If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that brings the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen, you’ve got to try this Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe. It’s packed with warm spices, moist pumpkin goodness, and topped with a buttery, crumbly streusel that adds the perfect crunch. This bread feels like a warm hug with every bite, and what’s best is how straightforward it is to make. Whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a comforting snack, this pumpkin bread will quickly become your go-to comfort bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting a great pumpkin bread all starts with simple, quality ingredients that play their part in harmony. Each component is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the fragrant spices to the creamy pumpkin puree and the irresistible streusel topping.
- 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps your bread rise beautifully with a light crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warm pumpkin spice character.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of sweet earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle spicy kick that complements the pumpkin.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides depth and aromatic richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: For that buttery richness making the bread moist and tender.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add to the moist texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with its sweet, floral notes.
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree: The star of the show, bringing moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin taste.
- 1/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for streusel): Forms the crumbly base of the streusel topping.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the streusel a deep caramel flavor.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and a rustic feel to the streusel.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for streusel): Holds those streusel crumbs together with buttery goodness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel): Infuses the topping with a hint of spice that ties back to the bread.
How to Make Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a light greasing and dusting with flour. This simple prep step ensures your bread slides out easily once baked and keeps that perfect loaf shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This spice blend is what gives the bread its iconic pumpkin flavor. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes and is important because it traps air, helping your bread rise and become airy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs, Vanilla, and Pumpkin
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the pumpkin puree. The pumpkin brings moisture and a rich golden color that you’ll love.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to gently add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, folding everything just until combined to keep your bread tender and soft. If you’re a fan of nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts here for extra texture.
Step 6: Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a fork to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse sand. This topping will bake into a beautiful crunchy layer on top of your bread.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Pour the pumpkin batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface. Then sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period lets the bread set and makes slicing a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your pumpkin bread with beautiful garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive look or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra layer of indulgence. Toasting a slice and spreading a bit of cinnamon butter also works wonders.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs amazingly well with a cozy cup of coffee or chai tea. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some refreshing notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and serve on a wooden board with small bowls of honey, nut butter, and cream cheese for a DIY topping bar that guests will love. You can also cut the bread into cubes and use it as croutons in a fall-inspired salad for a unique twist.
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 moist and delicious for up to three days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator but bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing
This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a sealed freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, slice and heat pieces in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or toast them lightly. This helps revive the buttery, moist texture and makes every bite irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to stick with pure pumpkin puree, as pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your bread.
Is it necessary to use buttermilk in the recipe?
Buttermilk contributes to a tender crumb and adds a slight tang, but if you don’t have any, you can substitute with milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep an eye on the texture and adjust baking time as needed.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is baked through and ready to cool.
Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?
Absolutely! The walnuts add nice texture and flavor, but the bread is just as delicious without them, making it perfect for those with nut allergies or preferences.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about this Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe that brightens up any day with its incredible spice blend, moist texture, and crunchy topping. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a special treat but comes together effortlessly. I can’t wait for you to try baking this and make it a cherished favorite in your kitchen just like I have!
Print
Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Streusel Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful autumn treat, featuring warm spices and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon snacks, this loaf combines pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a classic seasonal taste. Optional walnuts add a delightful nutty crunch, making this bread both comforting and delicious.
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
- 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.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set this spice-flour mixture aside for later use.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition for proper incorporation. Then stir in the vanilla extract and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry spice mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
- Prepare streusel topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, oats, ground cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly and evenly combined. This will add a crunchy topping to the bread.
- Assemble the loaf: Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan, then evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the surface of the batter.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool the loaf: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain texture and flavor.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly ground spices to enhance the bread’s flavor.
- If you prefer a nuttier texture, walnuts can be toasted lightly before folding into the batter.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
