Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a moist, tender loaf, you are absolutely going to adore this Pumpkin Streusel Bread. With its perfectly spiced pumpkin bread base topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel and finished off with a sweet maple glaze, it’s the kind of treat that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re baking for a casual breakfast, a special snack, or a festive gathering, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread brings together the tastes and textures we crave during pumpkin season, making it an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Pumpkin Streusel Bread. Each element plays an important part — the pumpkin puree adds moisture and that classic autumn flavor, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring cozy aroma and depth, and the streusel topping introduces an irresistible crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread beneath.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides richness and tender crumb when creamed with sugar.
• Dark brown sugar (1 cup, lightly packed): Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness; light brown sugar works too.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star of the show, giving the bread its moist texture and vibrant color — be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): Infuses warmth and spice in every bite.
• Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle zing to balance sweetness.
• Ground nutmeg (1/4 tsp): Offers a nutty, slightly sweet spice that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Brings a punch of aromatic spice, enhancing complexity.
• Baking soda (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise and keeps it light.
• Baking powder (1 tsp): Provides extra leavening to achieve a tender crumb.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and boosts overall flavor.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): The foundation of your bread, providing structure.
• Unsalted butter (6 Tbsp, melted): For the streusel topping, delivers a rich, crumbly texture.
• All-purpose flour (3/4 cup, for streusel): Creates that signature crumbly texture for the topping.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup, light or dark, for streusel): Sweetens the streusel and caramelizes during baking.
• Pumpkin pie spice or ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Enhances the streusel with fragrance and warmth.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Forms the base of the glaze for a smooth sweetness.
• Maple extract (1/4 tsp): Adds a natural maple flavor to the glaze; vanilla can substitute if needed.
• Maple syrup (1 Tbsp): Gives the glaze a lovely sheen and rich flavor.
• Milk or cream (1 Tbsp): Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350℉ and preparing your loaf pan. A light metal 8- or 9-inch loaf pan works best here because it promotes even baking and a perfectly golden crust. Grease it generously with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper and then grease, ensuring your Pumpkin Streusel Bread slides out effortlessly after baking.”

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar with a handheld electric mixer until smooth — this traps air and helps create a tender crumb. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, followed by the eggs, blending well after each addition. Add the warm spices, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour, mixing on low speed just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix here because you want your bread to stay tender, not tough.

Step 3: Spread the Batter and Prepare the Streusel

Once your batter is ready, spread it evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Now let’s talk streusel — in a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand, then evenly drop heaping spoonfuls of this crumbly topping over the batter. This sweet, crunchy layer is what makes this Pumpkin Streusel Bread irresistibly special.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the bread for 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 clinging to it. The aroma of spices caramelizing with sugar will fill your kitchen, making the wait entirely worth it. Once baked, transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool completely — this step is crucial to ensure the glaze adheres nicely later.

Step 5: Drizzle the Maple Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, maple syrup, and milk or cream until smooth and slightly thick. Drizzle this maple glaze generously over the cooled bread, letting it cascade over the edges. Allow the glaze to set before slicing to serve. This final touch adds luscious sweetness and a subtle maple warmth that takes this Pumpkin Streusel Bread to the next level of yum.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Garnishes

To make your Pumpkin Streusel Bread presentation pop, consider topping individual slices with a light dusting of cinnamon or additional chopped toasted pecans for crunch. A small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a smear of softened cream cheese can also complement the spice and sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs delightfully with a warm cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even an apple cider latte. If you’re serving it for breakfast or brunch, fresh fruit like sliced pears or crisp apples provide a refreshing contrast to the bread’s tender texture and rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve slices of Pumpkin Streusel Bread alongside a small bowl of maple butter or honey butter for spreading. You could also slice the bread thick, toast it lightly, and then drizzle the glaze on top just before serving to keep that crisp-streusel texture intact. It’s a creative way to reinvent the experience each time you bake it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your Pumpkin Streusel Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it wrapped well locks in moisture and keeps the bread luscious and soft.

Freezing

You can freeze this bread comfortably for up to two months. Slice before freezing if you prefer single servings, and wrap each slice or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or a freezer-safe bag to protect it from freezer burn.

Reheating

Defrost frozen slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. Warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at low heat for about 5–7 minutes to revive that fresh-baked taste and revive the crisp texture of the streusel topping. Avoid microwaving whenever possible to maintain texture.

FAQs

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

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as canned pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that can throw off the balance of flavors in the bread.

What makes this Pumpkin Streusel Bread different from regular pumpkin bread?

The addition of a crumbly streusel topping combined with a sweet maple glaze elevates this bread, adding delightful texture and layers of flavor not found in standard pumpkin bread recipes.

Can I substitute the maple extract in the glaze?

Yes, if you don’t have maple extract, vanilla extract works well as a substitute and will still complement the spices and pumpkin beautifully.

How do I prevent the streusel topping from sinking into the bread?

Make sure to drop the streusel gently over the batter rather than pressing it down. This keeps the topping on the surface and maintains that crunchy texture after baking.

Is this Pumpkin Streusel Bread suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! It freezes wonderfully when wrapped properly. Just be sure to thaw and reheat slices gently for the best texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pumpkin Streusel Bread is like inviting a little autumn magic into your kitchen — every bite filled with the perfect harmony of spice, sweetness, and crumbly goodness. It’s a recipe that’s as satisfying to bake as it is to enjoy, and once you taste it, it’s sure to become a new go-to for cozy mornings or any time you want to treat yourself with something warm and comforting. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home too!

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