We’ve always been fans of the cozy vibes from Great Harvest Bread Company’s pumpkin bread recipe, a staple that brings fall flavors to life with its moist crumb and warm spices. Hailing from a beloved bakery chain known for fresh-baked goodness, this loaf captures the essence of seasonal baking we crave each autumn.
It’s more than just a treat—it’s our go-to for easy homemade comfort that rivals the original. Join us as we share tips to make it your new favorite.
Ingredients
In our Great Harvest Bread Company Pumpkin Bread recipe, we focus on high-quality ingredients that deliver the moist texture and warm spices you love. Below, we’ve organized them in the order they’re used, with prep notes for accuracy.
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups, sifted to ensure even blending and prevent clumping—start with this as the base for dry ingredients.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for adding sweetness that balances the earthy pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin puree: 1 can (15 ounces), pureed and at room temperature to maintain moisture and enhance that signature fall taste.
- Large eggs: 2, lightly beaten to bind the batter effectively.
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup, for creating a tender crumb—use a neutral oil to avoid overpowering the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground if possible, to infuse warm, aromatic notes.
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, for a subtle, nutty depth that complements the pumpkin.
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon, to help the bread rise perfectly.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance overall flavor balance.
- Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted for extra crunch, and ½ cup chocolate chips for a decadent twist if desired.
This selection ensures our Pumpkin Bread captures the comforting essence of the original bakery version while being easy to prepare at home.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Great Harvest Bread Company Pumpkin Bread Recipe with ease, we gather a few key tools that ensure precise mixing, even baking, and perfect results every time. These essentials help us achieve the moist texture and warm spice blend that make this bread a fall favorite.
- Mixing Bowls: We recommend using at least two medium-sized mixing bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and spices, and another for wet ingredients such as pumpkin puree and eggs—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s balance of flavors, so precise measuring cups (for liquids and dry goods) and spoons (for smaller quantities) help us avoid common baking pitfalls.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A sturdy whisk works well for blending the batter smoothly, but if we want to save time, an electric mixer ensures the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg distribute evenly for that signature Great Harvest taste.
- Loaf Pan: Opt for a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan to give our pumpkin bread its classic shape and allow for even rising and browning in the oven.
- Spatula: A flexible rubber spatula is essential for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl and transferring batter into the pan without wasting any of the flavorful mixture.
- Oven: A reliable conventional or convection oven preheated to the right temperature is key to baking our bread to golden perfection.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, we use a wire cooling rack to let the bread cool evenly, preserving its moist crumb and preventing sogginess from trapped steam.
Instructions
We guide you through preparing our take on the Great Harvest Bread Company pumpkin bread, ensuring a moist, spice-infused loaf that captures the essence of fall with its warm cinnamon aroma and tender crumb. Let’s break down the process step by step for foolproof results.
Prep
First, we preheat the oven to 350°F to guarantee even baking and that rich pumpkin spice scent fills your kitchen. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of vegetable oil or non-stick spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal—this prevents sticking and preserves the bread’s soft texture.
Gather and measure the ingredients in advance for efficiency:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted to avoid lumps.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For balanced sweetness.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Canned or homemade for that authentic, earthy flavor.
- 2 large eggs: At room temperature to blend smoothly.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture for a tender result.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Ground fresh for bold spice notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Freshly grated for warmth.
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added crunch and indulgence.
In separate mixing bowls, organize the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, spices) and wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, eggs, oil) to streamline the next steps.
Mix
We start by whisking the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined, ensuring the cinnamon and nutmeg distribute evenly for that signature Great Harvest flavor. In another bowl, beat the wet ingredients—pumpkin puree, eggs, and vegetable oil—with an electric mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until smooth and glossy, evoking the creamy, spiced essence that makes this bread irresistible.
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula, stirring just until incorporated to maintain a light, airy batter—overmixing can toughen the loaf. If using add-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now for bursts of texture that enhance the moist interior.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared 9×5-inch loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure a uniform rise and golden crust. We bake the loaf in the preheated 350°F oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, allowing the spices to bloom and fill your home with an inviting autumn aroma.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring the bread directly to the rack. This step prevents sogginess and helps achieve the perfect, velvety crumb that defines Great Harvest pumpkin bread.
Make-Ahead And Storage
To keep our Great Harvest Bread Company Pumpkin Bread fresh and flavorful, we recommend thoughtful make-ahead strategies and proper storage techniques. These methods help preserve the bread’s moist crumb, warm spices, and comforting fall essence without compromising quality.
Make-Ahead Tips
Preparing Great Harvest Bread Company Pumpkin Bread in advance allows us to enjoy its rich, aromatic flavors on demand. Here’s how we do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the batter ahead: We mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, spices) and wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, eggs, oil) separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When ready, combine and bake for that freshly baked aroma and texture.
- Assemble and refrigerate the loaf: After mixing the full batter, pour it into the greased loaf pan and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 12 hours. This lets the flavors meld, enhancing the pumpkin’s earthy sweetness and spice blend before baking.
- Bake and cool fully: If we bake the bread completely, let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil once cooled to lock in moisture, then store as outlined below.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage ensures our Great Harvest Bread Company Pumpkin Bread retains its tender, spiced profile. We focus on methods that prevent staleness and preserve the bread’s inviting scent and taste.
- Room temperature storage: For short-term enjoyment, store the cooled bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil at room temperature. This keeps the moist texture intact for up to 3 days, ideal for savoring the cinnamon-kissed crust and soft interior.
- Refrigerator storage: For longer freshness, wrap the bread securely in plastic wrap and place it in a resealable bag. Refrigerate to extend shelf life, protecting the pumpkin’s vibrant flavor from humidity.
- Freezer storage: Freezing is perfect for extended preservation. First, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or place in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn.
To summarize storage durations clearly, we use the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Best For Preserving |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 3 days | Daily snacking and flavor |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week | Extended freshness |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Long-term storage |
When thawing frozen bread, we transfer it to the refrigerator overnight and warm slices in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes to revive the original cozy warmth and spices. Always check for signs of spoilage before consuming.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this take on Great Harvest’s pumpkin bread, bringing cozy fall vibes right to your kitchen. It’s a simple way to capture that bakery magic at home with ease.
As we wrap up, remember this recipe’s all about creating memorable moments with warm spices and fresh flavors. Give it a try and make it your go-to seasonal favorite—we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your baking routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients in this pumpkin bread recipe?
The main ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Optional add-ins such as walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can enhance flavor. Using high-quality ingredients ensures a moist, flavorful loaf that captures the essence of fall.
How do I make Great Harvest-style pumpkin bread at home?
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, spices) in one bowl and wet ingredients (pumpkin puree, eggs, oil) in another. Combine gently, fold in any add-ins, pour into the pan, and bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack for the best texture.
What equipment is needed to prepare pumpkin bread?
You’ll need mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a whisk or electric mixer to blend the batter, a 9×5-inch loaf pan for baking, a rubber spatula for transferring batter, and a wire cooling rack to prevent sogginess. These tools make the process straightforward and efficient.
Can I add extras like nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Yes, you can fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor. Simply stir them into the batter before pouring it into the pan. This customization keeps the bread moist while enhancing its taste, making it a versatile fall favorite.
How should I store homemade pumpkin bread?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bread at room temperature or in the oven to maintain its warm, spicy essence.
How long does pumpkin bread stay fresh?
Freshly baked pumpkin bread lasts 2-3 days at room temperature, up to a week in the fridge, and several months in the freezer. Proper storage in an airtight container helps preserve its moist crumb and flavors, ensuring you can enjoy it beyond baking day.
Can I make this pumpkin bread recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking to enhance flavors. You can also bake the loaf ahead and store it as mentioned. This makes it easy to have a warm, comforting treat ready for any occasion.