Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

If you’re after a cozy, tender treat that bursts with autumn flavors, you’ve just found your new favorite: Pumpkin Streusel Bread. This delightful loaf blends moist pumpkin-spiced bread with a crumbly, buttery streusel topping, finished with a smooth maple glaze that ties everything together perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a morning gathering or a comforting afternoon snack, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread offers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pumpkin Streusel Bread lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building that rich flavor, tender crumb, and crumbly topping that everyone will love.

• Unsalted butter: Both softened and melted forms add richness and help create tender bread and buttery streusel.
• Dark brown sugar: Packed lightly, it imparts deep molasses sweetness that complements the pumpkin and spices beautifully.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to keep the flavor fresh and natural.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure to the bread.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves: The pumpkin spice quartet that gives the bread its signature warm and inviting flavor.
• Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners ensure the bread rises just right and stays light.
• Salt: A pinch highlights all the sweet and spicy notes perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: It’s the backbone that holds the bread’s tender crumb.
• Brown sugar (for the streusel): Adds a caramelized crunch atop your loaf.
• Pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon: Enhances the streusel’s autumnal aroma.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Forms the base of the silky glaze.
• Maple extract and syrup: A true touch of fall sweetness in the glaze going beyond ordinary icing.
• Milk or cream: Makes the glaze pourable, perfect for drizzling.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350℉ and generously grease an 8- or 9-inch light metal loaf pan with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper and grease that too — this ensures your perfectly baked bread comes out cleanly every time.

Step 2: Mix the Bread Batter

Using a handheld electric mixer, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until smooth and slightly fluffy. This creamy base is key to that tender texture. Then stir in the pumpkin puree followed by the eggs, blending well after each addition to keep everything smooth. Next, add your warming spices, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed just until everything comes together — avoid over-mixing to keep your bread soft and tender rather than tough.

Step 3: Spread Batter and Make Streusel

Pour and spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Now it’s time for the crowning glory — the streusel. In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand, then drop generous heaps over the top of your batter. This topping will bake up crisp and flavorful on top of your loaf.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 55-60 minutes, keeping an eye on that golden crust. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center — it should come out clean or with moist crumbs, never wet batter. Once baked, remove the bread and cool it completely on a wire rack before moving to the next step.

Step 5: Glaze and Finish Your Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar, maple extract, maple syrup, and a splash of milk or cream until you have a soft, pourable glaze. Drizzle this luscious glaze evenly over the cooled bread, letting it set before you slice. This final touch adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of maple that brings everything home in the most delicious way.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Garnishes

Though the bread shines on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds extra charm and crunch. A few pumpkin seeds scattered on the glaze just before it sets can also give your loaf a rustic, beautiful look that invites eager hands.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread plays well alongside a hot cup of coffee, creamy latte, or your favorite spiced tea. For a more substantial brunch, serve it with whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese. It also pairs delightfully with a bowl of warm apple or butternut squash soup for an autumn-inspired meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing thick pieces and toasting them lightly for a crunchy edge. You can also cut the bread into squares, skewer them with fresh berries and a mint leaf, and drizzle extra maple glaze on the side for a festive dessert display. Wrapping individual slices in parchment tied with twine makes a charming gift for friends and family, spreading the pumpkin love far and wide.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Pumpkin Streusel Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays wonderfully fresh and moist for up to three days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.

Freezing

You can freeze the bread either whole (wrapped well in plastic wrap followed by foil) or sliced. Frozen Pumpkin Streusel Bread can be kept for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked feel after storing or freezing, pop slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300℉ for about 10 minutes. The streusel topping will regain its crunch, and the bread’s crumb will become soft and warm again — absolutely irresistible.

FAQs

Can I substitute canned pumpkin pie filling for the pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree since canned pie filling contains added spices and sugars, which can throw off the balance of flavors and sweetness in the bread.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily make your own blend with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves — the exact spices listed in the recipe work perfectly to recreate the classic flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and swap out the milk or cream in the glaze with almond or oat milk.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The toothpick test is your best friend — insert a toothpick near the center, and if it comes out clean or with just moist crumbs, your bread is ready. Avoid any wet batter to keep the bread from being undercooked.

Can I double this recipe for two loaves?

Yes, doubling works well but be sure to divide the batter evenly into two greased loaf pans and adjust baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 55 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Making Pumpkin Streusel Bread is like capturing the essence of fall in one scrumptious loaf — it’s comforting, flavorful, and simply unforgettable. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple. So fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a bread that warms both the kitchen and the heart.

Print