Cozy Fall Flavor in Every Slice
Pumpkin spice season isn’t just for lattes—it’s for baking too. And there’s no better way to welcome the cozy months than with a warm loaf of pumpkin cranberry bread fresh out of the oven. It’s moist, gently sweet, packed with tart cranberries, and filled with all the comforting spices of fall.
Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving breakfast, sharing with neighbors, or just baking for yourself (because you deserve it), this quick bread is a seasonal favorite you’ll want to make on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cranberry Bread
Let’s be real—it checks all the boxes:
- ✅ Moist and tender (no dry crumb here)
- ✅ Spiced to perfection
- ✅ Packed with cranberries for a tart twist
- ✅ Great for gifting or freezing
- ✅ Simple ingredients and one bowl prep
Basically, it tastes like a hug. But better.
Key Ingredients (And What They Do)
Before we mix, let’s peek at the pantry stars behind this loaf:
🎃 Wet Ingredients:
- Pumpkin purée – Not pumpkin pie filling! The base of the loaf and source of moisture.
- Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
- Oil – Keeps the bread soft and tender.
- Brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor.
- Vanilla extract – Balances and enhances the spice profile.
🌾 Dry Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – The structure of your loaf.
- Baking soda – For lift and softness.
- Salt – Brings everything into balance.
- Pumpkin pie spice – The star flavor blend (or mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves).
- Dried or fresh cranberries – Adds bursts of tartness and color.
Optional add-ins: Walnuts, pecans, orange zest, or a crunchy streusel topping.
How to Make Pumpkin Cranberry Bread (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep your pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup oil (vegetable or melted coconut)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Add dry ingredients
Add:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 4: Fold in cranberries
Gently fold in:
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (or 1 cup fresh/frozen)
If using frozen berries, toss them in a teaspoon of flour to prevent sinking.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Pumpkin Pie Spice Substitution (Homemade Blend)
Can’t find a jar of pumpkin pie spice? Mix your own:
| Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Ground nutmeg | ¼ tsp |
| Ground ginger | ¼ tsp |
| Ground cloves | ⅛ tsp |
Add to any recipe calling for pumpkin spice—it works beautifully in this bread.
Make It Your Own: Fun Variations
This base is versatile! Try these tweaks:
🍊 Orange Cranberry Pumpkin Bread
Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest and use fresh cranberries for a citrusy zing.
🥜 Nutty Twist
Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
🧁 Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins
Scoop into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20–22 minutes.
🍫 Chocolate Chip Version
Swap cranberries for dark chocolate chips or do a 50/50 mix!
Storing & Freezing Tips
This bread stays fresh and flavorful for days—here’s how to keep it that way:
🧊 Storing:
- Store at room temp in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Refrigerate up to 6 days for longer shelf life.
❄️ Freezing:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze whole or in slices for up to 3 months.
- Reheat slices in the toaster oven or microwave.
Bonus Tip: Wrap slices individually for grab-and-go breakfasts.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is fabulous on its own, but here are some fun pairings:
- With a smear of cream cheese or butter
- Alongside your morning coffee or tea
- As a brunch side with eggs and fruit
- Cubed and toasted for fall bread pudding
- Sliced and served warm for holiday gatherings
Want to get fancy? Drizzle with a light maple glaze or cream cheese icing.
Nutritional Estimate (Per Slice – Based on 10 Slices)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~230 kcal |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Sodium | 190mg |
Based on standard ingredients and dried cranberries. Values may vary with substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Absolutely! Chop them roughly or leave them whole for extra tartness. You may want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the tang.
❓ Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin purée?
Yes, if the label says “100% pumpkin.” Avoid “pumpkin pie filling,” which contains sweeteners and spices.
❓ Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add an extra egg or 2 tablespoons of yogurt to help with moisture if needed.
❓ Why is my bread dry?
Most likely it was overbaked. Check at 50 minutes with a toothpick. Also, avoid overmixing the batter.
❓ Can I make this vegan?
Sure! Use flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 5 tbsp water) and substitute maple syrup for honey. Use plant-based oil and skip any dairy toppings.
Why This Recipe Just Works
Pumpkin bread is a classic—but adding cranberries gives it a seasonal edge. The sweetness of the pumpkin and spice meets the tart pop of cranberry. It’s nostalgic, but with a twist. And the fact that it’s so easy to make? That’s just icing on the loaf.
This recipe is:
- Moist and flavorful
- Kid- and freezer-friendly
- Adaptable for muffins or mini loaves
- Ideal for sharing (or not—we don’t judge)
Whether you’re a fall fanatic or just love a good quick bread, this one deserves a spot in your baking rotation.
🍂 Final Thoughts: Bake It & Share It
There’s just something heartwarming about baking with pumpkin. It makes your kitchen smell amazing, gives you a cozy vibe, and brings people together. This pumpkin cranberry bread is one of those recipes you’ll bake once and bookmark forever.
So tie on that apron, turn up your favorite fall playlist, and get baking. Your house will smell like a hug—and your taste buds will thank you.
✅ Want more cozy recipes like this? Visit bebup.org/food
✅ Perfect for fall mornings, holiday gifting, or sneaky midnight snacking!
