This scrumptious pumpkin bread is swirled with a sweet maple glaze and topped with a crunchy streusel. It’s like autumn wrapped in a loaf, perfect for chilly days!
Honestly, the smell of it baking will make your house feel like a cozy café. I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee or as a snack. It’s just so good and super easy to make!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is the easiest choice. If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just roast and puree it. I find that canned has a consistent flavor, which is great for baking!
Flours: All-purpose flour works fine, but for a healthier twist, try whole wheat flour. It will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more fiber. If gluten is a concern, almond or oat flour can also be used; just adjust the quantity slightly.
Spices: The recipe calls for cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. If you want to simplify things, pumpkin pie spice is a great substitute! I sometimes use this for a more balanced spice flavor.
Oils: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. You can use melted coconut oil or melted butter for a richer taste. Use whatever you have on hand!
Maple Syrup: Real maple syrup is the best choice for flavor. If you can’t find it, agave syrup or honey will work as effective sweeteners in the glaze.
How Do You Get the Streusel Topping Just Right?
The streusel adds that lovely crunch to the soft bread. To achieve the best texture:
- Keep the butter cold – it should be firm when you cut it into the dry ingredients. This helps create those flaky bits.
- Don’t overwork the mixture; you want crumbly pieces, not a dough. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter for quick mixing.
Once ready, sprinkle the streusel evenly on top of the batter before baking. This ensures a nice, even crunch on every slice!
What’s the Best Way to Bake the Bread?
To get a perfectly baked pumpkin bread:
- Check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer. Sometimes, ovens can be a bit off.
- Test for doneness using a toothpick. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- If the top browns too quickly, covering it with aluminum foil halfway can help it bake evenly without burning.
Let it cool completely before glazing. This prevents the icing from melting into the bread.
These tips and tricks should help you make a delicious Maple-Glazed Streusel Pumpkin Bread that everyone will enjoy! Happy baking!
How to Make Maple-Glazed Streusel Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup (75g) vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups (about 340g) canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons (56g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Maple Glaze:
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or cream (optional to thin)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing this bread takes about 20 minutes, followed by 60-70 minutes of baking time, and then allow about 30 minutes to cool completely. All in all, you should plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours to make, bake, and cool this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, and if you wish, line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the streusel. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside while you prepare the bread.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients for Bread:
In another bowl, whisk together the 1 ¾ cups of flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined. This mix will add all that lovely spice to your bread!
4. Make Wet Mixture:
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until smooth and fluffy. Next, mix in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Combine Wet and Dry:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Fill Pan and Add Topping:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Now, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter, giving it that delicious crunchy finish.
7. Bake:
Place the loaf pan in your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the streusel starts to brown too much, cover the top loosely with foil for the rest of the baking time.
8. Cool:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Maple Glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup. If it’s too thick, you can add milk or cream 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency.
10. Glaze the Bread:
When your bread is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let it sit a moment to set up nicely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Now, slice your beautifully baked pumpkin bread and serve it as a delightful snack or breakfast treat. Enjoy the warm, spiced flavors and the sweetness of the maple glaze!
This pumpkin bread is perfect for autumn, and it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you can! If using fresh pumpkin, roast it until tender, then puree it until smooth. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before adding it to the mix to maintain the right texture and prevent excess moisture.
Can I Substitute the Oil with Applesauce?
Absolutely! You can replace the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option. Use the same amount (⅓ cup) for a moist and slightly sweeter bread.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil!
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
For sure! Adding ½ to 1 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips can enhance the bread’s flavor and texture. Just fold them in gently before pouring the batter into the pan, being careful not to overmix.
