Maple Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping

Why Maple Pumpkin Bread Is Fall Perfection

This Maple Pumpkin Bread with Streusel is like a cozy sweater in a loaf pan—spiced, moist, and topped with golden crunchy streusel. With the sweet warmth of maple and traditional pumpkin spice, it’s ideal for fall breakfasts, midday snacks, or Thanksgiving brunch. The streusel adds texture and a light crunch that perfectly balances the soft interior. Plus, it’s visually stunning and freezer-friendly—perfect for gifting or making ahead.

🍂 Ingredient Breakdown: What You’ll Need & Why

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• Pumpkin purée

• Light olive oil or vegetable oil (for softness)

• Pure maple syrup and granulated sugar (balanced sweetness)

• Eggs (or flax eggs for vegan variation)

• Vanilla extract

• All-purpose flour (for structure)

• Baking powder and baking soda (for rise)

• Salt and classic pumpkin spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)

For the Streusel Topping:

• All-purpose flour

• Brown sugar

• Cold butter or coconut oil (for buttery crispness)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch

Optional Maple Glaze Drizzle:

• Powdered sugar

• Maple syrup

• Milk or nondairy milk

• Vanilla extract

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Pumpkin Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175 °C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, oil, maple syrup, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.

Preparing the Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and optional chopped nuts.

2. Cut in cold butter or coconut oil until crumbly and pebbly. Stir gently to combine.

Assembling and Baking

1. Pour half the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Sprinkle half the streusel evenly over the batter.

3. Pour the remaining batter over the first layer, then top with remaining streusel.

4. Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs.

5. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Maple Glaze

1. Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

2. Drizzle over cooled loaf using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative finish.

🌟 Tips for Moist, Flavorful Bread with Perfect Streusel

• Use room-temperature eggs and syrup to help ingredients combine evenly.

• Don’t overmix once flour is added—gentle folding helps achieve a soft crumb.

• Chill the streusel topping if your kitchen is warm—it holds better on top.

• Tent the top with foil if streusel browns too quickly.

• Let bread fully cool before glazing to prevent melting or soggy streaks.

🍎 Variations & Add-Ins to Make It Your Own

• Add ½ cup chopped nuts or vegan chocolate chips to the batter.

• Replace part of flour with whole wheat pastry flour or almond flour for added nutrition.

• Stir in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for chew and tang.

• Add orange zest to batter or streusel for brightness.

• Include a swirl of dairy-free cream cheese for a marble effect.

🥡 How to Store, Freeze & Reheat

• Room Temperature: Wrap cooled loaf tightly. Enjoy within 3–4 days.

• Refrigerator: Wrap well and store for up to 7 days.

• Freezer: Slice, wrap individually in plastic + foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge or at room temperature.

• Reheating: Microwave slices 10–15 seconds, or warm in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked feel.

❓ FAQs About Maple Pumpkin Bread

Can I substitute honey or sugar instead of maple syrup?
Yes—honey or granulated sugar work, but the maple flavor is key to the loaf’s character.

What if I’m allergic to nuts—can I skip them?
Absolutely. You can omit nuts from streusel and they won’t affect the rest of the loaf.

Can I convert this to a muffin recipe?
Yes! Spoon batter into lined muffin cups, reduce baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

Is it possible to make vegan?
Yes—with flax eggs, coconut oil-based streusel, and nondairy milk for glaze.

Why did the streusel sink?
Often due to too much batter on top—press streusel slightly into batter or chill topping before adding.

🎁 When to Serve & Why It Makes a Great Gift

This loaf is ideal for seasonal breakfasts, dessert tables, and hostess gifts. It’s attractive on a wooden board, pairs well with coffee or tea, and its fall scent makes any gathering feel cozy. Wrap slices with parchment and twine, or bake as mini loaves for easy gifting.

❤️ Final Thoughts: A Seasonal Staple

The Maple Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping brings together fall spice, maple sweetness, and buttery crunch—in one loaf. It’s flavorful, approachable, and fulfills every cozy fall craving. From brunch to bake sale to holiday host gift, it’s a versatile loaf worth making again and again.

Bake, slice, savor—maple meets pumpkin in perfect harmony.