If you’re looking for a soft, tender pumpkin bread that stays moist for days, this Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread is about to become your new favorite fall recipe. Enriched with vanilla pudding mix, this loaf takes the classic pumpkin bread and makes it even better — richer, softer, and full of warm, spiced flavor.
Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, a holiday dessert table, or simply to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is a standout in the world of pudding bread recipe simple ideas. It’s perfect for fans of pumpkin bread with applesauce, pumpkin bread with pudding mix in it, or anyone looking to add a twist to their usual pumpkin baking routine.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Special?
This recipe shines thanks to a surprising ingredient — dry vanilla pudding mix — which helps lock in moisture and create an extra tender crumb. The result is a bread that feels a little more indulgent while still simple enough for everyday baking.
Extra Moist and Rich Thanks to Pudding Mix
If you’ve ever had pumpkin bread that turned out dry, this version fixes that problem for good. The pudding keeps the texture soft for days, making it ideal for baking ahead of time.
Why It’s a Must-Try in Pudding Bread Recipe Simple Ideas
Using pudding mix is an easy way to elevate a classic recipe without adding any complicated steps. It blends right into the batter and does all the work for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the pumpkin bread:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins and Substitutions:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup chocolate chips
Replace milk with applesauce for a pumpkin bread with applesauce variation
Swap vanilla pudding for butterscotch or white chocolate pudding for a different flavor
If you enjoy creative pumpkin desserts, you might also love this Pumpkin Fluff Dip — another cozy fresh pumpkin recipes desserts idea.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk and spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
9×5-inch loaf pan
Cooling rack
Make sure to grease and line your loaf pan for easy release after baking.
Step-by-Step Preparation: Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix. If using nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Pumpkin Bread Every Time
✅ Don’t overmix the batter — it can make the bread tough.
✅ Check for doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
✅ Let the bread cool completely for cleaner slices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Using pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree — pie filling is sweetened and spiced.
🚫 Overbaking — this can dry out even a pudding-enriched bread.
🚫 Skipping the parchment lining — it makes removing the loaf so much easier.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Serve thick slices of this bread warm or at room temperature, dusted with a little powdered sugar if desired.
Pair with a mug of coffee or hot cider for a cozy autumn breakfast.
For dessert, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze.
This recipe also makes a thoughtful homemade gift — wrap a cooled loaf in parchment and tie with ribbon for a seasonal treat.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage Suggestions
This bread keeps wonderfully at room temperature for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Flavor Twists for Pumpkin Bread With Applesauce or Sour Cream Pumpkin Bread Fans
✅ Replace the milk with ¼ cup sour cream for an even richer texture — a nod to sour cream pumpkin bread.
✅ Substitute applesauce for the milk to make it slightly lighter and fruitier.
✅ Top with streusel or glaze for added sweetness and crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store wrapped at room temperature for a few days or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Fresh Pumpkin Recipes Desserts Collection
This vanilla pudding pumpkin bread is soft, moist, and perfectly spiced — everything you want in a fall loaf. It’s an easy way to use up pumpkin puree, and the pudding mix ensures a bakery-quality texture every time.
Whether you’re looking for pumpkin pie bread, a quick pumpkin bread pudding easy variation, or just a moist, crowd-pleasing loaf, this recipe delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes — just roast, puree, and drain fresh pumpkin and use it cup-for-cup.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Does the pudding mix need to be prepared first?
No — use the dry instant pudding mix straight from the box.
Can I bake this in mini loaf pans?
Yes — adjust the bake time down to about 25–30 minutes and test with a toothpick.
Bake and Share This Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread Today!
This vanilla pudding pumpkin bread is an irresistibly moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for fall baking. Whether you’re making it for family breakfasts, holiday gatherings, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, it’s sure to impress.
If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and subscribe to our blog for more recipes using pumpkin puree baking, creative pudding bread ideas, and cozy seasonal treats. Happy baking!
PrintMoist & Irresistible Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread – A Comforting Treat You’ll Love
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist & Irresistible Vanilla Pudding Pumpkin Bread takes classic pumpkin bread to the next level with instant vanilla pudding mix for an ultra-soft, moist, and flavorful loaf. Perfect for fall baking, it’s a cozy treat that’s easy, versatile, and guaranteed to impress!
Ingredients
Dry ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice Wet ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree ½ cup vegetable oil 3 large eggs ½ cup sour cream (or substitute applesauce) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. 4. Gradually add wet ingredients to dry, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix. 5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. 6. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. 7. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
• Use instant vanilla pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. • For a lighter loaf, substitute applesauce for sour cream. • Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, pecans, or walnuts if desired. • Let the bread cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: vanilla pudding pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie bread, pudding bread recipe, recipes using pumpkin puree baking, fall dessert bread