Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze: Moist, Spiced, and Perfect for Fall

This Butter Pumpkin Bread is incredibly moist, pillowy, and full of warm fall spices. Topped with a salted maple brown butter glaze, this recipe takes traditional pumpkin bread to a whole new level of deliciousness. The bread itself is spiced just right, with the richness of brown butter adding a nutty, caramelized depth. The glaze, made from brown butter and maple syrup, adds a sweet, salty finish that makes each slice irresistible. Perfect for autumn gatherings or as a cozy treat at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll love this recipe for its rich flavor, soft texture, and the way the salted maple brown butter glaze complements the spiced pumpkin bread. The combination of pumpkin purée, brown butter, and pumpkin spice creates a perfectly moist and tender loaf that’s full of warm, comforting flavors. Plus, the brown butter glaze adds a luxurious touch, making it hard to stop at just one slice. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the fall season.

Perfect Occasion: This butter pumpkin bread is perfect for autumn celebrations like Thanksgiving, Halloween, or any cozy weekend baking session. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or an afternoon snack, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The salted maple glaze adds a festive touch that makes it an ideal addition to holiday dessert tables, brunch spreads, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, pour the salted maple glaze generously over the top of the slightly warm pumpkin bread, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can also sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze for an extra pop of flavor. Serve the bread on a rustic cutting board or a fall-themed platter, surrounded by mini pumpkins or autumn leaves for a festive vibe.

Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread:

• 190g brown sugar
• 90g white sugar
• 15oz (1 can) pumpkin purée
• 2 large eggs
• 100ml whole milk
• 30ml brown butter (see instructions below)
• 80ml neutral oil (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla paste or extract
• 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 240g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-2 teaspoons pumpkin spice (adjust to taste)

Ingredients for the Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze:

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

Instructions:

For the Pumpkin Bread:

1. Brown the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, then measure out 30ml of the browned butter.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking tin with a little bit of the browned butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, milk, browned butter, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
4. Sift the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice—over the wet ingredients. Gently whisk everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dry.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. Start checking around the 40-minute mark.
6. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze:

1. While the bread is cooling, make the glaze. Brown 25g of butter in the same way as above and let it cool slightly.
2. In a small bowl, combine the brown butter, maple syrup, and powdered sugar. Add a splash of milk and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
3. Add a pinch of salt and vanilla extract (if using), then mix well. Taste and adjust the salt to your liking for a sweet-salty balance.

Assembly:

1. Pour the salted maple glaze over the warm pumpkin bread, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
2. Let the glaze set slightly, then slice and enjoy! For best results, store the bread wrapped in the fridge and let it come to room temperature (or warm it up slightly) before serving.

Enjoy!