Few things capture the spirit of autumn quite like pumpkin bread, and this Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze takes the classic to new heights. The loaf itself is moist, spiced, and deeply flavored thanks to pumpkin purée, warm spices, and nutty brown butter. A sweet-salty glaze made from browned butter and maple syrup is poured over the top, creating an indulgent finish that sets this recipe apart. Every slice is tender, aromatic, and perfectly balanced.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has everything you want in a pumpkin bread: richness, moisture, and depth of flavor. Brown butter adds caramel-like undertones, while pumpkin spice fills the kitchen with cozy fragrance. The salted maple glaze ties it all together with a glossy finish and a hint of salt that sharpens the sweetness. It’s easy to make, requires only one bowl for the wet ingredients, and yields a bakery-style loaf perfect for sharing—or keeping for yourself.

Perfect Occasions

Butter Pumpkin Bread is ideal for autumn holidays and gatherings: Thanksgiving dessert tables, Halloween parties, or weekend brunch. It also makes a thoughtful homemade gift when wrapped in parchment and tied with string. Serve it as a breakfast treat with coffee, as an afternoon snack with tea, or as a cozy dessert drizzled with extra glaze.

Decoration Tips

Pour the salted maple glaze generously over the loaf while it’s slightly warm so it drips beautifully down the sides.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for contrast and crunch.
Serve on a rustic board surrounded by small pumpkins or autumn leaves for seasonal presentation.
Add toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a nutty accent.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread

190 g brown sugar
90 g white sugar
15 oz (1 can) pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
100 ml whole milk
30 ml browned butter
80 ml neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
1 tbsp vanilla paste or extract
¼–½ tsp salt (to taste)
240 g all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
1–2 tsp pumpkin spice (to taste)

For the Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze

25 g browned butter
50 g maple syrup
50 g powdered sugar
Splash of milk (for consistency)
Salt (to taste)
Vanilla extract (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Brown Butter

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Measure out 30 ml for the bread and set aside another 25 g for the glaze.

Prepare the Bread Batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with a little browned butter.
In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, milk, browned butter, oil, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Sift flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully.

Make the Glaze

Brown 25 g of butter as above. Let cool slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk browned butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. Add a splash of milk to achieve a thick but pourable glaze.
Stir in a pinch of salt and vanilla if using. Taste and adjust salt to balance the sweetness.

Finish and Serve

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread, allowing it to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Check the bread around 40 minutes—bake times vary by oven.
For a stronger spice profile, use the full 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice.
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the loaf but not so runny that it disappears—adjust with milk or sugar as needed.
Store wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slices slightly before serving.

Enjoy!

This Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze is a fall essential: moist, aromatic, and indulgent without being fussy. Whether served at brunch, shared with friends, or enjoyed as a late-night snack, it delivers comfort and elegance in every bite.