Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe because it brings together two of my favorite flavors—rich, creamy Nutella and cozy pumpkin spice—in a way that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. There’s something so comforting about a quick bread that’s not only packed with fall vibes but also has that luscious chocolate-hazelnut swirl throughout. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a simple dessert when you want something sweet but not fussy.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the Nutella swirls create a beautiful marbled effect that looks as good as it tastes. You’ll find that the texture is wonderfully moist thanks to the pumpkin puree and buttermilk, so it stays fresh for days. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weekend at home or a casual brunch with friends, this Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to deliver all the cozy fall vibes you want with pumpkin, but with a fun chocolatey twist from Nutella. Most are pantry staples, but don’t skip out on quality pumpkin puree and fresh spices for the best flavor.

• Cooking spray: To easily grease your loaf pan and prevent sticking without extra mess.
• All-purpose flour: The base for the bread’s structure; I usually use sifted to keep it light.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise slightly and keeps it tender.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic pumpkin spice flavor.
• Pumpkin pie spice: This blend of spices really makes the pumpkin flavor pop.
• Baking powder: Works with baking soda to give a nice lift to the bread.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall taste.
• Large eggs: Provides structure and moisture; make sure they’re at room temp for best mixing.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling, for true flavor control.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread evenly without overpowering the pumpkin.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist; I don’t recommend substituting with butter here as it changes the texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderness; if you don’t have buttermilk, a milk/lemon juice substitute works in a pinch.
• Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
• Nutella: This is the star swirl that gives the bread its indulgent chocolate and hazelnut twist.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe, and I encourage you to play around with it to make it your own. Whether you want to adjust sweetness, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or add some extra flavors, there’s plenty of room to customize while keeping that classic swirl effect.

• Nut-Free Variation: I’ve swapped Nutella for sunflower seed butter or classic chocolate hazelnut spread alternatives to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, just watch the texture and don’t overmix to keep it light.
• Extra Crunch: Once, I sprinkled chopped toasted hazelnuts or pecans on top before baking—totally elevated the texture!
• Spice it Up: If you want more punch, adding a pinch of ground cloves or nutmeg to the spice mix really amps up that pumpkin flair.

How to Make Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray—you want to make sure your bread pops out easily after baking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and kosher salt until everything’s evenly combined. This step is important because it makes sure your spices and leavening agents are distributed evenly, so you get a consistent flavor and rise throughout the bread.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form Batter

In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and well blended. I like to use a whisk here so everything comes together nicely without overworking the batter. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—don’t overmix or your bread might turn out dense.

Step 3: Prepare Nutella Batter and Layer

Transfer about 1 cup of the pumpkin batter into a small bowl and gently stir in the Nutella until it’s swirled but not completely blended—those swirls are what make this bread beautiful. Then, using an ice cream scoop or quarter-cup measuring cup, alternate placing pumpkin and Nutella batter in the loaf pan to create a sort of checkerboard pattern. Cover the bottom with alternating scoops to form the first layer, then repeat with the remaining batter for a second layer. This layering is my favorite part—it looks impressive but is surprisingly easy once you get the rhythm.

Step 4: Create the Swirl Effect

Grab a chopstick or a skewer and drag it back and forth through the batter to swirl the Nutella and pumpkin batters together. After a set of swirls, rotate the pan 90 degrees and swirl again. This crisscross technique creates a gorgeous marbled effect that looks almost too pretty to eat. Don’t over-swirl though; you want to maintain distinct streaks of each flavor.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60 to 65 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key if you want clean slices and that tender crumb we all love.

How to Serve Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of a quick vanilla glaze on top for extra sweetness. Sometimes, I spread a touch of softened butter or cream cheese on a warm slice—it’s such an indulgent treat that way. For special occasions, a sprinkle of toasted hazelnuts adds a lovely crunch and highlights the Nutella swirl beautifully.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a steamy latte. For a more filling brunch, I serve it alongside scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or yogurt with honey. It’s also a fantastic sweet snack with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or birthday breakfasts, I like to slice the bread and arrange the pieces in a circular pattern on a pretty platter with fresh berries and mint leaves. You can also cut it into mini loaf-sized portions using a loaf pan divider or bake in mini loaf pans for individual servings that make for adorable gifts. Wrapping slices in parchment with a ribbon is hands-down my favorite way to share this quick bread with neighbors or coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pumpkin Nutella bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, and it stays surprisingly moist. If your kitchen is warm, you can pop it in the fridge, but be aware it might firm up a bit. I always recommend a gentle toast or warming slice before eating.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! I freeze it whole wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or cut into slices and freeze individually in freezer bags. When I want some, I just pop a slice out to thaw overnight in the fridge or give a quick zap in the microwave.

Reheating

I find reheating slices in a toaster or toaster oven at a low setting for a couple of minutes brings back that just-baked warmth and that soft but slightly crisp texture I love. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave for 15-20 seconds works, but avoid overheating or it can dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin-Nutella Swirl Quick Bread Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity and decadence in one cozy loaf. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to—not just when fall arrives, but whenever I want a treat that’s nostalgic, comforting, and just a little bit fancy. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how everyone raves over the tender pumpkin bread with those irresistible Nutella swirls. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a staple you turn to again and again!

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