As the leaves begin to turn and the air gets crisp, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your kitchen. Our 'Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping – Easy and Moist Recipe' is designed to be your go-to fall treat, delivering an incredibly moist texture, rich pumpkin spice flavor, and an irresistible crunchy streusel topping that elevates it from simple to sublime. Whether enjoyed with your morning coffee or as a delightful dessert, this recipe promises pure autumnal bliss.
Why This Pumpkin Bread Will Become Your Fall Favorite
This isn't just any pumpkin bread; it’s a celebration of fall flavors wrapped in a deliciously moist package. The secret lies in the perfect balance of spices, generous pumpkin puree, and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. But what truly sets it apart is the buttery, spiced crumb topping that adds a delightful crunch and extra sweetness to every slice. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough for any gathering.
The Magic of the Crumb Topping
The streusel topping is a game-changer. Made with a simple mix of flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter, it creates a golden, crunchy crust that complements the soft bread below. This textural contrast makes each bite a sensory delight, transforming a classic quick bread into something truly special.
Essential Ingredients for Your Best Pumpkin Bread
Crafting the perfect pumpkin bread starts with quality ingredients. Here's what you'll need to gather:
- Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show, providing moisture and that quintessential pumpkin flavor. Make sure it’s 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For a deep dive into its benefits, check out this Wikipedia article on pumpkin puree.
- Canola Oil: Adds superb moisture without imparting any strong flavors.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the bread.
- Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base.
- Sugars (Granulated & Brown): A combination for balanced sweetness and moisture.
- Baking Soda & Salt: Essential leavening and flavor enhancers.
- Vanilla Extract: Boosts the overall flavor profile.
- Pumpkin Pie Spices: A comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice brings the warmth of fall.
Crumb Topping Essentials:
- Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: The dry base for your delicious streusel.
- Cold Butter: Crucial for creating those perfect, crumbly bits.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping
Our detailed recipe card below will walk you through each step, but here’s a quick overview of the process to get you excited:
- First, you’ll combine the dry ingredients for the bread in one bowl.
- Then, whisk together the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold the wet into the dry, being careful not to overmix.
- Prepare your crumb topping by cutting cold butter into the flour, sugar, and cinnamon mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the batter into prepared loaf pans, sprinkle generously with the crumb topping, and bake until golden brown and fragrant.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Measure Accurately: Especially for the flour and baking soda, precise measurements ensure the perfect texture and rise.
- Cool Completely: While it's tempting to slice into warm bread, allowing it to cool completely in the pan and then on a wire rack ensures it sets properly and is easier to slice.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of pumpkin pie spice to your liking. A little extra cinnamon never hurt anyone!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This pumpkin bread is divine on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even better:
- With Coffee or Tea: A slice pairs perfectly with a warm mug of coffee or a spiced chai tea.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra decadent treat, top with a simple cream cheese frosting once cooled.
- Add Nuts or Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Explore Other Quick Breads: If you love baking quick breads, try our recipe for Cinnamon Swirl Zucchini Bread – Easy & Delicious Recipe for another moist and flavorful option.
- Savory Pumpkin Twist: Looking for more pumpkin inspiration beyond sweets? Our Pumpkin Lasagna Roll-Ups with Crispy Bacon offers a delightful savory use of pumpkin.
Conclusion
Baking this Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping is more than just making a treat; it's an experience that fills your home with warmth and the inviting scents of autumn. It’s an easy, moist, and utterly delicious recipe that’s sure to become a beloved tradition in your household. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate taste of fall!
FAQs
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, it's crucial to use 100% pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which would alter the flavor balance of this recipe significantly.
How should I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months when wrapped tightly.
What makes this pumpkin bread so moist?
The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs contributes to the exceptionally moist texture of this bread. Pumpkin itself is high in moisture, and the oil adds richness without drying out during baking.
Can I add mix-ins to the pumpkin bread batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans into the batter before dividing it into the loaf pans for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (approximately 16-20 servings total) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightfully moist and spiced pumpkin bread crowned with a sweet, buttery crumb topping, perfect for any fall occasion.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
2 large eggs
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (about 1 3/4 cups)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8x4-inch loaf pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice until well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar into the dry mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 4: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the canola oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon just until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: In a small bowl, prepare the crumb topping: combine the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the diced cold butter and cut it into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 7: Divide the pumpkin bread batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Step 8: Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the batter in both pans.
Step 9: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent the loaves with aluminum foil.
Step 10: Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before carefully lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
For an extra crunch, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the wet ingredients. Ensure your pumpkin puree is 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor control.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
