Welcoming Fall in Florida

The first part of September is still scorching hot in central Florida. As result, I wait to put out fall decorations or bake any fall recipes until after September 21^st, the first official day of fall. Now that we’re almost at the end of the month, there’s a slight chill in the air in the morning and evening. It’s officially starting to feel like fall. Since it’s finally feeling cooler outside, I am ready to bake all the pumpkin things. One of my favorite things to make this time of year is easy pumpkin bread with a caramel glaze.

A Family Tradition: Easy Pumpkin Bread with Caramel Glaze

This recipe comes from my mom. She made this easy pumpkin bread with caramel glaze so many times during my childhood. Now I’m continuing her tradition by baking this recipe every fall for my family. Everyone in my family loves this easy pumpkin bread, especially when I make the glaze that goes with it!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Pumpkin Bread

To make easy homemade pumpkin bread, first you need to cream 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of melted butter. Then mix in 4 eggs, 2/3 cup of water, 1 15 oz. can of pumpkin, and 1 tsp. vanilla extract.

Grind soft white wheat berries in a grain mill. (If you don’t have a grain mill, you can substitute organic all-purpose flour). In a separate bowl, combine 4 1/3 cups of freshly milled flour (3 1/3 cups if using all-purpose flour), 2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. baking powder, 1 ½ tsp. salt, and 1 ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix.

Baking Tips and Loaf Pan Options

Pour into 2 greased 1.5 quart loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 60-65 minutes. Yield is 2 loaves.

You could also use mini loaf pans. If you choose to use smaller pans, bake for only 30 minutes. Yield will be 6 mini loaves.

How to Make the Caramel Glaze

Now for the glaze. It is not necessary but adds a little something special to this easy homemade pumpkin bread. To make caramel glaze, combine ¼ cup of butter, ¼ cup of sugar, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream in a saucepan. Whisk and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook until sugar is dissolved. Take the saucepan off the heat and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Then stir in 2/3 cup of confectioner’s sugar and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Bread

Once the pumpkin bread has completely cooled, spread the glaze over the top. This easy pumpkin bread pairs especially well with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk! I like to have it with coffee for breakfast with a side of eggs for protein.

Final Thoughts on Easy Pumpkin Bread

There’s nothing quite like the cozy flavor of easy pumpkin bread fresh from the oven. With its warm spices, tender crumb, and sweet caramel glaze, this recipe is the perfect way to welcome fall and create lasting family traditions. Whether you serve it with coffee in the morning, as a snack for the kids, or as dessert after dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a seasonal favorite. Hope you make this recipe and see why my family looks forward to baking it every autumn—you may just find it becomes a tradition in your home too! Let me know in the comments if you try it!