Name: Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 3 h 40 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup whole milk (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 2/3 cup whole milk (for 2-pound loaf); ½ cup canned pumpkin (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 2/3 cup canned pumpkin (for 2-pound loaf); 1 large egg, beaten; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for 2-pound loaf); 3 cups bread flour (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 4 cups bread flour (for 2-pound loaf); 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or ¼ cup packed brown sugar (for 2-pound loaf); ¾ teaspoon salt (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 1 teaspoon salt (for 2-pound loaf); ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or ¾ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (for 2-pound loaf); 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for 2-pound loaf); 1 teaspoon active dry yeast or bread machine yeast (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or 1 ¼ teaspoons yeast (for 2-pound loaf); ½ cup chopped pecans (for 1 ½-pound loaf) or ¾ cup chopped pecans (for 2-pound loaf)

Jump to Recipe

If you love cozy fall flavors and the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread filling your kitchen, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread. Imagine a soft, moist loaf bursting with warm pumpkin spices and generously studded with crunchy toasted pecans, all effortlessly prepared in your bread machine. This luscious bread combines the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the rich nuttiness of pecans, making it an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea. Whether you’re a pumpkin lover or a bread machine enthusiast, this recipe is one to add to your favorites list and bake again and again.

Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is beautifully simple, featuring everyday ingredients that come together in just the right balance to create a deeply flavorful, tender pumpkin bread that’s full of character. Each component plays a key role: the pumpkin adds moistness and vibrant color, the pecans bring satisfying crunch, and the pumpkin pie spice elevates the flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.

Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness to keep the bread tender and soft.

Pumpkin, canned: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and beautiful orange color, along with a subtle earthiness.
Egg, beaten: Helps bind ingredients and adds structure for a perfect crumb.

Unsalted butter: Contributes to a moist texture and rich flavor without overpowering.
Bread flour: Gives the bread structure and the ideal chewiness for a soft, yet substantial bite.

Brown sugar, packed: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses flavor that complements pumpkin perfectly.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the bread.
Pumpkin pie spice: A fragrant blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bringing the essence of autumn.

Ground cinnamon: Adds an extra warm, spicy kick for depth in flavor.
Active dry yeast OR bread machine yeast: Essential for helping your bread rise and achieve that fluffy texture.
Pecans, chopped: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast throughout the loaf.

How to Make Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients

Start by making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk, egg, and butter—this helps the yeast activate better. Accurately measuring your ingredients sets you up for success; take a moment to fluff and spoon the bread flour into your measuring cup before leveling it off to avoid a dense loaf.

Step 2: Loading the Bread Machine

Place the kneading blade into the bread machine pan first. Then, add all the ingredients exactly as your bread machine manufacturer suggests—usually liquids first, then dry ingredients, with the yeast added last in its own little well to keep it separate until mixing begins. This layering is key for a perfect rise.

Step 3: Selecting the Cycle

Choose the BASIC white bread cycle with a light crust setting if available. This cycle strikes the perfect balance of time and temperature to develop a tender crumb and golden crust. Important: For safety and optimal results, do not use the delayed bake feature with this recipe—the dough needs to be baked fresh during the cycle.

Step 4: Checking Dough Consistency

After about five minutes of kneading, open the machine and gently touch the dough. It should form a soft, cohesive ball around the kneading blade. If it looks too dry or crumbly, add water ½ to 1 tablespoon at a time. If it’s too sticky and wet, sprinkle in flour a tablespoon at a time. Getting this right ensures your bread rises beautifully and bakes evenly.

Step 5: Baking and Cooling

Once the baking cycle finishes, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Turn out the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This rest time allows the steam to settle and keeps the bread from becoming gummy when cut. Your kitchen will smell amazing while you wait!

How to Serve Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread

Garnishes

This Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread shines beautifully on its own thanks to its delicious blend of flavors. For an extra touch, spread a pat of cinnamon butter or a drizzle of honey on freshly toasted slices, letting the spices and nuts pop even more. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a smear of cream cheese frosting can turn your slice into a luscious dessert treat without overwhelming the natural pumpkin goodness.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea, making it an ideal companion for a relaxed morning or afternoon break. Serve alongside a bowl of warm soup—think butternut squash or a gentle tomato bisque—for a comforting meal. The bread’s sweetness complements savory soups and stews perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Slice the bread thick and use it as the base for a decadent French toast breakfast, topping with whipped cream and fresh berries. Alternatively, cut into cubes and toast for crunchy croutons that add a sweet-savory pop to fall salads. This Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread is versatile enough to shine in both sweet and savory dishes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. It should stay soft and flavorful for up to three days, making it perfect for busy mornings or quick snacks.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this loaf later, slice it first and wrap each piece or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. This way, it maintains its moisture and flavor for up to three months. Simply thaw slices at room temperature or toast from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat. A quick 5 to 10 minutes will bring back that soft crumb and highlight the pumpkin and pecan aroma. Avoid microwaving too long to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned in this Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread?

Absolutely! You can use cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin as a substitute but be sure to cook it until it’s very soft and drain any excess moisture. Use the same amount as canned pumpkin to maintain the bread’s texture and moisture balance.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice? Can I make my own?

Definitely! Pumpkin pie spice is just a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. You can mix these at home with about 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch each of ground ginger and cloves to substitute perfectly.

Can I make this bread without a bread machine?

While this recipe is designed for a bread machine, you can adapt it for traditional oven baking by mixing and kneading dough by hand and allowing it to rise twice before baking at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes. Just note the texture might be a little different.

Why is it important not to use the delayed bake feature on my bread machine?

The delayed bake feature holds the dough at room temperature before baking, which can lead to food safety issues in moist, perishable bread like this pumpkin pecan loaf. Freshly baking without delay ensures the yeast works correctly and keeps your bread safe to eat.

How can I make sure the pecans don’t get soggy inside the bread?

To keep pecans crunchy, lightly toast them before adding to the dough. Toasting amplifies their flavor and reduces moisture, so they maintain a lovely texture even after baking.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Bread Machine Pumpkin Pecan Bread enough—it’s one of those rare recipes that feels like an instant classic, offering a warm hug in every slice. The ease of using your bread machine combined with the incredible flavors of pumpkin and pecans makes it a perfect choice whether you’re entertaining or just treating yourself. Give it a try, and soon you’ll be baking this autumnal delight again and again, sharing the joy with everyone you love.