, let’s dive into the heart of what makes this pumpkin nut loaf recipe so good and easy. I promise you’ll find the steps doable, the ingredients accessible, and the results worth every bite.
What You’ll Need:

For a perfect Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts, gather these essentials:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (You can swap half for whole wheat if you want a nuttier texture)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (Find this in the regular spice aisle)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (Pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling—no problem if you want to use fresh pumpkin, just roast and puree it)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (If you don’t have oil, melted butter works great in this pumpkin spice bread)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted nuts (I love toasted walnuts, but pecans or even almonds work well — toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes to bring out their flavor)
This Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts is budget-friendly because it uses pantry staples and a humble can of pumpkin. To save time, measure your dry ingredients into a bowl ahead of time. If you’re toasting nuts, do it upfront; they keep well in an airtight container if you have extras.
For a touch of personal flair, I sometimes add an extra pinch of cinnamon and toss my nuts with a sprinkle of salt before folding them in—this little trick brightens the flavors and adds a subtle crunch contrast.
Speaking of prep, if you buy pre-toasted nuts, skip the dry skillet step. Just toss those in at the end. This pumpkin nut loaf recipe keeps, wrapped tightly, at room temperature for 2-3 days or freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Makes your future baking plans smooth and stress-free.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Here’s how I bring Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts to life. From start to finish, it takes about 50 minutes, including the baking.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—makes removal easier.
- Toast those nuts first if you haven’t already. Put them in a dry skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently, until golden and fragrant—about 4-5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Getting these mixed first is my kitchen tip for even spice distribution.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. This mixture looks dreamy already, thick and full of fall promise.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold until just combined. This step is where I usually slow down in the process because overmixing can make your pumpkin nut loaf dense. Aim for a batter that’s well mixed but still a bit lumpy.
- Fold in the toasted nuts, distributing them evenly. The spell of toasted walnut pumpkin loaf truly shines here, as those toasted nuts add delightful texture with every bite.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top gently. This is where the excitement builds, because now you’re minutes from that amazing aroma filling your kitchen.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread is browning too fast, loosely tent with foil after 40 minutes.
- Once out of the oven, let the Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps the loaf finish baking and makes slicing neater.
If your bread looks a little more golden on one side or cracks on top, don’t worry. That just means it’s homemade, with all the quirks that make fall spiced quick bread feel comforting and real.
While your bread bakes, you can prep a batch of my pumpkin whipped feta dip or plan a simple side salad for a cozy meal pairing. These small multitasking tricks save time and make your kitchen rhythm flow smoothly.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!

Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts shines best fresh but is equally tasty a day or two later. I love slicing it thick and serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or chai for a simple morning treat. It’s perfect for fall brunches or as a sweet note after weekday dinners.
Pair this pumpkin nut loaf recipe with a cheese plate featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a grown-up twist. The spices in the bread complement strong cheeses beautifully. It’s also a showstopper alongside lighter fare like a fresh kale salad or roasted root vegetables.
For holiday tables, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream cheese sweetened with a touch of honey. Guests always appreciate the thoughtfulness of these easy extras.
Leftovers find new life as French toast the next morning or cubed into muffins for an autumn nut bread-inspired snack. If you want a more festive take, adding dried cranberries or chopped dates to the batter works brilliantly — you could even swap out some nuts for pumpkin seeds.
One time, my family insisted I bring this Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts to a Thanksgiving potluck, and it disappeared fast. They loved the warm spices and crunchy texture combination. If your family loves this, they’ll also enjoy my cranberry curd bars with walnut shortbread crust for a sweet nutty balance to any meal.
Your Questions Answered
1. Can I make Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld. Bake it one day ahead, wrap it tightly, and store at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze sliced pieces in an airtight bag.
2. What’s the best substitute for vegetable oil in this pumpkin spice bread?
Melted butter works well, adding a richer flavor. You can also use light olive oil or even applesauce for a lower-fat option, though that will make the texture a little denser.
3. How do I adjust this pumpkin nut loaf recipe for more or fewer servings?
This recipe fills one 9×5-inch loaf pan perfectly. For more servings, double the ingredients and use two pans. For fewer, halve it and bake in smaller mini loaf pans, reducing baking time to around 30-40 minutes.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! I’ve seen great feedback from home cooks who swapped the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You might want to add an extra egg or a tablespoon of flaxseed for moisture. For ideas, check this gluten-free pumpkin pecan bread recipe.
5. Are other nuts okay besides walnuts?
Definitely. Pecans, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts make delicious toasted nut pumpkin bread variations. Toasting brings out the oils and deepens flavor—never skip this step.
6. Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried fruit?
For sure. Toss in half a cup of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. This pumpkin nut loaf recipe is flexible that way, so feel free to customize.
7. What if my Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts is too dense or dry?
Make sure not to overmix the batter. Also, check that your baking powder and soda are fresh. Moisture is key—don’t skimp on the pumpkin puree or oil. If it feels dry, a tiny splash of milk or yogurt in the batter helps.
For more recipe inspiration like this, check out this crowd-pleaser Pumpkin Banana Bread {A Fall Favorite!} | Lil’ Luna or the Vegan Pumpkin Loaf with Spelt Flour | The First Mess. Those bring cozy variety to your autumn baking lineup.
Final Thoughts
Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts holds a special spot in my recipe box because it’s the kind of baking I trust to be good every time. It’s approachable, flavorful, and a wonderful way to share a simple, cozy moment with family and friends.
My Best Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts Tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter. Keep it lumpy for tender crumb texture.
- Toast your nuts well. This adds a toasty crunch that transforms ordinary pumpkin bread into something memorable.
- Use fresh spices. Stale cinnamon or nutmeg dulls the fall spices, so keep them fresh.
I’ve tried tasty variations adding chopped apples, swapping walnuts for pecans, and folding in chocolate chips. The toasted walnut version is the crowd favorite, earning the most “can you bake this again?” requests.
I hope you make this Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts your own. Its warm spices, tender crumb, and nutty bites are reliable happiness on a plate. If you do, share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out.
For more delicious ideas you can count on, browse my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce for dinner inspiration or keep cozy with my pumpkin whipped feta dip for snacks.
Trust me, this Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts will become a go-to for cozy days and gatherings alike.
If you want, I keep sharing approachable recipes like these because I believe cooking should be joyful, straightforward, and taste amazing. Your kitchen next steps? Grab the ingredients and start baking this fall spiced quick bread today!
Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Toasted Nuts
This moist and flavorful spiced pumpkin bread is enhanced with toasted nuts, offering a perfect balance of warm autumn spices and crunchy texture for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup toasted chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
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 flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated.
- Fold in the toasted chopped nuts gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking or serve slices with a smear of cream cheese for a delicious twist.