Perfectly baked pumpkin streusel bread with a crumbly topping

Why Make This Recipe

Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a delightful treat that captures the flavors of fall in every slice. This bread is moist, sweet, and spiced just right, making it ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The combination of pumpkin and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting aroma and taste that many love. Plus, the streusel topping adds a nice crunch to each bite. Whether you are an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple and enjoyable. It’s a perfect way to embrace the season and share something homemade with friends and family.

How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Making Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy.

Ingredients

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
⅓ cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup all-purpose flour (for streusel)
½ cup brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for streusel)
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Make sure these dry ingredients are well combined.
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.
For the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Then, cut in the cold butter with a fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and then sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the top.
Bake in your preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread

You can enjoy the Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread in many ways. Slice it and serve as is, or spread a bit of butter on warm slices for extra flavor. It also pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a special treat, add cream cheese frosting on top for a sweet finish. This bread makes a fantastic breakfast option or an afternoon snack.

How to Store Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely, you can store it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It keeps well at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap it up tightly and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Tips to Make Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread

Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just incorporated for a tender bread.
Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and other ingredients can help the batter mix better and create a lighter texture.
Flavor boosts: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Variation

You can customize this bread in many ways. For a healthier version, replace part of the oil with applesauce. If you like chocolate, add chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist. Try using fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned for a different flavor profile.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin first. It should have a similar texture to canned pumpkin.

2. What can I do if I don’t have baking powder?
If you are out of baking powder, you can make your own by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Use it in place of baking powder.

3. Can I freeze the batter?
It’s best to bake the batter right away. Freezing raw batter can affect the texture and rise of the baked bread.

Conclusion

Perfect Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a fantastic recipe to try, especially during fall or whenever you crave something warm and comforting. It is simple enough for beginners and delicious enough for any occasion. With its rich pumpkin flavor and crunchy streusel topping, this bread will surely become a favorite in your home. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat!