Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel

Introduction

Pumpkin bread is one of those delightful quick breads that instantly brings the warmth of autumn into your kitchen. The soft, moist crumb of pumpkin bread is flavored with cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making each bite feel like fall wrapped up in a slice. What makes this version truly irresistible is the brown sugar streusel topping—a sweet, crunchy layer that adds texture and enhances the pumpkin flavor with a caramel-like depth.

This bread is wonderful for breakfast, a snack with coffee, or even as a dessert. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, gifting it to friends, or enjoying it at home, this pumpkin bread will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect balance of cozy comfort and bakery-style indulgence. The bread itself is tender, moist, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor, while the brown sugar streusel on top adds a delightful crunch and a caramelized sweetness that makes every slice feel special.

What makes me truly adore this pumpkin bread is how versatile it is—it works as breakfast with a cup of coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. It’s also a recipe that feels festive and seasonal, making it the ultimate treat to welcome fall. The aroma that fills the kitchen while it bakes—pumpkin, cinnamon, brown sugar—is enough to make anyone feel instantly cozy.

Most importantly, I love that this recipe is easy to make yet tastes like something from a professional bakery. It’s simple, approachable, and never fails to impress guests or satisfy a sweet craving.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel is a must-try because:

• It’s easy to prepare yet feels luxurious.
• It combines two great textures: moist bread + crunchy topping.
• It’s perfect for fall gatherings, breakfast, or gifting.
• It freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand.
• It’s versatile—you can add nuts, chocolate, or glaze for variety.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: ~2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: ~280 kcal per slice
• Course: Breakfast, Snack, or Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Brown Sugar Streusel:

• 1/3 cup (65g) packed brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare streusel topping.
2. Mix dry ingredients for the bread.
3. Mix wet ingredients separately.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures, pour into loaf pan.
5. Sprinkle streusel on top.
6. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool, slice, and serve.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Streusel

• In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and flour.
• Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
• Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5: Combine

• Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.

Step 6: Add the Streusel

• Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the top of the batter.

Step 7: Bake

• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• If streusel browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 8: Cool

• Allow bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
• Remove to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa.
• Spread with cream cheese, butter, or drizzle with maple glaze for extra indulgence.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter, or bread will become dense.
• Use pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and spices).
• Streusel can be made ahead and refrigerated until needed.
• If the top browns too fast, cover with foil during baking.

Variations

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread – Fold in 3/4 cup chocolate chips.
2. Nutty Pumpkin Bread – Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
3. Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread – Swirl a sweetened cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.
4. Glazed Pumpkin Bread – Drizzle with vanilla or maple glaze after cooling.
5. Mini Pumpkin Loaves or Muffins – Divide batter into mini pans or muffin tins for smaller servings.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Pastry cutter (or fork for streusel)
• Cooling rack

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Q2: Can I use fresh pumpkin?
Yes, roast, purée, and drain fresh pumpkin before using.

Q3: My streusel sank into the bread—why?
The batter may have been too thin. Be sure not to overmix, and the streusel should sit on top.

Q4: Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Bake two loaves side by side or freeze one for later.

Q5: How do I make it dairy-free?
Substitute plant-based milk and use vegan butter in the streusel.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Streusel is the perfect fall treat—moist, flavorful, and topped with a sweet, crunchy layer that makes it irresistible. It’s simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for holiday gatherings. With its comforting aroma, rich pumpkin flavor, and delightful streusel crunch, this recipe is one you’ll want to bake again and again. It’s a true taste of autumn in every bite.