Moist Pumpkin Streusel Bread Recipe – Perfect for Fall Baking
Nothing says autumn like the warm, spiced aroma of pumpkin streusel bread wafting through your kitchen. This incredibly moist, tender bread combines rich pumpkin flavor with a buttery, cinnamon-sugar streusel topping that creates the perfect sweet crunch.
Here’s a fun fact: Americans consume over 1 billion pounds of pumpkin annually, with peak consumption during fall months! This recipe transforms ordinary canned pumpkin into an extraordinary treat that’s surprisingly simple to make.
Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this version offers deeper, more complex flavors with warm spices. Ready in just over an hour, this family-friendly bread will become your go-to fall baking recipe!
What is Pumpkin Streusel Bread?
Ever wondered why we call it “streusel”? This German word means “to sprinkle,” which perfectly describes the crumbly, sweet topping that makes this bread irresistible. Picture this: you’re slicing into a golden loaf, and that buttery streusel practically melts in your mouth while the pumpkin bread stays perfectly moist underneath.
It’s like autumn decided to move into your kitchen permanently! As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this bread definitely proves that theory. Don’t wait another day – grab your apron and let’s create some fall magic together!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Streusel Bread
The Perfect Autumn Comfort Food
This pumpkin streusel bread delivers everything you crave in fall baking. The tender, spiced bread melts in your mouth while the buttery streusel adds delightful texture contrast. Each slice bursts with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and that signature pumpkin flavor that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy café.
Budget-Friendly Home Baking
Skip the expensive bakery prices! Making this bread at home costs a fraction of store-bought alternatives. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and a single can of pumpkin creates multiple loaves. You’ll save money while enjoying fresher, more flavorful results than anything mass-produced.
Irresistible Streusel Topping
The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the golden streusel topping. Made with butter, brown sugar, flour, and warm spices, it creates a deliciously crunchy contrast to the soft bread beneath. Unlike our simpler pumpkin muffin recipe, this bread’s generous streusel layer makes every bite special.
Ready to fill your home with the scents of fall? Let’s start baking this incredible pumpkin streusel bread today!
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Quick Overview
This pumpkin streusel bread combines the best of both worlds: a moist, spiced pumpkin base with a buttery, crumbly topping. The recipe is surprisingly straightforward, requiring just basic mixing techniques and common baking ingredients.
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Bake: 55-60 minutes
- Cool: 30 minutes
- Total: 1 hour 40 minutes
Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Streusel Bread
For the Bread:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup water
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then lightly dust with flour. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a fork to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and water until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and uniform in color.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure all spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Create the Batter Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix just until combined – don’t overmix, as this can make the bread tough. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents crumbling and ensures clean slices.
What to Serve Pumpkin Streusel Bread With
This versatile bread pairs beautifully with both hot and cold beverages. Serve warm slices with a pat of butter alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
The bread also makes an excellent addition to fall brunches. Pair it with cream cheese scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh apple slices for a complete autumn meal. For a cozy evening treat, warm a slice and serve with hot apple cider or spiced chai tea.
Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Choose the Right Pumpkin
Always use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The pie filling contains added spices and sugar that will throw off your recipe’s balance. Libby’s and similar brands offer pure pumpkin that works perfectly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you add the flour, mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops too much gluten, resulting in tough, dense bread instead of the tender texture you want.
Test for Doneness Properly
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not completely clean. The residual heat will finish cooking the bread as it cools, ensuring perfect moisture without being underdone.
Room Temperature Ingredients Work Best
Let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing. Cold eggs can cause the batter to seize up and create an uneven texture in your finished bread.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store your pumpkin streusel bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds. The streusel topping will regain its slight crunch when reheated in the oven.
For freezing whole loaves, wrap completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving. This method preserves both texture and flavor beautifully.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Slice (12 slices) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 245 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 185mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Vitamin A | 85% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 2 cups of cubed pumpkin to yield 1 cup of puree.
Why is my bread dense and heavy?
This usually happens from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off, don’t pack it down.
Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?
Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes. Top each muffin with streusel before baking.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Can I substitute oil with butter?
Yes, use ⅓ cup melted butter instead of oil. Let it cool slightly before adding to prevent cooking the eggs.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Make sure the bread is completely cool before slicing, and use a sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion.
Bonus Tips for Success
Start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary. The streusel should be golden brown and set, while the bread should spring back lightly when touched.
For extra flavor depth, toast your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the flour mixture. This simple step intensifies their aroma and taste.
Consider making a double batch – one loaf rarely lasts long! The second loaf freezes beautifully and makes a thoughtful gift for neighbors or friends.
This pumpkin streusel bread captures everything magical about fall baking in one perfect loaf. From the first aromatic whiff to that last satisfying bite of streusel-topped goodness, it’s destined to become your new autumn tradition!
