Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for the coziest, most delightful way to welcome autumn into your kitchen, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread is about to become your new best friend. Packed with warm spices, luscious pumpkin puree, and crowned with a perfectly crumbly streusel topping, every slice bursts with comforting flavor and moist, tender texture. This Pumpkin Streusel Bread isn’t just a treat for breakfast; it’s a fantastic companion for afternoon coffee, an indulgent snack, or a charming dessert that feels like a warm hug in bread form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Pumpkin Streusel Bread lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that rich color, tender crumb, and unforgettable taste—plus, you probably already have most of these staples in your pantry!

• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the bread while allowing for easy whipping with sugar.
• Dark brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and helps keep the bread wonderfully moist.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives the bread its beautiful color, natural sweetness, and signature fall flavor; be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and help bind all the ingredients together for that perfect texture.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: Warm spices that infuse the bread with that irresistible autumn aroma and flavor.
• Baking soda and baking powder: Key leavening agents that give the bread a light, tender crumb.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together and creates the structure.
• Butter, melted: For the streusel topping, adding richness and helping create that sandy crumb texture.
• Brown sugar (for streusel): Sweetens and caramelizes beautifully during baking.
• Pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon: Elevates the streusel’s flavor, complementing the bread perfectly.
• Confectioners’ sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet, velvety finish.
• Maple extract and maple syrup: Combine to give the glaze a subtle, natural maple sweetness and aroma.
• Milk or cream: Helps thin the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉—this ensures an even bake right from the start. Then, liberally grease an 8- or 9-inch light metal loaf pan with cooking spray, or if you prefer, line the pan with parchment paper and grease it well. This prep helps the bread release smoothly without a hitch after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar using an electric mixer until silky and smooth, about 1 minute. This step incorporates air, making the bread lighter. Next, blend in the pumpkin puree, followed by the eggs, beating well after each addition. The mixture will start to develop a luscious, creamy texture at this point—your kitchen is already smelling amazing.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt over the wet mixture. Finally, add the all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed just until everything is barely combined. Be careful not to over-mix here because it can lead to a tough bread—gentle folding keeps it tender and soft.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon) until the mixture resembles wet sand and clumps form. This streusel topping is what gives the Pumpkin Streusel Bread its signature crumbly, buttery finish, so don’t skimp on it!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Spread the bread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Then, scatter heaping handfuls of the streusel topping across the surface, covering as much as possible for that delicious crunch in every bite. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the loaf’s center comes out clean or with only moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack—this step is crucial to set the texture perfectly.

Step 6: Add the Maple Glaze

Mix together the confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, maple syrup, and milk or cream in a bowl until smooth and pourable but still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Drizzle this sweet glaze evenly over the cooled bread for a glossy finish that adds just the right amount of extra sweetness and maple aroma. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Garnishes

To elevate your Pumpkin Streusel Bread experience, consider sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze. A few chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the streusel.

Side Dishes

This bread shines alongside a warm cup of your favorite coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. For a heartier snack, serve it with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped maple butter for that next-level indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking for a festive touch? Slice the Pumpkin Streusel Bread thick, toast it lightly, and serve it with a spread of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. Or arrange slices on a rustic wooden board alongside seasonal fruits and nuts for a charming autumn brunch display your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep your Pumpkin Streusel Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer freshness, refrigeration helps, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving to revive its softness.

Freezing

This bread freezes really well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It will keep its delicious flavor and texture in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

For a warm, freshly-baked feel, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them briefly in a toaster oven. This will melt the glaze slightly and refresh the tender crumb for eating.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree rather than pie filling, as the pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance of your Pumpkin Streusel Bread.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily mix your own using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the proportions you like. The recipe’s spices can also be adjusted to taste to personalize your bread.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that can be used cup-for-cup. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results.

How can I tell when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The top should be golden and the streusel browned.

Can I double this recipe to make two loaves?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans to ensure even cooking. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on them.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like slicing into a warm, spice-filled loaf of Pumpkin Streusel Bread to truly capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly morning or bringing a homemade gift to a friend, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find that it’s the perfect way to cozy up your kitchen and your heart all at once.

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