If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that fills your kitchen with the scent of autumn, then this Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful loaf packed with pumpkin puree and fragrant spices, crowned with a perfectly crumbly streusel topping that adds just the right crunch. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, holiday gathering, or simply a comforting snack, this bread offers moist, tender bites with a sweet and slightly nutty twist thanks to optional walnuts. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a critical role—flour and baking soda provide texture and rise, warm spices add that quintessential pumpkin flavor, and the pumpkin puree keeps everything moist and vibrant. The streusel topping brings a sweet crunch that transforms this bread from everyday to extraordinary.
- 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base for the tender crumb of the bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise perfectly and stay fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Deepens the autumnal aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle, zesty kick.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to enrich the spice profile.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Ensures moistness and richness in the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf for that perfect balance.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the pumpkin and spice flavors beautifully.
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: The star ingredient providing moisture and signature taste.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and tanginess.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Provide crunch and a nutty depth.
- For the 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), and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon—all combining for that satisfyingly crumbly topping.
How to Make Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and lightly flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps create a beautiful crust on your pumpkin bread and ensures it doesn’t stick, so your loaf comes out perfectly intact and ready to wow.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Combining these early on helps infuse your bread with consistent flavor and ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed for a great rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until they become light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, giving your pumpkin bread a lovely soft texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree. These ingredients not only add flavor but also moisture, which is essential for that tender crumb we all love.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mix, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense bread, so gentle folding is key. If you’re adding walnuts, fold them in now for an extra texture boost.
Step 6: Prepare the Streusel Topping
Mix the streusel ingredients—flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and softened butter—together in a small bowl until crumbly. This topping will bake to a golden, crunchy perfection that perfectly contrasts the soft pumpkin bread.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow baking time allows the flavors to meld and the loaf to develop a beautiful crust.
Step 8: Cool Before Enjoying
Once out of the oven, let your pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period helps it set, making it easier to remove from the pan. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—though if you’re like me, you might be tempted to sneak a warm slice right away!
How to Serve Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This pumpkin bread is fantastic on its own, but if you want to add a little extra flair, consider topping slices with a smear of honey butter or a dollop of whipped cream cheese. Toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup also enhance the cozy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing this with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even spiced cider makes for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. It also complements creamy soups or stews exceptionally well if you want to serve it as part of a larger meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bread in thick slices alongside a cheese board that includes mild cheeses like Brie or goat cheese. Cut it into small cubes to toss into a festive fall bread pudding, or wrap slices individually for a lovely gift that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or last-minute hosting.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bread longer, freeze it by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Pop it into a freezer-safe bag or container and it’ll keep perfectly for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, reheat slices in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds for a quick treat, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that could alter the flavor and texture of your bread.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1/4 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This will give you similar tang and tenderness.
Can I make this bread vegan?
With some adjustments like using flax eggs and plant-based butter or coconut oil, you can certainly create a vegan version. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift slightly.
Why is my streusel topping not crunchy?
If the streusel is too soft, it may have too much moisture or not baked long enough. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and spread the topping evenly so it crisps uniformly during baking.
How long will this pumpkin bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, it will stay fresh for about 3 days, and refrigerated it can last up to a week. Freezing extends the shelf life, as mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the warmth and comfort of homemade pumpkin bread, especially when it’s topped with that irresistible streusel crunch. This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a fantastic way to bring a little seasonal joy into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. I encourage you to give it a try—once you do, it may just become your new go-to recipe for cozy mornings and happy gatherings alike.
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Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy streusel pumpkin bread is a moist and flavorful fall favorite, featuring warm spices and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it combines classic pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a buttery streusel made of brown sugar and oats. The bread is simple to make and bakes to a tender crumb with a sweet, crisp topping.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 3/4 cups 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 Ingredients
- 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 Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This helps aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Flavor: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. This will give a crunchy texture on top of the bread.
- Assemble the Bread: Pour the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter to cover the surface.
- Bake: Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree, but avoid pumpkin pie filling as it contains added sugars and spices.
- Optional walnuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free versions.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- The streusel topping can be doubled for an extra crunchy topping if desired.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Freeze leftover slices individually wrapped to keep fresh for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
