Create a comforting treat with this pumpkin loaf featuring a rich cinnamon swirl and a crunchy streusel topping. It's a perfect bake that brings the essence of fall into your kitchen with its warm spices and inviting aroma.
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-Purpose Flour: ⅓ cup (48g), for texture
- Dark Brown Sugar: ¼ cup (55g), packed, for sweetness
- Ground Cinnamon: ¼ teaspoon, for spice
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons (42g), for crumb
- Pecan Halves: ½ cup (65g), for crunch
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- Granulated Sugar: ¼ cup (50g), for sweetness
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 ½ teaspoons, for a spiced layer
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 tablespoon (9g), to help distribute the cinnamon
For the Pumpkin Batter:
- Pure Pumpkin Puree: 1 ¼ cup (300ml), for moisture and flavor
- Dark Brown Sugar: ½ cup (110g), packed, for depth
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g), for sweetness
- Large Eggs: 2, room temperature, for structure
- Unsalted Butter: ⅓ cup (75g), melted, for richness
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml), for flavor
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ¾ cups (250g), for the base
- Baking Powder: ¾ teaspoon, for rise
- Baking Soda: ¾ teaspoon, for texture
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, to enhance flavors
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: 1 ½ teaspoons, for seasonal spice
- Whole Milk: ⅔ cup (160ml), for batter consistency
Instructions:
- Streusel Topping: Mix streusel ingredients with your fingers until crumbly. Set aside.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and flour for the swirl.
- Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment.
- Pumpkin Batter: Whisk together pumpkin, butter, sugars, vanilla, and eggs. Sift in the dry ingredients, then fold gently, adding milk before the flour is fully incorporated.
- Layer: Pour a third of the batter into the pan, add half the cinnamon swirl, then another layer of batter, the rest of the cinnamon swirl, and finally the remaining batter.
- Topping: Sprinkle with half the streusel, add pecans, and finish with the rest of the streusel.
- Bake: For 50-60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean. Cool in the pan, then lift out to cool completely on a rack.
Serving Suggestion: This loaf is perfect as a sweet breakfast, a delightful snack, or a dessert. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, and share the autumnal joy with friends and family. Keep this recipe handy for a taste of fall any time of the year!
