The smell of pumpkin and cinnamon…it instantly transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen. Every autumn, her little cottage would be filled with baking aromas, and the star of the show was always her pumpkin bread. It was moist, spiced perfectly, and topped with a si
mple, yet utterly delicious, glaze. This recipe for Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe! is my modern take on that cherished memory. It’s everything you crave in a fall dessert: comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.Why You’ll Adore This Pumpkin Bread
Let’s be honest, autumn is all about cozy vibes. And what’s cozier than a warm slice of pumpkin bread? This isn’t your dry, crumbly pumpkin bread experience. This recipe is incredibly moist thanks to a few key techniques. Plus, the maple glaze is the perfect finishing touch – just the right amount of sweetness to complement the warm spices.
Here’s why you’re going to love it:
- Seriously Moist: We’ll tackle dryness head-on with tips for a super-moist loaf.
- Effortless to Make: This is a beginner-friendly recipe. No fancy equipment or advanced skills needed!
- Packed with Flavor: The perfect blend of pumpkin spice and maple sweetness.
- Perfect for Sharing (or Not!): It’s ideal for potlucks, gifts, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
- Versatile: See the variation section – you can customize it to your liking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll require for both the bread and the glaze.
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the real stuff, please!)
- 1 tablespoon milk or cream (adjust for consistency)
Let’s Bake! Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get baking? This is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers.
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Flouring the pan prevents the bread from sticking. A light dusting is all you need.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Cream Sugars & Oil: In a separate, larger bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. An electric mixer makes this easier, but you can do it by hand too.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and blended.
Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
Pour & Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
Cooling is Key: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from breaking when you remove it. Trust me, patience here is worth it!
Make the Maple Glaze: While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk (or cream) until smooth and drizzly. Add more milk if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Glaze & Enjoy!: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Let’s elevate your pumpkin bread game!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Don’t Overmix: It’s the most common mistake! Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: While not absolutely vital, using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps everything blend evenly.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. Check for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
- Cool Completely: Seriously, let it cool completely before glazing. A warm loaf will melt the glaze into a sticky mess!
Delicious Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Stir in ½ – ¾ cup of chocolate chips into the batter. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate works beautifully.
- Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Spiced Pecan Glaze: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg to the maple glaze. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop spoonfuls of softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and vanilla onto the batter, and swirl it in with a knife.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with Butter: A classic for a reason!
- With Coffee or Tea: The perfect autumnal pairing.
- As a Breakfast Treat: Toasted with a smear of cream cheese.
- Gift it! Wrap a slice (or the whole loaf!) in cellophane and ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice – 1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~12g
- Saturated Fat: ~3g
- Cholesterol: ~35mg
- Sodium: ~200mg
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~4g
Please note: This information is an estimate and can vary depending on the ingredients used.
This Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe! is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a taste of autumn in every bite. Don’t be intimidated – this recipe is truly simple and rewarding. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and embark on this delicious baking adventure. You’ll be enjoying the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice in no time! Happy Baking!
