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This maple-glazed pumpkin loaf is my go-to for cozy fall vibes all year round. It's soft and packed with warm spices topped with a crunchy pumpkin spice streusel for a nice texture mix. Great for lazy weekend mornings or a sweet snack with tea.
I often reach for this pumpkin loaf when I want something tasty but quick on busy autumn mornings. It quickly became a favorite in our home and makes a nice gift too.
Ingredients
- Pure pumpkin: pick one with no added sugar or spices for the best flavor.
- Pumpkin spice mix: a cozy combo of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Light brown sugar: pairs with granulated sugar to keep the moistness and avoid heaviness.
- Vegetable oil: keeps the loaf soft and lets the spices shine.
- Baking soda: helps the bread rise nicely and evenly.
- Maple syrup and powdered sugar: mix these for an easy sweet glaze—use good syrup for best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: gives the streusel richness and crumbly texture.
Steps
- Make The Streusel:
- Mix melted butter with brown and white sugars plus pumpkin spice in a small bowl. Pop it in the fridge so it firms up and makes a perfect crumbly top.
- Get The Pan Ready:
- Heat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment that sticks up for easy bread removal later on.
- Dry Mix:
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and salt in a medium bowl. This makes sure everything’s spread evenly so the loaf rises great.
- Wet Mix:
- In a big bowl or mixer, beat pumpkin, both sugars, and oil until nice and smooth. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each for good texture, then stir in vanilla.
- Add Dry & Milk:
- Slowly fold half the dry mix into the wet stuff. Pour in milk, then add the rest of the dry mix. Stir till smooth but don’t overdo it to keep the loaf tender.
- Pour & Top:
- Pour the batter evenly into the pan. Take out the chilled streusel, crumble it finely with fingers or fork, and sprinkle it all over the batter.
- Baking Time:
- Bake for about 1 hour 20 minutes. Check by poking a toothpick in the middle—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If not ready, bake a bit longer, checking every 5 minutes.
- Add Glaze:
- After cooling for 20 minutes, stir powdered sugar and maple syrup till smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf so it seeps in, adding extra moisture and sweetness.
That pumpkin spice scent always reminds me of cozy fall mornings. This loaf takes me back to baking days with my grandma who showed me simple ingredients and patience make the best treats.
Storing
You can keep pumpkin loaf fresh for 3-4 days wrapped up at room temp. For longer freshness, fridge it for a week but bring it back to room temp before eating. For even more time, slice and freeze it sealed for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Swapping Ingredients
Try swapping vegetable oil with melted coconut or light olive oil for a new twist. Use almond or oat milk to skip dairy. Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for some extra crunch and flavor.
Serving Tips
This loaf is great on its own but even better spread with butter or cream cheese. Toss on honey or toasted pumpkin seeds for extra yum. Warm it a bit for that fresh-from-the-oven feel anytime.
This pumpkin loaf is a warm classic that brings fall to your table slice after slice. It’s fun to bake with family or share as a kind gift on chilly days.
Frequently Asked Cooking Questions
- → Why does this pumpkin bread stay moist?
The pumpkin puree, oil, and sugars work together to keep the bread soft and moist inside.
- → How can I get a crunchy streusel topping?
Cool the streusel mix in the fridge before adding it on top to keep it crisp once baked.
- → Can I swap out the maple syrup in the glaze?
Sure, maple syrup gives natural sweetness and flavor, but honey or a simple sugar glaze works well too.
- → Which spices bring out the pumpkin flavor best?
Cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and a pinch of nutmeg really bring out pumpkin’s earthy taste.
- → How do I check if the bread is baked through?
Stick a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist bits.