Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly captures the spirit of autumn, this Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze is here to become your new favorite. Imagine slices of moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread topped with a buttery pumpkin spice streusel and a luscious drizzle of sweet maple glaze. The harmony of flavors—from the rich pumpkin puree to the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice—creates a comforting, irresistible experience. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because, this pumpkin bread feels like a hug in dessert form and is sure to fill your kitchen with the most inviting smells.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things beautifully simple, relying on familiar pantry staples and a handful of autumn-inspired spices. Each ingredient not only ensures the perfect texture and flavor but also contributes to that vibrant, festive color that pumpkin bread is known for.

• Unsalted butter: Melted for the pumpkin spice streusel, it adds richness and helps create that crumbly topping texture.
• All-purpose flour: The backbone of both the bread and the streusel, giving structure and balance to the moist pumpkin base.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to both the streusel and the bread batter.
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps maintain the bread’s tender crumb.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that iconic fall flavor, blending cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Pure pumpkin puree: The star ingredient bringing moistness, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread incredibly moist without overpowering the spices.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while enriching the bread’s texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• Milk: Helps in achieving the perfect batter consistency and softness.
• Baking soda: Provides lift, giving this bread a tender rise.
• Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warm spice that complements the pumpkin pie spice.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
• Powdered sugar: For the maple glaze, creating a smooth and dusted sweetness.
• Pure maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and characteristic maple flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze 

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Streusel

Start by whisking together melted butter, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl. This streusel will add an irresistible, crumbly texture on top of your bread. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the main batter—chilling helps it hold its shape during baking.

Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Set your oven to 325°F to bake the bread low and slow for a tender crumb. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends over the long edges for easy lifting once the bread is baked and cooled.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. This dry mix creates the foundation of your bread’s flavor and ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Sugars

Using a mixer or a sturdy whisk, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, to enrich and bind the batter.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add half of your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by the milk, and then the remaining dry ingredients. Mix just until everything comes together into a smooth, thick batter—overmixing can make the bread tough, so gentle folding is key.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Retrieve your cold pumpkin spice streusel and break it into small, even crumbs. Sprinkle generously over the batter to create a crunchy, spiced topping that will bake to golden perfection. Pop the pan into the oven and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it needs more time, keep checking every 5 minutes—patience pays off with perfect results!

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Maple Glaze

While the bread is baking, stir together the powdered sugar and pure maple syrup to create a simple, glossy glaze. Once the bread is out of the oven and still warm, pour the glaze over the top, letting it soak slightly into the streusel and the loaf itself. This step adds a shiny, sweet finish that balances perfectly with the spices and pumpkin.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze 

Garnishes

The beauty of this bread is it shines on its own, but you can add a little flair with a dusting of cinnamon or extra powdered sugar for presentation. For a bit of texture, try a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts scattered on top after glazing—it adds delightful crunch and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat. For something more substantial, serve alongside a creamy whipped cream cheese spread or a mild, sharp cheddar cheese to play up its sweet and spicy character.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning fall brunch centerpiece, slice the bread thickly and serve on a wooden board with small bowls of extra maple syrup, butter, and fresh fruit preserves. You can also transform slices into decadent French toast topped with a drizzle of warm maple syrup and a sprinkle of pecans for an indulgent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, your pumpkin bread with maple glaze stays fresh wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The glaze helps keep the top moist, so each slice feels as good as the first.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap a cooled loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven wrapped in foil to revive that fresh-baked softness. You can add a small pat of butter or a drizzle of extra maple syrup to enhance the experience—pure comfort in every bite.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! When using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth, then measure out the equivalent 15-ounce amount. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin may be a bit more watery, so you might want to drain excess liquid or reduce milk slightly to keep the batter consistency balanced.

Is it necessary to use the parchment paper liner in the pan?

While not mandatory, using parchment paper that extends over the sides of the pan makes removing the loaf much easier and helps keep the bread intact. It’s a simple trick to avoid sticking and breakage.

Can I make the streusel topping without butter?

Butter adds richness and helps the streusel crumble properly. You might substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, but the texture and flavor may slightly differ. For best results, stick to butter if possible.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries—pumpkin pie spice is just a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Mix your own by combining 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, and a pinch of cloves to replace the pumpkin pie spice in equal amounts.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to use one designed for baking to maintain texture and flavor close to the original. You might need to adjust baking time slightly as gluten-free flours can behave differently.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze  recipe is truly a heartwarming celebration of fall flavors all wrapped up in one delicious loaf. Its tender crumb, spiced streusel topping, and luscious maple glaze come together to create a treat that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re sharing it with family, gifting it to friends, or savoring it quietly with a cup of tea, this pumpkin bread is bound to bring joy to your table. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

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