Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze is that cozy, crowd-pleasing treat you’ll end up baking on repeat all autumn long (and, honestly, beyond). Imagine: a super moist loaf full of warm pumpkin flavor, a buttery, crunchy pumpkin spice streusel crowning every slice, and finally, a silky, sweet drizzle of maple glaze pooling into all those delicious cracks. This is the kind of bake that instantly transforms your kitchen into a pumpkin-scented haven, and it’s surprisingly easy to make from start to finish. Whether you’re celebrating fall or just craving a comforting dessert, Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze brings bakery magic right to your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about using humble ingredients in just the right combinations for maximum flavor, color, and that irresistibly tender crumb. Each component, from creamy pumpkin puree to pure maple syrup, plays a key role in making your Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze unforgettable!

• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, melted): Gives the pumpkin spice streusel its classic crunch and just the right flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 1/4 cups split): Build structure and tenderness, used in both the bread and the streusel for best texture.
• Light Brown Sugar (3/4 cup, packed): Brings a deep, caramel note to both the streusel and bread, making the loaf super moist.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup plus 2 tbsp): Adds sweetness and helps the bread bake up golden and delicious.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 1/4 tsp total): The signature fall flavor—use it in the bread and topping for warm spice in every bite.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 can, 15oz): The star ingredient, creating unbeatable moisture and real pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use pure puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the loaf incredibly soft and tender with every slice.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and enrich the bread for a satisfying bite.
• Vanilla Extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic warmth to complement the pumpkin.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Brings just the right amount of moisture to the batter, making the crumb perfect.
• Baking Soda (1 tsp): Lifts the loaf, helping it rise high and stay airy.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a warm note to the bread along with the pumpkin pie spice for extra coziness.
• Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Powdered Sugar (1/2 cup): Forms the base of the glaze, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
• Pure Maple Syrup (1/4 cup): The secret to that luscious glaze—brings a nutty sweetness that’s impossible to resist.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Step 1: Make the Pumpkin Spice Streusel

Start by stirring together melted butter, flour, both kinds of sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a small bowl until you get a crumbly mixture. Pop it in the fridge while you prepare the batter—chilling helps create those irresistible, chunky crumbs that bake up beautifully on top of your pumpkin bread.

Step 2: Prep the Loaf Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well, then line it with parchment paper, making sure the paper hangs over the long sides—it’ll make lifting the finished loaf out a total breeze.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together all of the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Mixing these first ensures even distribution, so every bite is perfectly spiced!

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated and brown sugars, and vegetable oil until the mixture’s nice and smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated—this step creates the rich, lush base that makes Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze so moist.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

To your wet mixture, add half of the dry ingredients and gently stir until just blended. Then, add the milk, stir to combine, and finish by stirring in the remaining dry ingredients. Be careful not to over-mix—the batter should be velvety and smooth.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Grab your chilled streusel, break it into big, crumbly chunks, and shower it generously over the surface of the batter—really go for full coverage! Slide the pan into the oven and bake for about 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. Check at the 1-hour mark and add time as needed.

Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze

While your bread bakes, simply whisk together powdered sugar and pure maple syrup until smooth and pourable. This takes just moments, and your kitchen will start to smell even more amazing.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

As soon as the pumpkin bread emerges golden and fragrant from the oven, liberally drizzle the maple glaze over the hot loaf, letting it melt into all those streusel crags. Allow the bread to cool for around 20 minutes in the pan before lifting it out and slicing. Serve warm for ultimate coziness!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Garnishes

Take your Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze up a notch by sprinkling on a little extra cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice right over the glaze. For some festive flair, a scattering of toasted pepitas or crushed pecans looks gorgeous and adds even more crunch!

Side Dishes

Pair thick slices of your pumpkin bread with a steaming mug of coffee, chai, or hot cocoa for the ultimate autumn snack. If you’re making brunch, a fruit salad or some vanilla yogurt on the side balances the sweetness and adds a touch of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can cube slices and serve them on a platter for a fall dessert buffet, or individually wrap generous pieces as edible gifts. For celebrations, bake Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze in mini loaf pans—each guest gets their own, and it’s absolutely adorable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pumpkin bread tightly wrapped or sealed in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay moist and dreamy for up to five days, with the maple glaze soaking in to make each bite even better.

Freezing

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze freezes beautifully! Slice the cooled loaf and wrap each piece tightly in plastic, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready for a treat, just thaw slices at room temperature or gently warm them to enjoy that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

For best results, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This brings back the bread’s tender crumb and makes the maple glaze taste as if it’s just been poured on.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Definitely! Just be sure to use well-drained homemade pumpkin puree to avoid an overly wet batter. The flavor can be even richer and more unique with homemade puree.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries—make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves or allspice. This way, you can customize the spice blend to your taste.

Can I skip the streusel topping?

While the streusel adds an irresistible crunch, you can leave it off for a simpler loaf. The Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze will still be moist and delicious on its own or with just the glaze!

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick or tester inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay, but there shouldn’t be any wet batter). If needed, bake in 5-minute intervals after the 1 hour 20 minute mark.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Double check that the rest of your ingredients (especially baking powder) are gluten-free and bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

Baking Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze truly feels like sharing a big, cozy hug with everyone at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is as reliable as it is memorable. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the aromas of fall and enjoy a loaf that’s every bit as good as your favorite bakery’s, roll up your sleeves and give this one a try—you’ll be glad you did!

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