This Pumpkin Crumble Loaf is a delightful fusion of moist pumpkin bread and a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. The loaf is warmly spiced with pumpkin pie spice and features a hidden layer of cinnamon sugar that adds a sweet surprise with every bite. The crumbly streusel, made with chopped pecans and a hint of cinnamon, adds a delightful contrast to the tender loaf. Perfect for cozy autumn mornings or as a delicious dessert, this loaf embodies the comforting flavors of fall in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This: This Pumpkin Crumble Loaf offers everything you love about fall baking in one delicious package. The pumpkin bread is incredibly moist and packed with warm spices, while the cinnamon sugar layer provides an extra touch of sweetness and flavor. The pecan streusel topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, tender crumb of the loaf. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a comforting treat in the afternoon, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your autumn recipe collection.
Perfect Occasion: This Pumpkin Crumble Loaf is perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving brunch, or simply as a cozy treat on a crisp fall day. Its rich flavors and inviting aroma make it an ideal choice for sharing with family and friends. The loaf also makes a wonderful homemade gift, wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a festive ribbon, bringing a taste of the season to anyone who receives it.
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the cooled loaf, highlighting the crumbles and adding a touch of sweetness. You can also drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top for an extra layer of flavor and elegance. Serving this loaf on a rustic wooden board or a fall-themed platter will enhance its autumnal appeal and make it the centerpiece of your table.
Ingredients:
For the Streusel:
- 40 g flour
- 30 g sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 30 g chopped pecans
- 30 g cold butter, cubed
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- 20 g sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 135 g flour
- 1/2 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg
- 140 g sugar
- 7.5 oz pumpkin purée (1/2 can)
- 55 g melted butter
- Prepare the Streusel: Start by making the streusel topping. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers to mix everything together until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the loaf.
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This blend of dry ingredients will provide the foundation for your pumpkin bread, ensuring an even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sugar, pumpkin purée, and melted butter until smooth and well combined. The wet ingredients should be thoroughly mixed to ensure that the sugar dissolves and the pumpkin purée is evenly distributed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and well-combined, with no visible streaks of flour.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon to create a sweet, spiced layer that will be hidden within the loaf.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, creating a sweet and spicy middle layer. Pour the remaining batter on top, spreading it out to cover the cinnamon sugar layer completely.
- Add the Streusel Topping: Evenly distribute the prepared streusel mixture over the top of the loaf, pressing it lightly into the batter so it adheres well during baking.
- Bake the Loaf: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The loaf should be golden brown on top, with the streusel crisp and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper overhang, lift the loaf out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, enjoying the warm, spiced flavors of the season!
Enjoy: Savor each bite of this Pumpkin Crumble Loaf—an autumnal delight that combines the richness of pumpkin, the warmth of spices, and the irresistible crunch of a pecan streusel topping!