Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Name: Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487922H57M46S
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: provides structure to the bread; 1 teaspoon baking powder: helps the bread rise; 1 teaspoon baking soda: assists in leavening and browning; ½ teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds warm, sweet spice; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: deepens the spiced flavor; ½ teaspoon ground ginger: gives a touch of sharp heat; 1 cup pure pumpkin puree: adds moisture and rich flavor; ¾ cup granulated sugar: sweetens and softens texture; ½ cup brown sugar, packed: adds moisture and depth; ½ cup vegetable oil: keeps the loaf moist; 2 large eggs: binds ingredients and provides structure; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: enhances the overall flavor; ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): adds crunch and nuttiness; Streusel Topping:; ½ cup all-purpose flour: base for crumb topping; ¼ cup brown sugar, packed: sweetens and caramelizes; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: warms the streusel flavor; 4 tablespoons cold butter, cubed: creates crumbly texture; ½ cup rolled oats: adds crunch and rustic feel

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Fall baking doesn’t get more inviting than this rich, moist Pumpkin Streusel Bread. Perfect for chilly mornings or holiday gatherings, this quick bread recipe combines warm autumn spices, real pumpkin, and a buttery streusel topping that adds the perfect sweet crunch. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy treat will make your kitchen smell like fall and your guests ask for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Pumpkin Streusel Bread is more than just a seasonal snack—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors and easy baking. This loaf is:

Moist and Tender: Thanks to pumpkin puree and oil, each slice is perfectly soft.
Warmly Spiced: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger brings a nostalgic autumn aroma.
Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep and pantry staples, this recipe is ready in under 90 minutes.

Perfect for Gifting or Brunch: One loaf serves 8–10 slices, making it ideal for sharing.

Whether served for breakfast or dessert, this pumpkin loaf is a go-to fall comfort food.

Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen

Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why:

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and base of the loaf.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensure the bread rises evenly and stays fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

Ground Cinnamon: Delivers a sweet, spicy warmth.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds depth and a nostalgic holiday touch.
Ground Ginger: Lends a sharp warmth that complements the pumpkin.

Pumpkin Puree: Infuses moisture, texture, and rich pumpkin flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf while helping with tenderness.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like richness.

Vegetable Oil: Keeps the crumb soft and moist.
Eggs: Bind the mixture and contribute to structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a smooth aroma.

Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Offer crunch and earthy contrast.

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the crumb.

Brown Sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes on top.
Ground Cinnamon: Echoes the flavors in the bread.
Cold Butter (cubed): Creates a crumbly, crispy streusel.

Rolled Oats: Adds texture and rustic charm.

Smart Substitutes for Flexible Baking

No need to run to the store—try these simple swaps:

Pumpkin Puree → Use mashed sweet potato or butternut squash for similar texture and flavor.

Vegetable Oil → Substitute with melted coconut oil or unsalted butter for a different richness.
Brown Sugar → Use coconut sugar or maple sugar for a natural, earthy sweetness.
Eggs → Replace with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) or unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option.

All-Purpose Flour → Swap with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread from Scratch

Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Bring It Together
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix. If using nuts, fold them in gently.
Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and blend with fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in rolled oats for added crunch.

Assemble the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture on top.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55–65 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean. If the top darkens too quickly, loosely cover with foil for the final 15 minutes.
Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Expert Tips for Foolproof Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Avoid Overmixing: Stir until ingredients are just combined to prevent a dense loaf.
Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps them blend smoothly with the batter.
Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon it into the cup and level it with a knife to avoid compacting.

Fresh Spices, Always: Older spices lose potency and dull the flavor.

Mentioning the focus keyword here again: With these tips, your Pumpkin Streusel Bread will always turn out moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

This bread is delightfully versatile. Try one of these spins to personalize your loaf:

Add Chocolate Chips: A handful of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips brings an indulgent twist.
Mix in Dried Fruit: Cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates add sweetness and texture.
Holiday Touch: Add chopped apples or a pinch of allspice for a festive version.

Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all baking ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne or pumpkin spice blend for a bold flavor boost.

Serving Ideas:

Enjoy warm with a smear of cream cheese.
Pair with a spiced chai latte or pumpkin spice coffee.
Serve alongside yogurt or fruit for a cozy fall breakfast.

Seasonal Perks of Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Pumpkin isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants. During fall, fresh or canned pumpkin is easy to find and makes an excellent seasonal base for baked goods. Combined with warm spices and a crispy topping, this bread embodies everything we love about autumn comfort food.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Room Temperature:
Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezer-Friendly:
Cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

Make-Ahead Tips:
You can prepare the batter and streusel the night before, then assemble and bake in the morning. Perfect for brunches or busy holidays.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Streusel Bread is more than a simple fall treat—it’s the ultimate blend of warmth, comfort, and seasonal flavor in one slice. With its moist crumb, spiced pumpkin base, and sweet crunchy topping, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Whether you’re baking it for your family or gifting it to a friend, it’s bound to impress. Play around with the add-ins, try the gluten-free or vegan variations, and make this cozy classic your own. Once you try it, Pumpkin Streusel Bread is sure to become a fall favorite year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Pumpkin Streusel Bread muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! You can easily adapt this recipe into muffins. Simply divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin, top with streusel, and bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—when it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Why did my streusel topping sink into the bread?

If your streusel sinks, the batter might have been too thin, or the topping too heavy. To prevent this, ensure the batter is thick enough and chill the streusel before sprinkling it on top. Also, avoid pressing the streusel into the batter.

How do I keep the bread moist after baking?

To keep Pumpkin Streusel Bread moist, let it cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Avoid refrigerating unless necessary, as the fridge can dry it out. For long-term storage, freezing is best.

Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly without affecting texture too much. Try cutting each sugar (granulated and brown) by about 2 tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet loaf. Keep in mind that reducing sugar may also affect browning and overall moisture.

More Relevant Recipes

Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies (Easy Fall Treat): These soft and chewy cookies are loaded with pumpkin flavor and coated in cinnamon sugar for that classic snickerdoodle twist. A perfect cozy companion to your Pumpkin Streusel Bread.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Cake: Rich, nutty brown butter enhances the spiced pumpkin cake base, making it a decadent dessert that’s as warm and inviting as a slice of streusel-topped bread.
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves: If you loved the texture and flavor of Pumpkin Streusel Bread, these mini loaves deliver a similar autumn vibe with a delightful cinnamon ribbon running through every slice.

Pumpkin Streusel Bread – Best Fall Loaf Recipe

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