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Pumpkin Streusel Bread – Moist, Spiced, and Perfect for Fall

When the leaves start to turn and the cozy aroma of cinnamon fills the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a loaf of Pumpkin Streusel Bread. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a buttery crumb topping and sweet glaze, this bread captures all the flavors of fall in every bite. This recipe combines the rich earthiness of pumpkin puree with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, creating a loaf that’s both comforting and irresistible. The streusel topping—a crumbly blend of butter, brown sugar, and flour—adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness that perfectly balances the soft, moist crumb of the bread. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert centerpiece, this Pumpkin Streusel Bread will fill your kitchen with the scent of autumn and your heart with joy.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling & Glazing Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Bread
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or extra cinnamon
  • 7/8 cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
For the Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Maple Glaze
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon maple extract

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • You’ll need a few basic tools to create this fall favorite:
  • 2 Large mixing bowls
  • 1 medium bowl (for the streusel topping)
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Nonstick spray or parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl for glaze

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
  1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—don’t overmix. The batter should be thick and smooth.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel Topping
  1. In a medium bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
  1. Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top, pressing lightly so it adheres.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
  1. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
  1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. While the bread cools, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, maple syrup, and maple extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf before slicing.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for 5–6 days in a sealed container.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes for that fresh-baked feel.
🥄 Variations
There are countless ways to make this pumpkin bread your own:
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel or batter.
Chocolate Chip Twist: Stir 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Cream Cheese Swirl: Add spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture and swirl before baking.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter and 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 5 tbsp water).
No-Glaze Option: Skip the glaze and sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No—pumpkin pie filling already contains sugar and spices, which will alter the recipe. Use plain pumpkin puree.
2. Why did my bread sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed or underbaked. Make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.
3. Can I make this into muffins?
Yes! Divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes.
4. What’s the best way to toast the streusel topping?
Bake until the top is golden and crisp—if needed, broil for 1 minute at the end (watch closely).
5. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the brown sugar in the bread by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting texture.
6. Is it necessary to glaze the bread?
The glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal, but the bread is still delicious without it.
7. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but replace only half of the all-purpose flour for a denser, more rustic texture.
8. Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Absolutely—add 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity burst.
9. How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?
Sprinkle it evenly and lightly press it into the batter before baking.
10. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake, cool, and store the loaf (unglazed) for up to 2 days. Add the glaze before serving for freshness.
🏁 Conclusion
This Pumpkin Streusel Bread is everything you love about fall—warm spices, soft texture, and a buttery crumbly topping that melts in your mouth. Every slice offers a perfect blend of sweet pumpkin flavor, aromatic cinnamon, and maple glaze drizzle.
It’s the ideal bake for cozy mornings, coffee breaks, or festive gatherings. Whether you serve it at brunch, gift it to friends, or enjoy it fresh from the oven, this bread will become an autumn tradition in your home.
So preheat that oven, open a can of pumpkin puree, and fill your kitchen with the delicious scent of homemade comfort.