This pumpkin bread is a cozy treat, perfect for fall! It’s moist and flavorful, made with real pumpkin and topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel that adds a sweet twist.
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent. Trust me, it’s hard to resist grabbing a slice while it’s still warm! I love enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It works well in most baking recipes, including this bread!
Pumpkin puree: Canned pumpkin works great for convenience. However, you can also use homemade puree by roasting fresh pumpkins. It adds a lovely depth of flavor.
Brown sugar: Light brown sugar adds moisture and flavor. If you’re out, use granulated sugar mixed with a touch of molasses for a similar taste. Brown sugar can sometimes clump, so ensure you break up any lumps in your mixture.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with melted butter or even applesauce for a lower-fat version!
How Do You Get the Streusel Topping Just Right?
The streusel topping is essential for a delightful crunch. The key is to keep your butter cold and not to overmix. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect streusel:
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Add cold butter cut into small pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. It should have small clumps, not a smooth mixture.
- Refrigerate the mixture for about 10 minutes before using. This helps keep the topping crunchy during baking!
Top your pumpkin batter with this streusel right before baking for that ideal texture contrast.
Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel Topping
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240 ml) canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious pumpkin bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Once baked, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. In total, you’re looking at a little over an hour of active cooking time, and then it’s ready to be enjoyed!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will help prevent your pumpkin bread from sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Give this a good mix so everything is evenly combined, then set it aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir it well until everything is smooth and blended together. This is where all those delicious pumpkin flavors start to come to life!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold the two together carefully—only mix until you don’t see any flour streaks. Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it to be light and tender.
5. Pour and Spread the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Now we’re ready for the delicious topping!
6. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon to make the streusel topping. Add the cold butter pieces, and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You want it to feel crumbly but not too fine.
7. Sprinkle the Topping:
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the pumpkin batter. Don’t be shy—make sure to cover it well for that delightful crunch!
8. Bake the Bread:
Pop the loaf into the oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. Check your bread by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes!
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is the hardest part—wait until it’s cool enough to slice!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the slices for a sweet twist (totally optional but oh-so-good!). Enjoy your warm, spiced pumpkin bread with a crunchy, sweet streusel topping—a perfect treat any time of the year!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! To use fresh pumpkin, you’ll want to roast and scoop the flesh before mashing it into a puree. Just make sure to remove any seeds and skin, and then blend or mash it until smooth. Fresh pumpkin adds a deliciously vibrant flavor.
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil with Something Healthier?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter option. If using applesauce, replace the oil at a 1:1 ratio. This will keep the bread moist and add a hint of sweetness!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pumpkin Bread?
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it; just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
How Can I Tell When My Pumpkin Bread is Done Baking?
The best way to test for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you see wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven and check again!
