Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

If you’re looking to cozy up your kitchen with a sweet, spiced treat that captures everything wonderful about the fall season, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread is your new best friend. Bursting with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, the tender pumpkin-infused bread perfectly balances moistness and spice. Topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel and finished off with a glossy maple glaze, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread delights every bite and fills your home with an irresistible aroma that invites hands to grab just one more slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a breeze when you have simple, familiar ingredients on hand. Each one plays a vital role in creating depth of flavor, moistness, and that perfect crumb that makes this bread unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened plus 6 Tbsp melted): The backbone of rich flavor and luscious texture in both bread and streusel topping.
• Dark brown sugar (1 cup, plus 1/2 cup for streusel): Adds a deep molasses sweetness that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient that lends moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fall vibe (remember, just pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling!).
• Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s tender crumb.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp, plus 1/2 tsp for streusel): A warm spice that gives the bread its inviting aroma.
• Ground ginger (1/2 tsp), nutmeg (1/4 tsp), cloves (1/4 tsp): These spices amplify the autumnal flavor profile with a subtle kick.
• Baking soda (1 tsp) and baking powder (1 tsp): Essential leavening agents ensuring your bread rises perfectly fluffy.
• Salt (1 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances the spices’ vibrancy.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups for bread plus 3/4 cup for streusel): Provides structure and tender crumb.
• Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Key ingredient for the sweet, silky glaze topping.
• Maple extract (1/4 tsp) and maple syrup (1 Tbsp): Infuse a rich, cozy sweetness into the glaze that beautifully complements the spice.
• Milk or cream (1 Tbsp): Thins the glaze to the perfect consistency for drizzling.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 350℉ to get it nice and ready for baking. Grease an 8- or 9-inch light metal loaf pan lavishly to prevent sticking — or line it with parchment paper and grease the paper. This simple step ensures your beautiful Pumpkin Streusel Bread comes out effortlessly after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, cream your softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is smooth and silky, about one minute. Then lovingly fold in the pumpkin puree, blending it well before adding eggs one at a time. Adding eggs slowly helps the batter stay light and fluffy. Next, sift in the fragrant spices, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and flour, mixing on low speed just until everything comes together. The secret here is to stop mixing as soon as you see no more flour streaks — overworking can make your bread tough instead of tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Streusel Topping

While the batter waits patiently in the loaf pan, whisk together melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl until the mixture looks like wet sand. This streusel topping brings a delightful crunch and buttery sweetness that sets this bread apart from ordinary pumpkin loaves.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the pumpkin batter evenly in the prepared pan, then scatter large spoonfuls of streusel all over the top. The streusel will melt slightly and crisp up during baking, creating that irresistible crumbly top everyone loves. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. Use a toothpick inserted near the center to check doneness — it should come out clean or with moist crumbs. Once baked, transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 5: Glaze and Serve

Mix confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, maple syrup, and milk or cream in a bowl to create a soft glaze. Whisk until smooth, then drizzle generously over the cooled loaf. Let the glaze set slightly so it forms a delicate, shiny coating that adds just the right touch of sweetness and maple charm to the Pumpkin Streusel Bread.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, a light dusting of cinnamon or extra confectioners’ sugar adds a snowy finish that looks stunning. Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled atop the glaze introduce an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs lovely with the spices.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of rich cream cheese spread or a smear of softened butter. For a brunch menu, consider serving it alongside a bold cup of coffee or a warm chai latte to complement those autumn spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into thick pieces, then lightly toasting each slice to bring out the warm pumpkin aromas before adding glaze. You can also cut the bread into cubes to make a festive bread pudding or layer slices between cream cheese and apple butter for an irresistible sandwich. The versatility of Pumpkin Streusel Bread makes it perfect not just for breakfast but any time you crave a comforting sweet treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Pumpkin Streusel Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days at room temperature, making it a perfect grab-and-go snack.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and freeze individual pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen Pumpkin Streusel Bread will keep well for up to 3 months, so fall flavor is always just a pull from the freezer away.

Reheating

To enjoy previously frozen or stored bread, warm slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 325℉ for about 10 minutes until heated through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the texture a bit soft. A warm slice feels almost like fresh-baked all over again, especially with a little butter or cream cheese on top.

FAQs

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

It’s best to avoid pumpkin pie filling because it contains added spices and sweeteners that can throw off the flavor and texture of the bread. Pure pumpkin puree keeps the taste clean and lets you control every spice note.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for the best structure to mimic regular flour.

How do I know when the Pumpkin Streusel Bread is perfectly baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread toward the end of baking. If it comes out clean or with only moist crumbs (not wet batter), your bread is done. Also, the top should be golden brown and the edges might slightly pull away from the pan.

Can I make this Pumpkin Streusel Bread dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk in the glaze. The flavors will still be comforting and delicious.

What’s the best way to get that perfect crunchy streusel topping?

Using cold melted butter and mixing the streusel just until it resembles wet sand helps create that crumbly texture. Don’t over-mix; chunkier crumbs bake up crispier and more satisfying.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a true showstopper in any season but especially when you crave cozy and comforting flavors. It’s incredibly easy to make, sure to please a crowd, and filled with that warm, pumpkin-spice magic that feels like a hug from the inside out. I promise once you try this recipe, it will become one of your favorite treats to bake and share. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready for a little slice of heaven called Pumpkin Streusel Bread!

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