Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

If you are craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn, then this Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It combines moist, tender pumpkin bread with a delightfully crunchy cinnamon streusel topping, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Every bite offers the sweet aroma of pumpkin pie spices with a burst of buttery streusel that makes this loaf utterly irresistible whether for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe calls for simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that rich, comforting flavor and tender texture. From the fragrant pumpkin pie spice to the creamy moisture of the pumpkin puree, every element adds depth and balance.

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy base, creating structure while keeping the bread tender.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Gives the loaf a light rise for a soft crumb.
• ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the spice and sweetness in the bread.
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice: The signature fragrance and warm flavor that defines pumpkin bread.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: Adds moisture and a natural earthiness; make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel-like sweetness that complements the pumpkin.
• ½ cup oil or melted butter: Keeps the bread rich and moist throughout.
• 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add protein for a tender bite.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic hint that rounds out the spice flavors.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: For the streusel topping, contributing sweetness and moisture.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds crunch and helps create that satisfying streusel texture.
• ½ cup flour: Forms the crumbly base of the streusel topping.
• ½ tsp cinnamon: A touch of warm spice to enhance the streusel’s flavor.
• 4 tbsp cold butter (cubed): Essential for the streusel’s buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crunch.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking right from the start. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper which not only prevents sticking but also makes for easy removal and nice presentation.

Step 2: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients Separately

Combine all dry ingredients—including flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice—in one bowl to uniformly distribute the leavening and spices. In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, and vanilla extract. Mixing wet and dry ingredients separately keeps everything evenly blended and prevents overmixing later.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the batter to be smooth but still light and fluffy. Overmixing can develop the gluten and make the bread tough.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Streusel Topping

Mix the streusel topping ingredients—flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cubed butter—with your fingertips or a pastry cutter until you get a crumbly texture that holds together when pinched. Evenly sprinkle this over your pumpkin bread batter once poured into the loaf pan.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Delicious

Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the top during baking; if it starts to brown too quickly, tent the loaf loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning without sacrificing moisture.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow your pumpkin streusel bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This makes slicing easier and results in clean, beautiful cuts.

How to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced pumpkin streusel bread is amazing on its own but adding a light glaze drizzle, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a slather of cinnamon butter can elevate every bite. Each garnish adds a new flavor dimension and makes for a stunning presentation you’ll love showing off.

Side Dishes

Serving this bread alongside a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai is a match made in autumnal heaven. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with creamy whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The smoothness of these sides complements the hearty texture and spices wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the pumpkin streusel bread into thick slices and toast them lightly to bring out crisp edges. Serve stacked with layers of cream cheese spread or Nutella for a decadent twist. You can also cube the bread and serve it as part of a dessert bread pudding with custard and nuts for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover pumpkin streusel bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow beautifully, making each slice even more inviting.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

For best texture and flavor, warm slices gently in the toaster oven or microwave just until heated through. A brief reheat helps refresh the bread’s moist crumb and makes the streusel topping perfectly crisp again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin flesh until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess liquid for the best texture in your Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. It will still yield a moist, delicious bread, though texture might differ slightly.

Can I substitute the oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter works wonderfully and lends a richer flavor. Just use the same amount called for in the recipe to maintain moisture balance.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your pumpkin streusel bread is perfectly baked.

Can I make muffins using this recipe?

Definitely! Adjust the baking time to about 20–25 minutes depending on muffin size, and you’ll have adorable pumpkin streusel muffins perfect for snacks or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that brings the flavors of pumpkin and cozy spices into every slice. It’s simple to make, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. I can’t recommend enough that you give it a try—you’ll soon find it hard to resist coming back for more. Enjoy baking and indulging!

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