As the leaves begin to change colors and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the welcoming aroma of baking in your kitchen. Your heart already knows that autumn whispers sweetly in the air, inviting you to indulge in cozy recipes filled with pumpkin goodness. This Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is the perfect companion to those golden afternoons and warm gatherings. Imagine a soft, tender crumb infused with pumpkin flavor, a hint of warming spices, and a delectable swirl of cinnamon sugar running through its heart.
This recipe melds sweetness with warmth, delivering a comforting treat just in time for fall festivities. Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee or packing mini loaves for a friendly brunch, this pumpkin bread is here to inspire joys of the season. Pin this recipe for your fall baking adventures, because trust me, you won’t want to miss out on this cozy delight.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for cozy weekends or brunch with family
• Wholesome flavor that feels like home
• Beautifully swirled to impress your guests
• Great for gifting during the holiday season
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée – adds moisture and natural sweetness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – provides structure for your bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – adds lightness to the bread
- 1 teaspoon salt – balances sweetness
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – brings out the warm flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds a lovely aromatic touch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetens the bread
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – adds depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist
- 3 large eggs – provides structure and richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for the cinnamon swirl) – sweetens the swirl
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for the swirl) – turns this bread into something special
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini loaf pans or line them with parchment paper for easy release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. This adds an even distribution of spices and leavening agents for a perfect rise.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and velvety, letting the sweetness of the pumpkin shine through.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want your pumpkin bread to be tender and soft.
Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon you reserved for the swirl. Set this mixture aside for later.
Layer and Swirl: Pour half of your pumpkin batter into the prepared mini loaf pans. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter. Top with the remaining batter, and finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batters to create a lovely marbled effect.
Bake: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the mini loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
• Measure flour correctly for a light texture. Use a spoon to fluff up the flour before scooping it into your measuring cup.
• Let baked goods cool before glazing to prevent a soggy surface.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• For an even more vibrant flavor, use freshly grated nutmeg rather than pre-ground.
• Do not skip the cinnamon swirl; it truly takes this pumpkin bread to the next level.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Walnut Add-In: Add half a cup of chopped walnuts for added crunch.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids will love.
- Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk on top once your loaves have cooled for an extra sweet treat.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves to craft your unique taste.
How to Store or Freeze
To keep your mini pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Serving Ideas
This Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl is best enjoyed warm, with a dollop of butter melting into the delicious crumbs. Serve it for breakfast alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For cozy afternoons, pack slices as a delightful snack or presentation for a small gathering. Warmed slices also make a fantastic addition to a cozy brunch spread.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you love this pumpkin bread, you may also enjoy these cozy recipes:

Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée adds moisture and natural sweetness
- 2 cups all-purpose flour provides structure for your bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder adds lightness to the bread
- 1 teaspoon salt balances sweetness
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon brings out the warm flavors
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg adds a lovely aromatic touch
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar sweetens the bread
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar adds depth of flavor
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil keeps the bread moist
- 3 large eggs provides structure and richness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract enhances overall flavor
Cinnamon Swirl Ingredients
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar for the cinnamon swirl
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the swirl
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour mini loaf pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Mixing
- In another bowl, mix the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the swirl.
- Pour half of your pumpkin batter into the prepared mini loaf pans. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar on top.
- Use a knife to gently swirl through the batters to create a marbled effect.
Baking
- Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl – FAQs
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s cooked and puréed to achieve the same consistency as canned pumpkin.
Can I substitute coconut oil for vegetable oil?
Yes, coconut oil works well and will add a slight coconut flavor to your pumpkin bread.
How do I know when my bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready.
Can I make this in larger loaf pans?
Yes, you can use standard loaf pans, but check the baking time. It may take longer than mini loaves.
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Whether it’s a cozy autumn day or a bustling holiday gathering, you will find joy in baking this delightful pumpkin bread. Enjoy making sweet memories in your kitchen as the delightful scent fills your home. Happy baking!