Name: Maple Pumpkin Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup canola oil; 1¼ cups canned pumpkin puree; ¼ cup milk; 1¼ teaspoons maple extract; ½ cup finely chopped pecan or walnuts; 3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed); ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

This Maple Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or as a snack. The warm flavors of pumpkin and spices blend beautifully with the sweetness of maple syrup, creating a rich and comforting loaf. Ideal for cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, this recipe stands out with its buttery-crunchy topping and moist texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and maple creates a unique taste that is both sweet and savory.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it at breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of day.
Moist and Tender: The canned pumpkin puree ensures the bread remains moist, while spices add warmth.
Customizable Topping: You can adjust the nut topping to your liking or even skip it for a smoother finish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Whisk or electric mixer
Loaf pan
Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry ingredients separately from wet ones for better mixing.
Loaf pan: Provides the right shape for baking your bread evenly.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the bread after baking, preventing sogginess.

Ingredients

This pumpkin bread is rich and flavorful, full of pumpkin, warm spices, and maple, with a buttery-crunchy topping.

For the Topping

½ cup finely chopped pecan or walnuts
3 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
¼ cup all purpose flour
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

For the Bread

1-¾ cups all purpose flour
1½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
2 teaspoons cinnamon
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup canola or vegetable oil
1-¼ cups canned pumpkin puree
¼ cup milk
1¼ teaspoons maple extract

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
¼ teaspoon maple extract

How to Make Maple Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Maple Pumpkin Bread bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Topping

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine finely chopped pecans or walnuts, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
2. Mix until crumbly and set aside.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside to prepare for mixing with wet ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together eggs and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add in canola oil, canned pumpkin puree, milk, and maple extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture:
1. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour half of the batter into a greased loaf pan:
1. Sprinkle half of the topping mixture on top.
2. Pour in the remaining batter and top with remaining crumble mixture.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once baked:
1. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
2. For glaze mix powdered sugar with milk and maple extract until smooth; drizzle over cooled bread before slicing.

Enjoy your homemade Maple Pumpkin Bread!

How to Serve Maple Pumpkin Bread

Maple Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that can enhance your experience.

With Cream Cheese Spread

A creamy layer of cream cheese spread on warm slices adds a rich and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.

As French Toast

Transform leftovers into delicious French toast by soaking slices in a mixture of eggs and milk, then frying them until golden brown.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an indulgent dessert that brings a light and airy texture to each bite.

Paired with Tea or Coffee

Enjoy slices with your favorite hot beverage, enhancing the flavors of both the drink and the bread for a perfect afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Maple Pumpkin Bread

To ensure your Maple Pumpkin Bread turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and milk to reach room temperature before mixing; this helps create a smoother batter.
Measure flour carefully: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid dense bread caused by packing too much flour.
Mix just until combined: Overmixing can lead to tough bread; mix until you no longer see dry flour for a tender loaf.
Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready.
Cool completely before slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to prevent sogginess before slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Maple Pumpkin Bread

Maple Pumpkin Bread pairs nicely with several side dishes that complement its sweet and spicy flavors. Here are some great options:

Spiced Apples: Sauté apple slices in cinnamon and sugar for a warm side dish that enhances the fall flavors.
Chai Latte: The aromatic spices in chai balance the sweetness of the pumpkin bread, making for a cozy pairing.
Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing contrast to the dense bread texture.
Roasted Nuts: A mix of spiced roasted nuts adds crunch and protein, making it a satisfying addition.
Carrot Salad: A light carrot salad dressed with citrus dressing provides freshness alongside the rich bread.
Pumpkin Soup: Serve with a warm bowl of pumpkin soup for a comforting autumn meal that echoes similar flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking without proper measurements: Incorrect measurements can lead to dense or overly dry bread. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accuracy.
Skipping the spices: Ignoring spices will result in a bland flavor. Make sure to include cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice for that warm, comforting taste.
Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make your bread tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep it tender and fluffy.
Not using fresh ingredients: Stale ingredients can compromise the flavor of your Maple Pumpkin Bread. Ensure your baking powder, spices, and flour are fresh for the best results.
Forgetting to preheat the oven: Skipping preheating can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container.
It will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Maple Pumpkin Bread

Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Maple Pumpkin Bread

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over medium heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Maple Pumpkin Bread?
Maple Pumpkin Bread is a delicious quick bread made with pumpkin puree and flavored with warm spices and maple syrup. It’s perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack.

Can I substitute other oils in Maple Pumpkin Bread?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or any neutral oil instead of canola or vegetable oil while maintaining the recipe’s integrity.

How do I know when my Maple Pumpkin Bread is done?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make Maple Pumpkin Bread without eggs?
Yes, you can replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan option.

How should I serve Maple Pumpkin Bread?
Maple Pumpkin Bread is delightful on its own but can also be served with cream cheese spread or butter for added richness.

Final Thoughts

This Maple Pumpkin Bread is rich in flavor and perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!