This yummy pumpkin streusel bread is moist and packed with fall flavors. The sweet streusel topping gives it a delightful crunch that makes every bite exciting!
Making this bread is like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love to enjoy a slice with my morning coffee—it puts a smile on my face! Plus, it fills the house with a wonderful smell.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the bread. You could use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or a gluten-free blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a one-to-one substitution for best results.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is the star here! Fresh pumpkin can also be used; just roast, puree, and strain it first. Avoid pumpkin pie filling which has added sugars and spices that can alter the taste.
Spices: Classic pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are essential for flavor. You can adjust amounts or even swap them for pumpkin spice mix to simplify. If you don’t have a particular spice, just leave it out or substitute it with what you do have.
Vegetable Oil or Butter: Both work well for moisture. I usually opt for vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, but melted butter adds a rich taste. You can use coconut oil for a unique twist.
Brown Sugar: Provides moisture and depth of flavor. You can substitute with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a different taste, but keep in mind this could change the color slightly.
How Do You Make the Perfect Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is what makes this bread special! It adds a delicious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist bread. Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Mix well to ensure even flavor.
- Add the cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t overmix! You want some texture.
- Sprinkle it evenly over the bread batter before baking. This way, the topping will create a lovely, crisp crust.
A tip: if your streusel seems too crumbly, just add a tiny bit more melted butter until it sticks together better. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Streusel Topping:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
For The Glaze (optional):
- ⅔ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin streusel bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool before serving! Overall, set aside around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a cozy afternoon in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This ensures all your spices are evenly distributed for great flavor throughout the bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Then add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is smoothly combined and looking delicious!
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix—some lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
6. Assemble the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle your streusel topping over the batter, covering it well.
7. Bake:
Pop the loaf into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Use a toothpick to check—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready! If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the remainder of the bake time.
8. Cool the Bread:
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional Glaze:
If you’d like to add a sweet touch, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread before slicing.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to slice and serve your delicious pumpkin streusel bread! It’s perfect warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with your favorite coffee or tea.
This bread is not only a treat for the taste buds but also fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma. Enjoy every delicious bite! 🍂
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree; just make sure to roast it, blend it until smooth, and strain it to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve the right texture in your bread.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend! Make sure it contains a binder like xanthan gum for best results, and follow the same measurements as the regular flour in the recipe.
What If My Streusel Topping Is Too Dry?
If your streusel is too crumbly, simply add a bit more cold butter until it reaches the desired crumbly yet cohesive texture. You want it to sprinkle over the batter but still hold together slightly.
