If you’re anything like me, autumn means cozy sweaters and a kitchen filled with the warm, inviting scent of pumpkin spices. This Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe is one of my absolute favorite ways to welcome that feeling right at home. It’s more than just a loaf; it’s a moist, flavorful treat that balances the richness of pumpkin with the smooth creaminess of vanilla pudding, making every bite irresistibly soft and tender.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how the vanilla pudding mix transformed the pumpkin bread into this incredibly moist cake-like masterpiece, without any extra fuss. Whether you’re baking for a casual weekend breakfast, a holiday gathering, or a comforting snack, this Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a total winner that you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Tender Texture: The vanilla pudding mix works magic to keep the pumpkin bread moist without additional complicated steps.
- Easy and Quick Preparation: I love how this recipe comes together in just a few minutes — perfect for last-minute baking cravings.
- Warm Pumpkin Spice Flavor: The blend of pumpkin spice and pumpkin puree makes it truly seasonal and comforting.
- Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: My family goes crazy for this bread, and it’s always a hit at potlucks and brunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here come together to create that perfect harmony of pumpkin and vanilla flavors, while the pumpkin spice adds a cozy fall feeling. When shopping, use quality pumpkin puree and fresh spices to really let those flavors shine.
- Vanilla instant pudding dry mix: This is the secret ingredient for extra moist and tender bread — don’t skip it!
- Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin for convenience, but make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour here, which provides the perfect crumb structure.
- Baking powder: Helps the bread rise nicely without being too dense.
- Pumpkin spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves is perfect — feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Baking soda: Works together with baking powder for the ideal lift.
- Oil: I prefer a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for moistness without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and help with texture.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is best for sweetness and structure, but brown sugar can add a deeper flavor if you want to experiment.
Variations
I like to switch things up sometimes with this Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe to fit the mood or dietary needs. Feel free to personalize it — you might be surprised how easy it is to make it your own!
- Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend and it still came out great, just be sure to check your blend for baking powder compatibility.
- Nutty Addition: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch — my family loves this twist!
- Chocolate Chips: Want a little extra indulgence? Add semi-sweet or white chocolate chips; it’s a fun way to surprise everyone.
- Less Sweet: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread; it still tastes delicious.
How to Make Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until well combined. Then add the pumpkin puree and sugar, stirring everything together until it’s smooth and has a uniform color. This step is where you build that rich, moist base for your bread, so make sure everything is mixed well but don’t overbeat.
Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients
Now, in goes the vanilla pudding mix, flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and baking soda. I usually sift the flour and leavening agents first to avoid lumps, then gently fold everything together. You want to mix until just combined to keep the bread tender — a few small flour streaks are okay here.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Grease or spray a loaf pan — I love using a butter-greased pan for that subtle extra flavor. Pour in your batter and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread rest in the pan for 15–30 minutes before slicing; this helps it finish setting and makes the slices neater.
Pro Tips for Making Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Measure Flour Carefully: I use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing flour in the cup, which can make the bread too dense.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing just until combined keeps your bread light and tender, trust me — overmixing is a common mistake I avoid.
- Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool properly so it doesn’t crumble when you cut into it — patience pays off!
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Spice: Freshly ground spices add a vibrant flavor; pre-mixed mixes can lose potency over time.
How to Serve Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of simple garnishes that highlight the bread’s warm flavors — a light spread of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey takes it to the next level. Sometimes I sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top after slicing for an added crunch and nutty contrast.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. I also like serving it alongside a creamy yogurt parfait or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast or snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged slices on a wooden board surrounded by cinnamon sticks and autumn leaves for a beautiful rustic display. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine makes adorable grab-and-go treats for guests or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once my Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread has cooled completely, I wrap it loosely in a paper towel before placing it in an airtight container or zip-top bag. The paper towel helps absorb excess moisture so it stays fresh longer without getting soggy. I keep it on the counter and it stays good for about 3-4 days.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this pumpkin bread many times by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This method keeps it from drying out, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter before reheating.
Reheating
When I want to enjoy this bread warm, I let it come to room temperature first, then pop it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. This refreshes the moist texture and gives it that freshly baked feel—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree in this recipe?
Yes, you can! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it first, then use the same amount as canned pumpkin puree. Keep in mind fresh puree sometimes contains more water, so you might need to drain some excess moisture or adjust the flour slightly.
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Why do we add vanilla pudding mix to pumpkin bread?
The pudding mix adds extra moisture and a subtle creaminess that gives the bread a tender, cake-like texture without extra fat or complicated ingredients. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference in the final loaf!
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How long does this pumpkin bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container with a paper towel inside, the bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days. Beyond that, freezing is your best bet to keep it tasting great.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, swap the vanilla pudding mix with a dairy-free instant pudding or omit it and add a bit more pumpkin puree for moisture. For a vegan option, replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes and use dairy-free pudding mix. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it’s still quite tasty.
Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s such an easy yet impressive treat that delights everyone I share it with. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly it comes together and how scrumptious it tastes with that rich pumpkin goodness wrapped in vanilla warmth. It’s the perfect companion for cozy mornings or anytime you want to bring a little comfort to the table.
PrintVanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread combining the warm spices of pumpkin spice with the smooth sweetness of vanilla instant pudding mix. Perfect for autumn snacking or a comforting breakfast treat, this easy-to-make bread comes together quickly and bakes to a soft, tender crumb with rich pumpkin flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) Vanilla instant pudding dry mix
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the pumpkin bread.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and oil until well combined. Then add the pumpkin puree and sugar, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the vanilla instant pudding mix, flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, and baking soda to the wet mixture. Stir everything together gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray or grease it with butter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Place it in the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and allow it to rest in the pan for 15-30 minutes. Then remove from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Storage – Leftovers: Ensure the bread is fully cooled. Wrap loosely in a paper towel and place inside a zip-top bag or airtight container. Store at room temperature; no refrigeration needed. Paper towels help absorb moisture.
- Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating or serving.
- Reheating: Allow the bread to come to room temperature before reheating. Warm it in a 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh its texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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