Homemade Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze So Easy to Make

Picture this: your kitchen filled with the warm scents of cinnamon and nutmeg while golden pumpkin bread bakes to perfection. This pumpkin bread maple glaze recipe transforms simple ingredients into pure autumn magic.

Unlike our popular banana bread recipe, this seasonal favorite brings together the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with a luscious maple glaze that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first slice.

What is Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze?

Ever wondered why this delightful treat captures hearts faster than falling leaves? This pumpkin bread maple glaze combines moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a silky maple coating that’s pure liquid gold. My grandmother always said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this recipe proves her right every single time. Ready to create some kitchen magic?

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze:

The Perfect Fall Flavor Combination

This pumpkin bread maple glaze delivers everything you crave about autumn in every bite. The tender, moist crumb bursts with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the rich maple glaze adds that perfect sweet finish that makes taste buds dance.

Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness

Making this pumpkin bread at home costs a fraction of bakery prices while delivering superior taste and quality. You’ll save money while controlling every ingredient, ensuring your family gets the healthiest, most delicious version possible.

Irresistible Maple Glaze Magic

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the maple glaze that cascades down the sides like autumn’s golden waterfall. Unlike our simple glazed donut recipe, this maple coating perfectly complements the pumpkin’s earthiness with its rich, buttery sweetness. Ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn bakery?

How to Make Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze:

Quick Overview

This pumpkin bread maple glaze recipe delivers bakery-quality results with simple techniques. The moist, perfectly spiced bread takes just 15 minutes to prep and bakes while you prepare the silky maple glaze.

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 60 minutes
Glaze Time: 5 minutes
Cool Time: 10 minutes

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze:

For the Pumpkin Bread:

1¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup water
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground ginger

For the Maple Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2-3 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Bread:

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.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, water, and eggs until smooth and creamy.
Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Maple Glaze:

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla, and salt in a medium bowl.
Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bread but thin enough to drizzle.
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides naturally.

What to Serve Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze With:

This pumpkin bread maple glaze pairs beautifully with hot coffee or spiced chai tea for the perfect autumn morning. Serve alongside vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or pair with cream cheese and fresh berries for an elegant brunch spread. For cozy evenings, enjoy it with warm apple cider or hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.

Top Tips for Perfecting Pumpkin Bread Maple Glaze:

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Gentle folding is key to achieving that perfect tender crumb. Mix just until the flour disappears – lumps are your friend here, as they’ll smooth out during baking.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Allow eggs and other refrigerated ingredients to come to room temperature before mixing. This ensures even blending and a more uniform texture in your finished bread.

Test for Doneness Properly

Your bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Completely clean means overbaked and dry.

Perfect Glaze Consistency

The ideal maple glaze should ribbon off your spoon but not be so thick it won’t spread. Add milk gradually – you can always add more, but you can’t take it back.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Store your pumpkin bread maple glaze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic wrap then aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

To refresh day-old bread, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. For frozen bread, thaw completely at room temperature before warming. The maple glaze may soften slightly when warmed, but this only adds to its delicious appeal.

For make-ahead convenience, bake the bread up to 2 days in advance and add the glaze just before serving for the freshest appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute canned pumpkin with fresh pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Use 1 cup of homemade pumpkin puree in place of canned. Just ensure it’s well-drained and smooth for the best texture in your bread.

How do I know when my pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out wet with batter, continue baking for 5-10 more minutes.

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead?

Yes! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. The maple glaze works beautifully on muffins too.

What’s the best way to get a smooth maple glaze?

Sift your powdered sugar before mixing to eliminate lumps. Whisk vigorously and add milk gradually until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency.

Can I make this pumpkin bread dairy-free?

Easily! Replace the milk in the glaze with your favorite non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. The bread itself is already dairy-free.

How far in advance can I make this recipe?

Bake the bread up to 2 days ahead and store covered. Add the maple glaze just before serving for the freshest look and taste.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Slice (12 slices)
Calories	285
Total Fat	8g
Saturated Fat	1g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	195mg
Total Carbs	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	38g
Protein	4g
Vitamin A	184% DV
Iron	8% DV

Recipe Variations to Try:

Transform this basic recipe by adding ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence, or fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for delightful crunch. Create a cream cheese swirl by dropping spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.

For spice lovers, increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons and add a pinch of cardamom. You can also substitute half the maple syrup in the glaze with honey for a different flavor profile.

The Science Behind Perfect Pumpkin Bread:

Understanding why this recipe works helps you become a better baker. The combination of oil and pumpkin puree creates incredible moisture, while brown sugar adds tenderness through its molasses content. The specific spice blend enhances rather than overwhelms the pumpkin’s natural flavor.

The maple glaze isn’t just decoration – its sweetness balances the earthy pumpkin while the liquid content keeps the bread’s surface moist for days.

This pumpkin bread maple glaze recipe brings together the best of fall flavors in one unforgettable loaf. Whether you’re baking for family breakfast or holiday entertaining, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every single time. The combination of tender, spiced bread and silky maple glaze creates a treat that’s both comforting and elegant – perfect for any autumn occasion.