Deliciously Moist Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this deliciously moist pumpkin bread, crowned with a buttery streusel topping and drizzled with a sweet maple glaze. This recipe combines the rich taste of pumpkin puree with warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, creating a loaf that's both comforting and bursting with flavor. The contrast between the tender crumb of the bread and the crunchy streusel offers a delightful texture in every bite. The maple glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a touch of elegance, making this pumpkin bread a treat that's hard to resist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pumpkin bread is the epitome of autumn baking. It's incredibly moist and packed with pumpkin flavor, thanks to the generous amount of pumpkin puree. The combination of sugars and spices creates a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. The streusel topping not only adds a satisfying crunch but also infuses the bread with a rich, buttery taste. The maple glaze elevates the bread, adding a glossy finish and a hint of maple that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results that will delight your family and friends.

Perfect Occasion

This pumpkin bread is perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting and festive treat. It's ideal for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or cozy weekends at home. Serve it as a delightful breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or present it as a homemade gift to loved ones during the holiday season. Its warm flavors and inviting aroma make it a wonderful addition to autumn celebrations and a sure way to impress guests at any event.

Decoration Tips

To enhance the visual appeal of your pumpkin bread, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping before baking. This not only adds a nutty flavor but also extra crunch. After drizzling the maple glaze, you can sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon on top for a decorative touch. For special occasions, garnish the serving platter with cinnamon sticks or small decorative pumpkins. If you're gifting the bread, wrap it in parchment paper tied with a rustic twine for an elegant and thoughtful presentation.

Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze

Ingredients

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

Instructions

Prepare the Streusel Topping:

1. In a medium bowl, combine 1/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice.
2. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients until they form a crumbly, sand-like texture.
3. Set the streusel mixture aside while you prepare the pumpkin bread batter.

Prepare the Pumpkin Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 can of pumpkin puree, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add 2 large eggs to the bowl, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup milk, mixing until all wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter, covering the entire surface.

Bake the Bread:

1. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. If the streusel topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes of baking.
3. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
4. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Prepare the Maple Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup pure maple syrup until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it's too thick, add a little more maple syrup; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.

Glaze the Bread:

1. Once the pumpkin bread has cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a rustic look.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice the bread and serve it at room temperature or slightly warmed.
• Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Storage Instructions:

• Wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• It will keep well at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week.
• For longer storage, freeze the bread (glazed or unglazed) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Enjoy!