Pumpkin Streusel Bread is a cozy treat that brings the best of fall right to your kitchen. Soft, moist pumpkin bread packed with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg gets topped with a sweet, crumbly streusel that adds the perfect little crunch in every bite. It’s a simple way to enjoy pumpkin beyond the usual pie or latte.
I love baking this bread when the weather starts to cool down. The house smells amazing as it bakes, filling the air with all those familiar fall spices. One of my favorite things to do is slice a thick piece, toast it lightly, and spread a bit of butter while it’s still warm—it makes it extra comforting and hard to resist.
This pumpkin streusel bread makes a great snack any time of day, whether you’re serving it with morning coffee, an afternoon tea, or even a bedtime treat. It’s one of those recipes I always reach for when I want something quick but special. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone seems to ask for again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Use canned pumpkin for convenience, but fresh pumpkin puree works great if you want a fresher taste. Just cook, puree, and drain any excess moisture before using.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves bring warm fall flavors. If you want, you can swap cloves for allspice or add a pinch of cardamom for a twist.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar are used here. Brown sugar adds moisture and richness. For a healthier option, try coconut sugar or maple syrup, but reduce other liquids slightly.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or light olive oil for different flavors.
Streusel Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add nice crunch, but you can leave them out for nut-free or replace with seeds like pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
How Do I Make a Perfect Crunchy Streusel Topping?
The streusel topping is key to this bread’s appeal. It should be crumbly and crunchy without sinking into the batter.
- Use cold melted butter and mix gently with flour, sugar, and spices until it forms pea-sized clumps.
- Add nuts last if desired, folding them in to keep them whole.
- Sprinkle evenly over batter just before baking so it crisps up nicely on top.
- If it browns too fast, tent foil over the bread halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
- Mixing bowls – one large for wet ingredients and one medium for dry; keeps mixing simple and clean.
- Whisk or spoon – helps combine ingredients smoothly without overmixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for getting spices and flour just right.
- Wire rack – lets the bread cool evenly so it doesn’t get soggy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweeter twist that pairs well with pumpkin.
- Swap nuts for dried cranberries or raisins for chewy bursts of flavor and texture.
- Stir in 1/2 cup shredded coconut to add a subtle tropical note and a bit of chewiness.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon orange zest for a fresh citrus brightness that lifts the spices.
Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional
For The Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 60-70 minutes to bake. Afterwards, allow about 15 minutes for cooling before glazing or slicing. In total, expect roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and lightly flouring it, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set this mixture aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and evenly blended.
4. Add Dry to Wet:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet pumpkin mixture. Stir gently just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Pour Batter and Add Streusel:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. To make the streusel topping, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in the melted butter and nuts if you’re using them, until crumbly. Then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter.
6. Bake:
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the streusel starts to brown too fast, lightly cover the top with foil halfway through baking.
7. Cool and Glaze:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to glaze it, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
8. Serve:
Slice the bread and enjoy it plain or with your favorite hot drink. This bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing it into the batter to avoid sogginess.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Streusel Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze sliced bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Oil with Butter?
Absolutely! Use melted unsalted butter in place of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Keep the same amount as the oil called for.
Is It Okay to Skip the Glaze?
Definitely. The glaze is optional and adds a sweet finish, but the bread is delicious on its own with the moist crumb and sweet streusel topping.
