There’s something truly magical about autumn. The crisp air, the changing leaves, and the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. I remember baking pumpkin bread with my grandma every fall. The aroma would fill her tiny kitchen, a warm hug in scent form. She always added a gen
erous streusel topping, because, as she’d say, “Everything’s better with a little crunch!” And she was absolutely right. Today, I’m sharing my take on that cherished memory: a truly irresistible Pumpkin Streusel Bread. It’s moist, flavorful, and that streusel? Forget about it. Seriously, you’ll want to bake this every week.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average pumpkin bread. This recipe is special for several reasons:
- Incredibly Moist: We’re using oil and applesauce to create a bread that stays moist for days. No dry, crumbly bread here!
- Perfectly Spiced: The spice blend is balanced just right – not overly sweet or spicy. Think warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger.
- That Streusel! The buttery, crunchy streusel adds the perfect textural contrast. It’s a delightful combination of oats, flour, brown sugar, and pecans.
- Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated! This recipe is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginner bakers.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down what you’ll need to bake this delicious Pumpkin Streusel Bread.
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup (57g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now for the fun part! Here’s how to bake your Pumpkin Streusel Bread.
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
Step 5: Prepare the Streusel
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter needs to be cold to create that signature streusel texture.
- Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts, if using.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
- Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from breaking.
Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions
Want to take your Pumpkin Streusel Bread to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Extra Pumpkin Spice: Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of each spice for a more intense flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.
- Dried Cranberries: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a festive touch.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a richer flavor.
- Frosting: Once completely cool, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or cream cheese frosting.
- Serving Suggestions: Perfect with a warm cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. This bread is also delicious toasted with butter or cream cheese.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (approximate, per slice):
- Calories: 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Protein: 5-7g
Your New Favorite Fall Treat Awaits!
Baking Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a simple way to bring warmth and comfort into your home, just like my grandma used to do. Don’t overthink it – follow the directions, enjoy the process, and savor the delicious aroma. I’m confident this recipe will become a fall favorite for you and your family, too. So, go ahead, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get baking! You absolutely won’t regret it. Happy baking!
