As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, my thoughts drift to the warm, comforting scents of fall. It was on one of those golden afternoons that I found myself with an abundance of pumpkin puree staring back at me from my pantry. I decided to whip up something that would not only embrace the season but also satisfy my craving for a delicious homemade treat. Enter my Moist Pumpkin Bread with Crunchy Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze—a recipe so simple and quick that it requires no mixer, allowing anyone, whether a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, to create something truly special.
Each bite of this pumpkin bread is a delightful blend of moist cake and crunchy streusel, with a sweet maple drizzle that takes it to the next level. Perfect for cozy gatherings or just a quiet evening at home, this loaf brings comfort and joy. With tips for variations and an eye towards seasonal ingredients, let’s dive into this effortless, flavorful recipe, which might just become your new fall favorite!
Why will you love this Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze?
Simplicity at its finest: No mixer needed! Just combine ingredients in a bowl for a hassle-free experience.
Delectable layers of flavor: The combination of moist pumpkin bread and crunchy streusel creates a memorable taste sensation.
Perfectly paired with maple glaze: A drizzle over the top amplifies the sweetness while enhancing every bite.
Versatile variations included: Feel free to swap in your favorite milk or add nuts for added crunch.
Ideal for fall baking: This recipe truly embodies the comforting flavors of the season, making it a must-try.
Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether for brunch or dessert, this loaf will impress friends and loved ones alike.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Ingredients
• Discover the essential components for perfect Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze!
For the Bread
- Pumpkin Puree – Adds incredible moisture and rich flavor; ensure you use 100% pumpkin puree.
- Granulated Sugar – Provides the necessary sweetness; feel free to adjust to your taste.
- Brown Sugar – Infuses the bread with a touch of molasses flavor.
- Vegetable Oil – Keeps the loaf moist throughout; coconut oil is a fantastic alternative for a unique taste.
- Milk (any type) – Introduces liquid to the batter; use whole, almond, or coconut milk as needed.
- Large Eggs – Essential for binding and helping the bread rise; make sure they’re at room temperature for optimal results.
- All-Purpose Flour – This is the foundation that gives structure to the loaf.
- Baking Powder – A leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
- Baking Soda – Works in tandem with the baking powder for a perfect fluffy texture.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors present in the bread.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) – Elevates flavor; adjust these according to your taste preferences.
For the Streusel Topping
- Flour – Creates the base for the crunchy topping.
- Butter – Chilled butter is key for achieving a crumbly texture.
- Sugar – Sweetens the topping; granulated or brown sugar works well.
- Spices – Including cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the streusel flavor.
For the Maple Glaze
- Maple Syrup – Adds a delightful sweetness and moisture to finish; always go for real maple syrup for the best taste!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
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Prepare the Streusel: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, chilled butter, sugars, and spices for the streusel topping. Mix until crumbly, then chill in the fridge while you prepare the bread batter.
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Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well blended. This step ensures even flavor distribution in your pumpkin bread.
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Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, then incorporate room temperature eggs and milk until fluffy and combined.
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Combine Mixtures: Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, gently folding together. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix to keep your bread fluffy.
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Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking across the loaf.
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Add the Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the batter, ensuring there’s a generous layer for that crunchy goodness.
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Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick— it should come out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
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Cool Down: Let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling period helps solidify its texture.
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Drizzle the Maple Glaze: Once completely cooled, drizzle your delicious maple glaze over the top. This adds a final touch of sweetness before you slice into your creation.
Optional: Serve slices warm with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze?
The aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread fills the kitchen, inviting warmth and comfort to your mealtime.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop on top adds a luxurious creaminess that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
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Espresso or Coffee: The rich, bold flavors of a well-brewed coffee enhance the warm spices in the bread, creating a cozy pairing.
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Cream Cheese Spread: A tangy spread complements the sweetness beautifully, giving each bite a delightful creaminess.
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Apple Cider: This seasonal drink brings a crisp, fruity note that perfectly contrasts the moist, spiced pumpkin loaf.
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Cinnamon Sugar Doughnuts: For a brunch spread, these sweet treats echo the pumpkin spice notes and create a festive atmosphere.
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Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruit adds a refreshing contrast to the rich bread, lightening the overall experience.
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Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this over each slice introduces a decadent element that makes your pumpkin bread indulgent.
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Chai Tea: The exotic spices in chai complement the flavors in pumpkin bread, creating a delightful harmony and a comforting vibe.
Make Ahead Options
These Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the moisture locked in. Additionally, the streusel topping can be mixed ahead and kept chilled for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, just pour the chilled batter into the loaf pan, sprinkle the chilled streusel on top, and pop it in the oven. To maintain its deliciousness, ensure you let the bread cool completely before drizzling the maple glaze. With these make-ahead tips, you can enjoy homemade pumpkin bread without the last-minute rush!
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Room Temperature: Store fully cooled pumpkin bread at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Fridge: Wrap the bread tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge for up to 10 days. This helps preserve its delicious flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the pumpkin bread and freeze it in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy warm, reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds, then drizzle with extra maple glaze if desired for an even more delightful treat.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Variations
Customize your pumpkin bread experience with delightful twists that promise to elevate each bite.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk for a creamy, non-dairy option.
- Nutty Addition: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: Fold in ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips for a rich and sweet variation.
- Spicy Touch: Increase cinnamon and nutmeg by ½ teaspoon each, intensifying the fall spices you love.
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in ½ cup of cranberries or raisins for a fruity burst of sweetness.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delicious gluten-free loaf.
- Maple Infusion: Replace granulated sugar with maple sugar for a richer maple flavor throughout the bread.
- Zesty Twist: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a citrusy brightness that complements the pumpkin.
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to help the batter aerate properly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier pumpkin bread.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to avoid a dense loaf; overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to toughness.
- Check Oven Temperature: If unsure about your oven’s accuracy, use an oven thermometer to ensure your pumpkin bread bakes perfectly at 325°F.
- Choose the Right Pan: A light-colored aluminum loaf pan promotes even baking; dark pans may cause the crust to brown too quickly.
- Cool Properly: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent sogginess.
- Streusel Tips: Use chilled butter for the streusel to achieve that desirable crunchy topping; warmer butter will create a more uniform texture.
Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe FAQs
What type of pumpkin puree should I use for pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices that might alter the flavor of your bread. I often recommend Libby’s brand for its consistent quality and flavor. You’ll achieve the moist texture and rich pumpkin taste that this recipe promises!
How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?
To keep your leftover pumpkin bread fresh, wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 10 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing is a great option! Just slice the bread and wrap individual pieces to keep it fresh and easy to grab.
Can I freeze pumpkin bread, and if so, how?
Absolutely! For optimal freezing, slice the cooled pumpkin bread before wrapping each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it again with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature! Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for a cozy treat.
What should I do if my pumpkin bread sinks in the middle?
Very! If your bread sinks in the middle after baking, it could be due to a couple of reasons. First, ensure you’ve used the correct amount of leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda). Additionally, overmixing can create too much air, causing the bread to rise too quickly and then collapse. Next time, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined to maintain a fluffy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! For a delightful non-dairy option, substitute regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk. I often use almond milk in my baking, and it works beautifully—it keeps the bread moist while adding a subtle nutty flavor. Enjoy experimenting, and feel free to adjust the spices to enhance the autumnal flavors!
Is pumpkin bread safe for pets?
While pumpkin itself is safe for pets in small quantities, pumpkin bread often contains sugar and spices that are not advisable for your furry friends. It’s best to keep it as a treat just for you and enjoy sharing plain pumpkin puree with your pets instead, which can be a tasty and healthy snack for them!
Moist Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze and Crunchy Topping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Streusel: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, chilled butter, sugars, and spices for the streusel topping. Mix until crumbly, then chill in the fridge while you prepare the bread batter.
- Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well blended.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth, then incorporate room temperature eggs and milk until fluffy and combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, folding together. Then, add the remaining dry ingredients until just combined.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into a greased 9x5 loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Add the Streusel Topping: Evenly sprinkle the chilled streusel topping over the batter.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool Down: Let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Drizzle the Maple Glaze: Once cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top.