Five Spice Pumpkin Bread

Short Description

Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is a rich, moist quick bread infused with the warm, complex flavors of Chinese five-spice powder and classic pumpkin. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional pumpkin bread, making it an ideal treat for the fall season or anytime you’re craving a spiced baked good.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique twist on traditional pumpkin bread
• Warm, aromatic flavor from Chinese five-spice
• Incredibly moist and soft texture
• Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert
• Makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking
• Can be customized with nuts, glaze, or chocolate chips
• Freezes well for make-ahead convenience
• Great for gifting during the holidays
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Chinese five-spice powder
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• Milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and five-spice powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Add the eggs and milk to the wet mixture, whisking until fully blended.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 65–75 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chip Version: Add a cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter among mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 25–35 minutes.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a maple glaze after baking for a touch of sweetness.
• Spice Swap: Substitute pumpkin pie spice for five-spice for a milder flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week when refrigerated.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in a toaster or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

What is Chinese five-spice powder?

It’s a blend of spices typically including star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, and fennel seeds. It brings a warm, complex flavor to baked goods.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just make sure it’s well-drained and smooth.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Absolutely. Bake the batter in a muffin tin for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I substitute the five-spice powder?

Yes, you can use pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg if five-spice is unavailable.

Is this bread overly sweet?

No, it has a balanced sweetness that complements the spices and pumpkin well.

What kind of oil should I use?

A neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil is best to let the spices shine.

Can I add a topping before baking?

Yes, a streusel topping made with brown sugar, flour, and butter adds a delicious crunch.

How long does this bread stay fresh?

It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days and up to a week in the fridge.

Conclusion

Five Spice Pumpkin Bread is a deliciously spiced, moist loaf that brings something new and exciting to your fall baking lineup. Whether served as a morning treat or an afternoon snack, this bread delivers comfort and warmth in every slice. With easy preparation and plenty of room for personalization, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your kitchen.

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