Rich Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze

There’s a special kind of comfort that only a slice of perfectly spiced pumpkin bread can bring. This recipe for Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread takes that classic comfort to a new, incredible level. The secret lies in one simple step: browning the butter. This process infuses the bread with a rich, nutty, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and a blend of warm spices. Each bite is moist, tender, and pillowy, with a texture so soft it practically melts in your mouth. The entire loaf is crowned with a luscious, salted maple brown butter glaze that adds a final layer of deep, complex sweetness. This isn’t just pumpkin bread; it’s an indulgent, fragrant, and truly unforgettable treat that captures the very essence of autumn in every slice.

Why You’ll Love This:

• Deep, Rich Flavor: The use of browned butter is a game-changer. It creates a warm, nutty aroma and a complex flavor profile that elevates this bread far beyond a typical pumpkin loaf. It’s a simple technique that yields a sophisticated result, making every bite taste decadent and special.
• Incredibly Moist and Pillowy Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and whole milk works magic to create an unbelievably moist and tender crumb. The bread is soft and pillowy, with a texture that is dense enough to feel substantial but light enough to be delicate.
• Perfectly Spiced: This recipe uses a balanced blend of spices that complements the pumpkin without overpowering it. The warm notes of pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and a hint of salt create a comforting and harmonious flavor profile.
• The Ultimate Topping: The salted maple brown butter glaze is the crowning jewel of this loaf. It brings together all the key flavors in a rich, smooth glaze that takes the bread from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

Perfect Occasion:

This Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread is versatile enough for any occasion. It’s a fantastic treat for a cozy weekend breakfast, a well-deserved afternoon snack, or a simple, homemade dessert to share with loved ones. Its rich flavors make it an ideal addition to a fall-themed brunch or a holiday gathering like Thanksgiving.

Serving and Decoration Tips:

• Serve Warm with Glaze: For the most indulgent experience, serve the bread while it is still slightly warm from the oven. The warmth of the bread will cause the glaze to melt into a thin, delicious coating.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts over the glaze after you’ve poured it on.
• Garnish with Flaky Salt: For an elegant and sophisticated touch, add a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glaze just before serving.
• Pair with Cream Cheese: For an extra-rich treat, serve slices of the bread with a side of softened cream cheese.

The Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Cooling Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 190 g brown sugar
• 90 g white sugar
• 15 oz pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 100 ml whole milk
• 30 ml brown butter
• 80 ml neutral oil
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt
• 240 g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1-2 tsp pumpkin spice

For the Glaze:

• 25 g brown butter
• 50 g maple syrup
• 50 g powdered sugar
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of vanilla extract
• Milk (for consistency)

Instructions:

1. Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to $350^\circ\text{F}$. Prepare a standard-sized loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly with a little brown butter.
2. Brown the Butter (for the bread): Melt the butter ($30 \text{ ml}$) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Let it sizzle, foam, and turn a beautiful golden-amber color with small brown bits at the bottom. Immediately pour it into a heatproof container to cool and then measure out $30 \text{ ml}$ to use in the bread.
3. Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, the $30 \text{ ml}$ of cooled brown butter, neutral oil, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until the mixture is uniform and smooth. Note: If the pumpkin puree is watery, place it on a paper towel and gently squeeze out the excess water until it is thick.
4. Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice. Sift this dry mixture directly over the wet ingredients. Whisk everything together until just combined. It is crucial not to overmix the batter.
5. Step 4: Bake the Bread. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the very center of the bread comes out with very few crumbs sticking to it. If the top is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Step 5: Prepare and Pour the Glaze. While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze. Brown a small amount of butter ($25 \text{ g}$). In a small bowl, combine the browned butter with maple syrup and powdered sugar. Add a splash of milk, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before you pour the glaze on.

Make Ahead Options and Storage Tips

This pumpkin bread is a fantastic dessert for preparing ahead of time. Its flavor actually improves on the second day as the spices have more time to meld with the pumpkin.

• Make Ahead: You can bake the loaf up to two days in advance. The glaze can also be made a day in advance.
• Room Temperature: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. It will stay incredibly moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep the bread wrapped in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezer: You can easily freeze this pumpkin bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread

• Mind the Pumpkin Puree: If you are using a brand that is watery, gently press out some of the excess water until it is thick before you measure it.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is the most common reason for a tough, dry loaf. Once you add the flour, mix only until the ingredients are just combined. A few lumps are okay.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures that everything combines smoothly.
• How to Check for Doneness: The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not with wet batter.
• The Power of Browned Butter: Don’t skip the step of browning the butter.

Variations & Substitutions:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in a cup of white chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
• A Different Glaze: You can use a simple cream cheese glaze instead of the brown butter glaze.
• Nutty Texture: Add a cup of coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Spicier Loaf: For a spicier loaf, you can add an extra half teaspoon of ground ginger or a quarter teaspoon of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
• Flour Alternatives: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Bread:

A warm cup of black coffee or a creamy latte is a classic pairing. For a cozier feel, serve it with a mug of warm apple cider or a spicy chai tea latte. For an indulgent dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream on top.

Pumpkin Bread FAQs:

Why is my pumpkin bread dry?

The most common reason for dry pumpkin bread is overmixing the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough, dense, and dry texture. Another reason could be overbaking; be sure to use the toothpick test to ensure it’s cooked just right.

Can I use butter instead of oil?

Yes, you can substitute the oil with an equal amount of melted butter. However, the oil is a key ingredient for a moist crumb, so using all butter may result in a slightly less moist loaf that can become a bit drier after a day or two.

How do I brown butter correctly?

To brown butter, melt it in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Let it sizzle and foam. The foam will eventually subside, and you’ll see small brown bits form at the bottom of the pan. The butter will have a nutty aroma and a rich amber color. Remove it from the heat immediately to prevent it from burning, then pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool.

How do I know if my pumpkin puree is the right consistency?

Good quality pumpkin puree should be thick and hold its shape. If your pumpkin puree seems too watery or runny, you should place it on a paper towel and gently press out some of the excess moisture until it is thick. This will prevent your batter from becoming too thin, which can result in a flat, dense loaf.

How do I store the bread to keep it moist?

To keep the bread moist, it’s essential to store it in an airtight container. Once it has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a sealed container or bag. You can keep it at room temperature for a few days, or in the fridge for longer.

Enjoy this incredible Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread!