Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze
Discover the delightful flavors of Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze. This recipe is not just a tasty treat but also incorporates healthy elements, making it a wonderful choice for those looking for a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. With a combination of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and a touch of sweetness, it’s perfect for meal prep, heart health, and dieters alike. Follow along to create a healthy version that satisfies your cravings without compromising your wellness goals.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze
This pumpkin bread is not only delicious but also offers numerous health benefits. Pumpkin is packed with fiber and essential nutrients, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. Add in the streusel topping and brown butter glaze, and you’ve got a delightful treat that feels indulgent but can be made with lighter ingredients. This recipe is a great fit for meal prep, as it holds up well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic option for breakfasts or snacks during the week.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Equipment 1: Mixing Bowls
You will need mixing bowls for combining dry and wet ingredients. Choose a medium bowl for the dry ingredients and a large bowl for the wet ingredients to efficiently blend your pumpkin bread mixture.
Equipment 2: Whisk
A whisk is essential for mixing ingredients together, ensuring that your batter is light and fluffy. This does not require an electric mixer, making it easy and accessible for everyone.
Equipment 3: Baking Pan
A standard loaf pan is what you’ll need to bake your pumpkin bread. It’s the perfect size for creating a beautiful loaf that rises nicely and bakes evenly.
Equipment 4: Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are critical in baking. Using proper measuring cups and spoons guarantees that your ingredients are balanced, leading to a successful outcome.
Equipment 5: Cooling Rack
A cooling rack allows your pumpkin bread to cool evenly after baking, preventing sogginess on the bottom. This is an important step to maintain texture.
INGREDIENTS
Ingredient 1: Light Brown Sugar
3 tbsp (40 g) light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the bread. This gentle sweetness complements the pumpkin flavor without overpowering it.
Ingredient 2: Cane Sugar
2 tbsp (26 g) cane sugar enhances the bread’s sweetness. It balances well with the spices and butter glaze, resulting in a delightful taste.
Ingredient 3: Almond Flour
1/4 cup (28 g) almond flour brings a nutty taste and gluten-free aspect to this recipe. It also adds healthy fats and protein, making it a great ingredient for a heart-healthy bread.
Ingredient 4: All-Purpose Flour
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (46 g) all-purpose flour gives structure to the bread. You can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier alternative.
Ingredient 5: Unsalted Brown Butter
1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted brown butter provides a deep, rich flavor to the glaze. If you prefer a healthier option, you could substitute it with coconut oil.
Ingredient 6: Pumpkin Pie Spice or Cinnamon
1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon infuses warmth and comfort into the bread. These spices not only enhance flavor but also offer health benefits such as aiding digestion.
Ingredient 7: Kosher Salt
1/4 tsp kosher salt (or 1/8 tsp table salt) balances the sweetness. You can omit this if using salted butter, ensuring your bread maintains the right flavor profile.
Ingredient 8: All-Purpose Flour (for Batter)
1 1/2 cup (187 g) all-purpose flour works to develop the bread’s texture and helps it rise well during baking.
Ingredient 9: Baking Powder
1 tsp baking powder helps the bread to rise, creating a lighter crumb. This is essential for achieving that perfect bread texture.
Ingredient 10: Baking Soda
3/4 tsp baking soda aids in the leavening process. When combined with acidic ingredients like pumpkin, it helps to create a fluffy loaf.
Ingredient 11: Cinnamon
4 tsp cinnamon enhances warmth and sweetness, making it the quintessential autumn spice.
Ingredient 12: Nutmeg
1/2 tsp nutmeg adds depth to the flavor profile, making the bread more aromatic and inviting.
Ingredient 13: Ginger
3/4 tsp ginger complements the other spices, providing an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredient 14: Black Pepper
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper adds a unique twist. It might seem odd, but it enhances the other flavors beautifully.
Ingredient 15: Chinese Five Spice Powder
1/2 tsp slightly heaped Chinese Five Spice Powder, or 1/4 tsp clove + 1/8 tsp allspice, adds an exotic touch to the bread, enriching its aroma.
Ingredient 16: Salt
1/2 tsp salt brings out all the flavors and balances the sweetness, ensuring a well-rounded taste.
Ingredient 17: Eggs
2 large (50 g each w/o shell) eggs at room temperature provide moisture and help bind the ingredients together.
Ingredient 18: Canned Pumpkin
1 (15 oz) can of pumpkin (I recommend Ed Smith 100% pure pumpkin) is the star of the recipe, offering a rich, creamy texture while being low in calories and high in fiber.
Ingredient 19: Light Brown Sugar (for Batter)
1/2 cup (105 g) light brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the batter, enhancing the rich pumpkin flavor.
Ingredient 20: Cane Sugar (for Batter)
3/4 cup (150 g) cane sugar contributes to the overall sweetness and balance of flavors.
Ingredient 21: Refined Coconut Oil
1/2 cup (120 ml) refined coconut oil, melted, adds healthy fats. Avocado oil is another excellent option for a heart-healthy loaf.
Ingredient 22: Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tbsp (15 ml) apple cider vinegar adds acidity, which helps the bread rise while also contributing beneficial probiotics.
Ingredient 23: Vanilla Extract
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
Ingredient 24: Unsalted Butter
4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter is for the glaze, providing richness. Use less or substitute with a healthier fat if desired.
Ingredient 25: Sweet Miso Paste (optional)
1 tsp (6 g) sweet miso paste enhances umami flavors. Though optional, it offers a unique depth and is a fun addition.
Ingredient 26: Whole Milk
2-3 tbsp (15-30 ml) whole milk thins the glaze for the perfect consistency.
Ingredient 27: Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar sweetens the glaze, rounding out its flavor profile.
Ingredient 28: Vanilla Extract (for Glaze)
1 tsp vanilla extract in the glaze adds warmth and depth, improving the overall taste.
HOW TO MAKE Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with a bit of oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
In a small bowl, mix together the almond flour, all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, and cane sugar. Add in the unsalted brown butter or melted butter, and mix until crumbly. Set this mixture aside; it will create a lovely topping for your bread.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, Chinese Five Spice Powder (or alternatives), and salt. This step ensures that your bread has a consistent flavor throughout.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pure pumpkin, light brown sugar, cane sugar, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
Step 6: Pour into the Pan
Pour half of the bread batter into the greased loaf pan. Evenly sprinkle half of the streusel topping over the batter. Then, pour the remaining batter on top, finishing with the rest of the streusel.
Step 7: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure that the bread is cooked through.
Step 8: Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze
While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk if needed.
Step 9: Glaze the Bread
Once the pumpkin bread is completely cooled, drizzle the brown butter glaze over the top.
Step 10: Serve
Slice and enjoy the pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a snack, breakfast, or dessert!
TIPS AND TRICKS
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Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap.
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Meal Prep: This pumpkin bread makes a fantastic meal prep option! You can bake it ahead of time, slice it, and store it in the fridge for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
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Healthier Versions: Feel free to substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Using sugar substitutes like Stevia or monk fruit can reduce calories and sugar content.
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Variations: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for extra flavor and texture. This can enhance the nutritional profile while keeping it delicious!
Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze FAQ
Can I make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour in place of regular all-purpose flour to make a delicious gluten-free pumpkin bread.
How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Is this pumpkin bread high in protein?
While not extremely high in protein, the addition of almond flour contributes healthy fats and protein. For a higher protein content, consider serving it with Greek yogurt or nut butter.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can cut down on both cane sugar and light brown sugar by substituting with sugar alternatives or using less sugar to suit your health needs without sacrificing taste.
CONCLUSION
Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze is a delightful treat that brings the flavors of fall to your kitchen. This recipe is not only delicious but also incorporates several healthy ingredients, making it a suitable choice for meal prep, weight loss, or just a guilt-free indulgence. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast option, a snack, or a dessert, this bread stands out for its rich flavor and pleasing texture.
Try your hand at this recipe, and don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you might make. Enjoy baking and the delightful flavors this pumpkin bread brings!

Pumpkin Bread with Streusel and Brown Butter Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with a bit of oil or cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ingredients for the streusel topping and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, sift together all dry ingredients for the batter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients until smooth.
- Gently combine dry and wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Pour half the batter into the greased loaf pan, add half the streusel topping, then the remaining batter and streusel.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Prepare the brown butter glaze while the bread is cooling.
- Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice and enjoy the pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature.

