I absolutely love how this Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe brings together the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the rich, irresistible swirls of Nutella. It’s one of those treats that’s perfect for any time you want a little comfort food with a twist—whether that’s a leisurely weekend breakfast, an afternoon coffee break, or a sweet ending to a casual dinner.
What makes this quick bread truly special is the beautiful marble effect you get from swirling the Nutella through the pumpkin batter, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. When I first tried this, I was hooked instantly, and I found it’s surprisingly simple to make at home even if you’re not a pro baker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: This quick bread is perfect for when you want homemade bliss without a complicated process.
- Flavor Explosion: The pumpkin spices and Nutella swirl create a comforting and indulgent taste combo you won’t forget.
- Beautiful Presentation: The checkerboard swirl pattern looks impressive but is easy to achieve even for beginners.
- Versatile Occasions: Great for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or just treating yourself any day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients work together to create a moist, flavorful quick bread with a luscious Nutella swirl. Don’t worry if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice handy—you can easily mix your own blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Cooking spray: For an easy, non-stick surface—helps to release the loaf effortlessly.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your bread for that tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Gives the bread a nice rise and slight tenderness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice and depth to the pumpkin flavor.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A classic blend that brings all the cozy fall vibes.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to get that perfect lift.
- Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the bread.
- Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that makes the bread moist and full of fall flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread tender and moist—feel free to use canola oil if you prefer.
- Buttermilk: Adds a subtle tang and helps with the bread’s tenderness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- Nutella: The decadent twist—its creamy hazelnut-chocolate flavor swirled throughout is pure magic.
Variations
I love tweaking this Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe to match the season or what’s in my pantry. You can easily swap in some ingredients or add extras to give it your own flair—making it always feel a little special.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve tried subbing the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend with xanthan gum, and it worked wonderfully without losing moisture.
- Nut-Free Option: For friends avoiding nuts, swapping Nutella for sunflower seed butter mixed with cocoa powder makes a tasty swirl.
- Extra Crunch: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking gives a nice texture contrast that my family goes crazy for.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, stirring in a pinch of cayenne into the batter adds an unexpected but delicious kick.
How to Make Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your 9″x5″ loaf pan with cooking spray—this little step saves you from sticky loaf pan struggles later on. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt until they’re all evenly combined and smelling like autumn.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Combine Batter
In a large bowl, whisk your eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and glossy. Then, gently fold your dry mixture into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula—don’t overmix here, just combine until you don’t see flour streaks. Next, scoop out about a cup of this batter into a separate bowl and stir in the Nutella until it’s fully combined.
Step 3: Create the Checkerboard Swirl Pattern
This is the fun part! Using an ice cream scoop or a measuring cup, place about ¼ cup pumpkin batter in one corner of your pan, then right next to it, add about ¼ cup of the Nutella batter. Keep alternating spoonfuls of pumpkin and Nutella batter across the bottom of the pan—it’ll look like a checkerboard. Repeat this layering process with the remaining batter to create two neat layers of swirls.
Step 4: Swirl It Up
Grab a chopstick or a skewer and drag it back and forth across your checkerboard batter to make those lovely swirls. Then rotate the pan 90° and do it again—this creates that signature marbled effect. It’s a simple step that makes your bread look stunning and taste even better because the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Pop your loaf pan into the oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes—trust me, don’t open the oven too early! To check doneness, insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes in the pan before carefully removing it onto a wire rack so it can cool completely. This cooling step keeps every slice from falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Over-mixing can make your bread tough; fold gently until just combined for a soft crumb.
- Perfect Swirling: Use a thin skewer or chopstick and swirl just enough—not too much—to keep distinct layers of pumpkin and Nutella flavor.
- Check Oven Temp: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F for even baking and no soggy centers.
- Cooling Is Key: Remove from the pan after 15 minutes; leaving it too long in the hot pan can make it soggy on the bottom.
How to Serve Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices of this bread with a light spread of softened butter or even a drizzle of extra Nutella for those Nutella lovers out there. A dusting of powdered sugar or some toasted chopped nuts adds both charm and texture—perfect if you’re serving it for guests.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte—something rich and smooth to balance out the pumpkin sweetness. I’ve also served it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple yogurt parfait for a cozy brunch that impresses without fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday brunches or fall gatherings, I slice the quick bread and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with seasonal fruits like sliced apples or pears and small bowls of Nutella and butter for dipping. It turns a simple bread into a gorgeous centerpiece that’s both inviting and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature—it stays fresh for about 3 days. My family usually finishes it quickly, but if you need to keep it longer, refrigeration helps stretch the life to about a week, though the texture might firm up a bit.
Freezing
I freeze slices individually wrapped in parchment paper and then sealed in freezer bags. This makes it easy to grab a slice anytime cravings strike. Frozen pumpkin bread with Nutella swirls holds up really well for up to 3 months when properly wrapped.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave—if microwaving, wrap it in a damp paper towel to keep the bread moist and gooey without drying out the Nutella swirl. A quick warm-up really brings those cozy flavors back to life.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is actually my go-to because it saves time and ensures consistent moisture and flavor. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra sugar and spices.
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What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries—you can easily make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves. It’s a simple DIY blend that adds the right warm, cozy notes to your quick bread.
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Can I substitute Nutella with another spread?
Definitely! If you want to avoid hazelnuts, try using chocolate spread, peanut butter mixed with a little cocoa powder, or even cookie butter for a unique twist. Just keep in mind the texture might vary a bit.
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How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If there’s wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
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Can I make this bread in a different pan size?
The 9″x5″ loaf pan is ideal for this recipe to ensure even baking and the swirl pattern. Using a different size might require adjusting bake time, so keep an eye on it and test doneness accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect marriage of comforting fall spices and sweet, decadent goodness that’s so easy to pull off. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply craving something cozy, I can’t recommend giving this recipe a try—it’s like a warm hug sliced up and ready to enjoy. Trust me, once you make it, this bread will become your new go-to for those chilly mornings or sweet afternoon treats.
PrintPumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 60-65 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with the luscious swirls of Nutella, creating a moist and beautifully marbled loaf perfect for fall or anytime a cozy treat is desired.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups pumpkin puree
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Other
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9″x5″ loaf pan thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and kosher salt until evenly combined, ensuring the spices are well distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add dry to wet: Fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients gently using a rubber spatula just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough.
- Prepare Nutella batter: Transfer 1 cup of the pumpkin batter into a separate smaller bowl and thoroughly stir in the Nutella until a swirled, uniform mixture is achieved.
- Layer the batters: Using an ice cream scoop or measuring cup, place about 1/4 cup of the plain pumpkin batter in one corner of the prepared pan. Next to it, add about 1/4 cup of the Nutella batter. Continue alternating scoops side by side to fill the bottom of the pan in a checkerboard style pattern. Repeat this layering method with the remaining batter to form a second layer on top.
- Create the swirl pattern: Using the end of a chopstick or skewer, insert it vertically into the batter and drag it back and forth across the batter in horizontal strokes. Then rotate the pan 90 degrees and drag again back and forth, creating an intricate marbled swirl effect.
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick or tester inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean without wet batter remnants.
- Cool and serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove the loaf from the pan, transfer it to a wire rack, and let it cool completely before slicing to maintain its shape and ensure the best texture.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overmixing batter to keep the bread tender.
- If pumpkin puree is canned, use pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which contains additional spices and sugar.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Ensure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for proper rise.
- This loaf pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg