Streusel Bread Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a cozy, deliciously spiced treat that screams autumn comfort, this Streusel Bread is exactly what your kitchen needs right now. Bursting with pumpkin puree, warm spices, and topped with a buttery crunchy streusel and a sweet maple glaze, this Streusel Bread is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for breakfast, snack time, or a simple dessert. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of moist, tender crumb and that irresistible crumbly topping, making it a forever favorite in my baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Streusel Bread is in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every item plays a crucial role—whether it’s the velvety pumpkin puree bringing moisture and richness, the blend of spices adding depth and warmth, or the streusel ingredients creating that beautiful crunchy contrast. Here’s the full list to gather before starting your baking adventure.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creamy fat that builds the rich, tender base of the bread.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed: Adds deep, molasses notes and moisture to the bread.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling): The star ingredient delivering moisture, color, and subtle earthiness.
• 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to the bread’s structure and richness.
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon: A must-have warm spice that perfectly accents pumpkin’s sweetness.
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Provides a gentle zesty kick that balances the sweeter spices.
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a cozy, nutty flavor enhancing the fall vibe.
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Offers an aromatic depth to the overall spice mix.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Works in tandem with baking soda for the perfect lift.
• 1 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavors.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The essential structure provider for the bread.
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted: For the streusel topping, adding richness and helping it clump.
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour: The dry base for the crumbly streusel topping.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark): Adds sweetness and moist texture to the streusel.
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon: Keeps the streusel flavorful and in tune with the bread spices.
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the bread beautifully.
• 1/4 tsp maple extract (or vanilla): Imparts a gentle maple aroma in the glaze.
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the glaze with subtle depth.
• 1 Tbsp milk or cream: Helps create a silky, drizzle-worthy glaze consistency.

How to Make Streusel Bread

Step 1: Preparing Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉. A hot oven is key to properly baking this Streusel Bread. Grease your 8 or 9-inch light metal loaf pan liberally with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper and grease that. This ensures the bread comes out cleanly, with no sticky mishaps.

Step 2: Mixing the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the softened butter with the dark brown sugar. Use a handheld electric mixer on medium speed to cream them together until it’s smooth and fluffy, about one minute. This step is what gives the bread its tender texture and depth. Add in the pumpkin puree, mixing well, then beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring everything is homogeneous and silky smooth.

Step 3: Adding the Spices and Dry Ingredients

Now, sprinkle in all your warm spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves—right into the batter, followed by the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. Switch to low speed and mix until just barely combined. This is crucial because over-mixing creates a tough bread; we want ours light, soft, and tender.

Step 4: Spreading the Batter and Making the Streusel

Spread the bread batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the surface to an even layer. Next, let’s make that glorious streusel topping. In a separate medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand—clumpy but not dry. Then sprinkle big heaping handfuls of this streusel evenly on top of the batter. This topping is what transforms the bread from everyday to extraordinary.

Step 5: Baking

Pop your loaf into the oven and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. No wet batter! Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack—this resting time lets the flavors meld perfectly.

Step 6: Preparing and Drizzling the Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, maple syrup, and milk until a smooth, lightly flowing glaze forms. Pour this glorious glaze evenly over the cooled Streusel Bread, letting it soak in and set before slicing. This drizzle adds the perfect burst of sweetness and that inviting maple aroma that will have everyone begging for just one more slice.

How to Serve Streusel Bread

Garnishes

While the Streusel Bread itself is a star, adding a simple garnish can elevate the experience. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds delightful crunch, beautifully complementing the streusel topping. For extra flair, a dusting of cinnamon or a light drizzle of additional maple syrup right before serving adds warmth and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Streusel Bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming mug of coffee or chai tea—the spices in the bread harmonize effortlessly with warm, spiced drinks. For a more indulgent breakfast spread, serve alongside creamy Greek yogurt and fresh seasonal fruits, such as crisp apples or juicy pears, to balance the sweetness and add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Streusel Bread and arrange it on a wooden board with bowls of whipped cream, cream cheese spread, and fruit preserves for a charming brunch display. Another fun idea is to toast the slices lightly and top them with a pat of butter or almond butter for a cozy twist. For parties, cut into small squares and serve as finger food with coffee—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and glazed, keep any leftover Streusel Bread tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days to maintain moisture. If you live in a warm or humid climate, storing it in an airtight container in the fridge will extend freshness for about a week without compromising texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag to protect from freezer burn. You can freeze whole loaves or individual slices for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To enjoy your Streusel Bread warm and fresh, reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300℉ for about 10 minutes until warmed through and the streusel topping regains its crunch. Avoid microwaving as it can make the bread soggy. A warm slice with a cup of tea is absolute bliss!

FAQs

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

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree here because pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that can throw off the flavor balance and texture of the Streusel Bread.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, simply use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves—the same spices listed in the bread recipe. This way you can customize the flavors just how you like.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, both are important. Baking soda reacts with the acidity in the pumpkin to help the bread rise, while baking powder adds additional lift and a lighter texture. Together, they ensure your Streusel Bread isn’t dense.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I know when the Streusel Bread is fully baked?

The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Also, the top should be golden brown and the streusel crunchy.

Final Thoughts

This Streusel Bread is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary morning, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around your table. I hope you’ll give this wonderful recipe a try and make it a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.

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