With hundreds of rave reviews, this small batch pumpkin bread recipe has earned its spot as the most popular recipe on the blog! Don’t let the size fool you, these mini loaves are packed with deep pumpkin flavor, a texture that stays moist for days, an abundance of fall spices, and a cinnamon swirl top that bakes into a sweet crunch.
Another reason it’s a reader favorite – it can be made into a variety of sizes. I give you options to make the bread in mini loaf pans, single-serve loaves, muffins, or one large loaf. And my favorite tip from a reader – the smaller loaves make the perfect hostess or holiday gifts!
Cindy commented: “Absolutely love this- the recipe is awesome & I love the idea of the mini bread pans❤️. This opens up a whole new way of sharing the love.” ★★★★★
This recipe all started with the humble brownie pan. I bought the pan when I started the blog years ago because I wanted a clever way to make small batch cakes. Turns out, that pan has become infamous for this pumpkin bread instead! So infamous, that it has been copied and AI reproduced so many times – but rest assured, this is the original recipe! I suppose imitation is the best form of flattery …
I’ve lost track of how many times I have made this quick bread. So many times I have to alternate it with something different and make my small pumpkin spice coffee cake, which ironically, has a similar flavor profile.😂 And it’s not just during the fall. Even in the middle of summer, I discover a baggie of pumpkin puree in the freezer and my husband is right there to ask, are you making pumpkin bread?!
Over the years, I have not changed much about the original recipe. However, I have tested every size of loaf and muffin so everyone (not just us small households of two!) can enjoy this bread. While it is easily made in one bowl, I provide step-by-step photos so you can see just how easy!
⭐ The pumpkin bread has become such a staple that I was beyond sad the year I was on a gluten free diet. So I adapted this recipe into its gluten free buddy with the almond flour cinnamon pumpkin bread minis recipe.
Easy Step-By-Step
- Add the pumpkin, sugars, oil, egg, and vanilla to a mixing bowl. Whisk together until smooth.
- Set a mesh strainer over the bowl with the wet ingredients and sift the dry ingredients over the top. This will remove any lumps from the flour or spices.
- Mix the pumpkin bread batter until it is smooth and no streaks of flour remain.
- Evenly portion into your prepared baking pans and smooth out to the edges.
The photos in the post demonstrate 2 mini loaf pans and the square brownie pan. You’ll find bake times for each pan and size in the recipe card.
- Add a generous layer of cinnamon sugar on top of the batter. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl it around on top. Don’t mix it all the way in, we want it to bake into a crunchy top!
- Bake (according to your pan size) until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the pumpkin bread cool or enjoy tasty warm slices!
Leftover Pumpkin Puree Recipes
No matter what size can of pumpkin puree you use, you will have leftover puree.
You can browse my full collection of small batch pumpkin recipes, or try a couple of my favorites: like the chocolate chip small batch pumpkin bars (because who doesn’t love chocolate!), and the incredibly indulgent pumpkin spice small batch snickerdoodle cookies.
This recipe has brought me so much joy over the years – and it’s all because of you! I love to hear how much you enjoy the recipe, so let me know in the comments box below! 🧡
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, light or dark
- ½ cup pure canned pumpkin
- ¼ cup canola oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar (3/4 teaspoon cinnamon for every 1 tablespoon of sugar)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 350F degrees and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Mini loaf pans: Lightly grease the pans and line with parchment paper – long enough to hang over the sides to use as a sling to lift the bread out of the pans. Brownie pan: line 5 of the wells with 1-inch strips of parchment that hang over the sides.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the egg, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin, oil, and vanilla. Whisk together until smooth.1 large egg, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, light or dark, 1/2 cup pure canned pumpkin, 1/4 cup canola oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sift or sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt over the top of the wet ingredients. Whisk until no dry streaks remain. Tip – To sift the dry ingredients into the wet – set a fine mesh strainer over the bowl with the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients into the strainer and sprinkle over the batter.3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Scoop even amounts of batter into the prepared baking pan(s). Spoon a generous amount of cinnamon sugar over the batter. Gently swirl it just on the top of the batter with toothpick or knife.2 to 3 tablespoons Cinnamon Sugar
- Baking: in a brownie pan – 20 to 23 minutes; in 2 mini loaf pans – 28 to 30 minutes; or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out mostly clean. Cool the pumpkin bread in the pan set on a wire cooling rack for 10 to 15 minutes. Lift the bread out of the baking pan(s) to cool on the wire rack completely.
RECIPE NOTES
- Serving Size – This is a small batch recipe that can be doubled and made in a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Start checking at 50 minutes.
- Other Baking Pans (also linked in the recipe card above) – Muffin Pan: 5 to 6 muffins for 20 to 23 minutes. Non-Stick Brownie Pan: 5 individual loaves for 20 to 23 minutes. Mini Loaf Pans: 2 loaves at 28 to 30 minutes.
- Extra Spice – If you want an extra kick of spice, add another 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon to the batter before baking.
- Pumpkin – Depending on the brand (I prefer Libby’s) canned pumpkin can have different names, but is the same thing: Pumpkin Puree, Pure Pumpkin, 100% Pumpkin, Organic Pure Pumpkin. Just be sure it is not Pumpkin Pie Filling.
- Leftover Pumpkin – You will have leftover pumpkin, regardless of the size can you use. Check out my other pumpkin recipes to make another batch of pumpkin treats!
- Storage & Leftovers – Covered pumpkin bread will stay moist at room temperature for 5 to 7 days.
- Freezing – Baked and cooled pumpkin bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature.
NUTRITION ESTIMATES
about the author ...
With years of experience baking for two in my own small household, I know about the love for desserts without the leftovers! I’ve tested, written, and photographed the hundreds of small batch dessert recipes on my website. From traditional to gluten free desserts for two, I have the recipe for you!