Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Hola! If there’s one recipe that instantly makes me feel the cozy warmth of fall, it’s this Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread. The mix of tart cranberries, nutty pecans, and spiced pumpkin is like wrapping up in your favorite blanket with a mug of something warm. Growing up in Florida, pumpkin season meant leaning on canned pumpkin but making it feel fresh with abuela’s touch of cinnamon and spice. This holiday loaf bread isn’t just delicious, it’s packed with family tradition, a splash of nostalgia, and a whole lot of love. Trust me, this is the best cranberry bread recipe you’ll bake this season!

Quick Recipe Overview

| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 50 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour |
| Servings | 24 slices |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | Fall & Holidays |

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect holiday flavor combination: Pumpkin spice, cranberries, and pecans create a rich seasonal loaf that tastes like fall in every bite.
• Super moist texture: Applesauce or oil keeps this bread tender and soft for days without drying out.
• Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving breakfast or gifting it to neighbors, everyone loves a slice of this festive bread.
• Freezer-friendly: You can bake ahead and freeze for stress-free holiday hosting.
• Easy quick bread: No yeast, no fuss, just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Print

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 2 cups canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup applesauce or canola oil
• 3 eggs (room temperature)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted)

Ingredient Tips Table

Ingredient	Tip
All-purpose flour	Spoon and level to avoid dense bread.
Pumpkin puree	Use canned puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
Pumpkin pie spice	Homemade blend works great if you don’t have store-bought.
Applesauce/oil	Applesauce keeps it lighter, oil makes it richer.
Eggs	Room temperature eggs mix more evenly into the batter.
Dried cranberries	Try orange-flavored cranberries for extra zing.
Pecans	Toast them lightly to bring out deeper nutty flavor.
Vanilla extract	Pure vanilla adds warmth and depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans and line with parchment paper. This makes removing the loaves much easier.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice until evenly combined.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce (or oil), eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gently stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough.
5. Fold in cranberries and pecans, reserving a handful of pecans to sprinkle on top if you like a pretty finish.
6. Divide batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula for even baking.
7. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If tops brown too quickly, tent with foil.
8. Cool loaves for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Helpful Tips

• Use parchment paper for easy loaf removal.
• Do not overmix the batter or the bread will be dense.
• Sprinkle extra pecans on top for a bakery-style look.
• Let bread cool fully before slicing to keep slices neat.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

• Measure flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bread dry. Always spoon and level.
• Check early: Start checking at 45 minutes since ovens vary.
• Use fresh spices: Old spices lose flavor and won’t deliver the same punch.
• Double batch friendly: This bread freezes beautifully, so make extra.

Recipe Variations

• Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread: Add orange zest and swap some cranberries for orange-flavored ones.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
• Glazed Pumpkin Bread: Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze after cooling.
• Nut-Free Version: Skip pecans or replace with sunflower seeds for crunch.

Make Ahead & Freezer Tips

This bread stays moist for up to 3 days when wrapped tightly at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap cooled loaves in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of honey. For a holiday table, slice and arrange on a wooden board with fresh cranberries for decoration. It also makes a wonderful edible gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.

Pairing Ideas

Pair this bread with hot apple cider, spiced chai tea, or a latte for cozy vibes. It’s also wonderful alongside a Thanksgiving brunch spread with eggs and fruit. For adults, a glass of sweet Riesling complements the cranberry flavors.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. For the stovetop, warm slices on a buttered skillet for 1–2 minutes per side for a toasty edge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Yes, but fresh cranberries are tart and release liquid, so chop them and toss in a little flour before adding.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or pumpkin seeds are great swaps for crunch and flavor.

Can I bake this as muffins instead of loaves?
Absolutely, just reduce bake time to 20–25 minutes and check with a toothpick.

Is canned pumpkin the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, canned pumpkin is pure pumpkin, while pie filling has sugar and spices added. Always use pure pumpkin.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can cut back by 1/3 without affecting the texture too much. It will just be less sweet.

Can I add a glaze on top?
Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese frosting makes it dessert-worthy.

Hungry for more? Dive into our Pecan Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe.

Nutrition Information

| Serving Size | 1 slice |
| Calories | 170 |
| Protein | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Disclaimer | Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice. |

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread is a true holiday classic, packed with cozy fall flavors and festive flair. Bake a loaf (or two) this season, and share the warmth of homemade goodness with your loved ones.