Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
If you are looking for a cozy, delicious treat to brighten your day, this Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with warm spices and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel, this pumpkin bread offers the perfect balance between moist, tender crumb and satisfying crunch. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a festive gathering, this recipe is both approachable and impressive, making the most of simple pantry staples to create a slice of autumn comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices to the rich pumpkin puree, every component comes together to make the bread irresistibly moist and aromatic.
- 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your bread without being heavy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly and stay tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, comforting spice notes throughout.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing that brightens the spice mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a hint of earthy warmth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and tenderness to the crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that keeps the bread moist and packed with fall flavor.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the crumbly topping.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the streusel a deep, caramel sweetness.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and rustic appeal.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates that melt-in-your-mouth crumbly finish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the pumpkin spice inside the bread perfectly.
How to Make Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, which ensures your beautiful pumpkin bread won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Spices and Flour
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend creates the perfect spice profile that brings pumpkin bread to life with every bite.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This step traps air into the mix, helping your bread rise beautifully and develop a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Pumpkin
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the fragrant vanilla extract followed by the pumpkin puree—this combination keeps the bread rich, moist, and full of that classic pumpkin flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the bread dense. If you love a little extra crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts now.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. This streusel topping will bake into a buttery, golden crust that contrasts wonderfully with the soft bread beneath.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes so it sets up nicely. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring clean slices and the best flavor.
How to Serve Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This pumpkin bread is delightful on its own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can elevate each slice for guests or a special treat.
Side Dishes
Pair slices with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or warm apple cider for a cozy snack that feels like a comforting hug during any time of day.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice thickly and serve with a smear of cream cheese or mascarpone for a luscious finish. You can also toast slices lightly and top with a pat of cinnamon butter for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to three months without losing its flavor or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen pumpkin bread, thaw it at room temperature or warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave until just heated through. This refreshes the bread’s soft crumb and crispy streusel topping.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use plain pumpkin puree for this recipe because pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can throw off the flavor balance and texture of the bread.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a slight tang and helps tenderize the bread. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1/4 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I skip the walnuts?
Absolutely! The walnuts add texture and nuttiness, but the bread is delicious on its own without them, especially for those with nut allergies or preferences.
How do I know when the pumpkin 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, the bread is ready. If there’s wet batter, give it a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes! Just divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, keeping an eye on them so they don’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe is truly a joyful way to bring warmth and seasonal flavors to your kitchen. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress friends and family. Baking this bread is like wrapping yourself in a cozy autumn sweater—each bite inviting you to savor the little moments. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new fall favorite!
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Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread, warmly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, and topped with a delightful crumbly streusel. Perfect for autumn or anytime you want a comforting treat, this classic pumpkin bread is simple to make and packed with cozy fall flavors.
Ingredients
Bread Batter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes, using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts at this stage.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, packed brown sugar, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture is crumbly and well combined.
- Assemble the loaf: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter for a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts.
- Check the bread around 60 minutes to prevent overbaking; ovens may vary.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact in the pumpkin bread.
- Leftover bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for a week.
- For an extra moist texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
