The Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Bread with Crunchy Streusel and Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Glaze
Jump to Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links.
As autumn leaves begin to fall and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting and inviting as the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your home. This recipe for the most incredibly moist and easy pumpkin bread isn’t just a seasonal treat; it’s a delightful experience, perfected with a delectable streusel topping and finished with a luscious pumpkin spice glaze. It’s truly a labor of love that delivers on both flavor and texture, promising to become a cherished family favorite in no time.
What makes this pumpkin streusel bread truly stand out is its remarkable simplicity – the entire batter comes together in just one bowl, streamlining your baking process. Infused with rich pumpkin puree and aromatic pumpkin spice, every bite offers an explosion of authentic fall flavor. The bread itself boasts an incredibly soft and tender crumb, providing the perfect counterpoint to the crunchy, buttery streusel topping. And to elevate this autumnal masterpiece further, a sweet and spiced glaze is drizzled generously over the top, adding an extra layer of sweetness and warmth. This moist pumpkin bread is so irresistibly good, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat throughout the fall season and beyond.
Looking for more delightful pumpkin creations? Be sure to explore our recipes for Pumpkin Cheesecake with Maple Whipped Cream, Pumpkin Muffins with Cream Cheese, and The Best Pumpkin Cupcakes.
Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a Must-Try
This pumpkin bread isn’t just another fall recipe; it’s designed for maximum flavor and ease. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Unrivaled Softness and Moisture: Our pumpkin bread recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver an exceptionally soft, tender, and moist texture. The secret lies in the precise balance of wet and dry ingredients, ensuring that every slice is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and stays fresh for days.
- Perfectly Crunchy Streusel Topping: A delightful contrast to the soft bread, the streusel topping adds an irresistible crunch and a buttery, sweet depth of flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it bakes into a golden, crumbly layer that enhances both the texture and taste of the pumpkin bread.
- Aromatic Pumpkin Spice Glaze: Finishing this loaf is a smooth, sweet glaze infused with warm pumpkin spices. This glaze isn’t just for looks; it adds an extra layer of sweetness and spice, complementing the pumpkin flavor perfectly and making each bite truly indulgent.
Essential Ingredients for the Best Pumpkin Bread
Crafting this amazing pumpkin bread begins with high-quality ingredients. While a full list of precise measurements is available in the recipe card below, here are some key ingredients and why they are important for achieving perfect results:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the structure of our pumpkin bread. For a truly light and airy crumb, I recommend using all-purpose flour with a protein content between 10-11%. This provides enough gluten for structure without making the bread dense.
- Dark Brown Sugar: This isn’t just for sweetness; dark brown sugar is a powerhouse ingredient. Its molasses content adds a rich, deep toffee-like flavor to both the pumpkin bread itself and the streusel topping. More importantly, it contributes significantly to the bread’s moistness and keeps it soft over time.
- Eggs: Always allow your eggs to come to room temperature before baking. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender crumb in your finished bread.
- Pumpkin Puree: The heart of our pumpkin bread! It’s crucial to use pure pumpkin puree, typically found in a can. Double-check the label to ensure the only ingredient listed is pumpkin. Do NOT use pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added spices and sugar that will alter the flavor and texture of this recipe. You can also make your own homemade pumpkin puree if preferred.
- Pumpkin Spice: This blend of warm spices is what truly brings out the quintessential fall flavor in your pumpkin bread. You can use a high-quality store-bought pumpkin spice mix, or for an even fresher, more customizable flavor, try making your own homemade blend (a recipe is provided in the notes section of the recipe card). Adding pumpkin spice to the cake batter significantly enhances the natural pumpkin flavor.
- Oil: A flavor-neutral vegetable oil, such as canola oil, is ideal for this recipe. Oil contributes to an incredibly moist texture, often more so than butter in quick breads, by distributing moisture evenly throughout the batter. It also helps keep the bread soft and tender for longer.
Effortless Step-by-Step Baking Guide
Making this Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal equipment and no electric mixer for the main batter. All you’ll need are two large bowls, a whisk, and a spatula. Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious fall treat.
For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below.
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 175ºC/350ºF (conventional oven setting). Prepare a 21.5 x 11.5 cm / 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan by lightly spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
STEP 1: Prepare the Crumb Topping. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and softened butter. Using an electric hand mixer on low speed or a fork, mix these ingredients until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a coarse, crumbly texture. Ensure there are no pockets of dry flour remaining. Set this delicious streusel aside while you prepare the pumpkin bread batter.
STEP 2: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the pumpkin bread: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly combined and evenly distributed. In a separate, another mixing bowl, add all the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together with a hand whisk until they are well combined and smooth.
STEP 3: Combine and Prepare for Baking. Gently pour the whisked wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, stir the mixture just until it is smooth and all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. Once combined, pour the luscious pumpkin bread batter into your prepared loaf pan. To help create a beautiful crack down the center of your loaf, take a butter knife and insert it into the top of the batter, running it in a straight line down the middle.
STEP 4: Add Streusel and Bake. Evenly sprinkle the prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the pumpkin bread batter in the loaf pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 65-75 minutes. The bread is done when a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked to golden perfection, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. After this initial cooling, gently lift the cake out of the tin using the parchment paper overhang and let it cool completely on the wire rack before glazing.
STEP 5: Drizzle with Pumpkin Spice Glaze. Once the pumpkin bread has cooled completely, it’s time to add the finishing touch: the pumpkin spice glaze. In a small mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk thoroughly until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps. Drizzle this delightful glaze generously over the cooled pumpkin bread just before serving. Slice and enjoy your homemade, perfectly spiced pumpkin bread!
Expert Tips for Pumpkin Bread Perfection
Achieving the perfect pumpkin bread is within your reach with these tried-and-true baking tips:
- Precision with a Kitchen Scale: For consistent and accurate results every single time, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale. My recipes are typically developed using grams, which is the most precise way to measure ingredients, especially flour. Measuring by weight eliminates the inconsistencies that can arise from measuring by volume (cups), ensuring your pumpkin bread always turns out perfectly.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir the batter only until just smooth and no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can result in a dense, tough, and chewy bread instead of a soft and tender one. After initial mixing, I always use a spatula to give it one final, gentle fold to ensure all ingredients from the bottom of the bowl are incorporated without overworking the batter.
- Choose the Right Baking Pan: The type of baking pan you use can significantly impact the final texture of your pumpkin bread. For the best result, opt for an aluminum baking pan. These lighter-colored pans reflect heat, leading to a more gentle and even bake. This results in a softer, more uniformly cooked cake with a lighter crust. Darker baking pans, on the other hand, absorb more heat, which can lead to a darker, tougher crust and potentially a drier interior. Always remember to grease your pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper for easy release.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, butter (for streusel), and pumpkin puree are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify more easily, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a better overall texture in your finished bread.
- Test for Doneness Properly: To confirm your pumpkin bread is fully baked, insert a long wooden skewer or a cake tester into the very center of the loaf. It should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. If it’s not quite done, continue baking in 5-minute increments until it passes the test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a fantastic addition to pumpkin bread. I’d recommend folding in about ⅔ cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the batter just before pouring it into the loaf pan. This will add an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful textural contrast.
Yes, this pumpkin bread is excellent for making a day ahead! In fact, many quick breads often taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Once completely cooled, cover the bread well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The bread will remain wonderfully moist. Keep in mind that the streusel topping might soften slightly over time, but the overall flavor will be enhanced.
The best way to tell if your pumpkin bread is done is by using a cake tester or a long wooden toothpick. After the recommended baking time has passed (65-75 minutes), insert the cake tester into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it, then your bread is perfectly baked. If it comes out with wet crumbs, continue baking in 5-minute intervals and retest.
Yes, you can absolutely add pecans or walnuts to this pumpkin bread! Chopped nuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the pumpkin beautifully. I suggest adding about ½ to ¾ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dry ingredients before combining them with the wet ingredients, or gently folding them into the finished batter.
Storage Instructions for Freshness
To maintain the freshness and moisture of your delicious pumpkin bread, store it in an airtight container. While it can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, for longer storage, it’s best to place it in the refrigerator. Before enjoying a slice, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes, or warm it gently in the microwave for 10-20 seconds. Properly stored, this pumpkin bread will stay fresh and delightful for 3-4 days.
Other Irresistible Fall Recipes To Try
If you’re loving the cozy flavors of autumn, you might also enjoy these other fantastic fall-inspired recipes:
- Cranberry Orange Coffee Cake
- Gooey Pecan Pie Brownies with Brown Butter
- Giant Cinnamon Rolls (Soft, Gooey Tangzhong Milk Bread Rolls)
- Chocolate Coffee Pie – Silky Chocolate Coffee Pastry Cream and Whipped Mascarpone Cream
We hope you cherish this amazing pumpkin bread as much as we do! If you loved this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW to let us know. We’d also love to see your beautiful creations – tag me on Instagram @juliemarieeats. For more culinary inspiration and ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest!
Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Pumpkin Spice Glaze
Pin Recipe
Equipment
- 21,5 x 11,5 cm (8,5×4,5 in) loaf pan
Ingredients
STREUSEL
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g dark brown sugar
- 40 g butter room temperature
PUMPKIN BREAD
- 230 g all-purpose flour
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 300 g pumpkin purée room temperature
- 110 g vegetable oil room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
PUMPKIN SPICE GLAZE
- 75 g powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon milk
Instructions
STREUSEL
- In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, dark brown sugar, and room temperature butter. Mix it together using an electric hand mixer or a fork until the mixture has a crumble structure and there is no dry flour left. Set this delicious streusel aside while preparing the pumpkin bread batter.60 g all-purpose flour, 50 g dark brown sugar, 40 g butter
PUMPKIN BREAD
- Preheat your oven to 175ºC/350ºF (conventional oven setting). Lightly spray a 21.5 x 11.5 cm / 8.5 x 4.5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the longer sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and salt. Give it a thorough stir to ensure all dry ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.230 g all-purpose flour, 250 g granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice, ½ teaspoon salt
- In a separate mixing bowl, add all the wet ingredients: room temperature pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, room temperature large eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together with a hand whisk until thoroughly combined and smooth.300 g pumpkin purée, 110 g vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them together using a spatula, mixing just until the batter is smooth and uniformly combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
- Transfer the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. For a classic crack down the center, take a butter knife and gently insert it into the top of the batter, running it in a straight line from one end of the pan to the other.
- Generously sprinkle the reserved streusel topping over the batter in the loaf pan. Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, gently remove the bread from the loaf pan using the parchment paper and transfer it to the wire rack to cool down completely before glazing.
PUMPKIN SPICE GLAZE
- Once the pumpkin bread has cooled down completely (this is important to prevent the glaze from melting), prepare the pumpkin spice glaze. In a small mixing bowl, add the powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk all ingredients together until the glaze is smooth, pourable, and free of lumps. Drizzle this delightful glaze over the cooled pumpkin bread just before serving. Enjoy!75 g powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon pumpkin spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon milk
Notes
To create your own aromatic pumpkin spice blend, simply mix together 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground nutmeg, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground ginger, ¾ teaspoon of ground cloves, and ¾ teaspoon of ground allspice. Stir well to combine. Store your homemade pumpkin spice in a cool, dark cupboard in an airtight container to keep it fresh and potent for all your fall baking needs.