Moist Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

Pumpkin bread with maple glaze is an absolute autumnal dream, isn’t it? There’s just something undeniably comforting about its warm spices and moist crumb, especially when kissed by that sweet, sticky topping. As soon as the air begins to crisp and the leaves start their vibrant dance, my craving for this classic treat kicks in. It’s a recipe that evokes cozy evenings, family gatherings, and the simple joy of baking. What truly sets this pumpkin bread with maple glaze apart is the perfect balance: the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin is beautifully complemented by cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, while the maple glaze adds a touch of sophisticated sweetness that elevates it beyond the ordinary. This isn’t just any quick bread; it’s a hug in loaf form.

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of pumpkin baking, and this Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze is sure to fill your kitchen with that warm, comforting scent. It’s the perfect treat for a crisp autumn morning, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even a delightful dessert. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between moist, flavorful bread and a sweet, sticky glaze that elevates it to something truly special. It’s surprisingly simple to make, making it an ideal recipe for bakers of all skill levels. Let’s get started on creating this autumnal delight!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree *SEE NOTES
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (110ml) milk
• 1 3/4 cups (230g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Maple Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1-2 tbsp milk (or water)

Cooking Instructions:

1.

Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven:

The first step to any baking success is proper preparation. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it incredibly easy to lift the bread out once it’s baked. A good coating of butter or cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour will prevent your beautiful loaf from sticking. If you’re using parchment paper, make sure to grease the pan first, then lay the paper in, gently pressing it into the corners.

2.

Combine Wet Ingredients and First Dry Mix:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. This might seem like a small amount of dry ingredients and sugar, but this forms a lovely, slightly crumbly topping or initial layer for our bread, adding a delicious textural contrast. It also helps to evenly distribute those warm spices before incorporating the wet ingredients. Stir until it just comes together. Set this aside. In a separate, larger bowl, add the pure pumpkin puree, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk. Whisk these wet ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Make sure there are no streaks of egg yolk or white visible.

3.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Form the Batter:

Now, let’s bring it all together. To the wet ingredient mixture, add the remaining 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. It’s important not to overmix here. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough loaf. Mix until just combined, and you no longer see any dry streaks of flour. A few small lumps are perfectly fine! The batter will be thick and wonderfully fragrant with the warm spices.

4.

Bake the Pumpkin Bread:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you made the initial butter/sugar/flour mixture (from step 2), you can sprinkle this evenly over the top of the batter. This creates a delightful crunchy topping that complements the moist bread underneath. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes. The baking time can vary depending on your oven, so it’s crucial to check for doneness. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly before the inside is cooked, you can loosely tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil.

5.

Cool and Glaze the Bread:

Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows it to set up properly. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s essential that the bread is completely cooled before you apply the glaze. If it’s still warm, the glaze will melt and become more of a puddle than a glaze. While the bread cools, prepare the maple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of milk. If the glaze is too thick, add another tablespoon of milk (or water), a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Once the bread is completely cool, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

*SEE NOTES: For the best flavor and texture, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will alter the taste and consistency of your bread. Always check the ingredients list on the can.

This pumpkin bread is truly a delight. The moist, tender crumb is infused with warm spices, and the sweet maple glaze adds a perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Conclusion:

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning how to make this absolutely delightful Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze! It’s truly a showstopper, perfectly balancing the warm spices of pumpkin with the rich, sweet embrace of maple. This recipe is fantastic because it yields a moist, tender loaf that’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a crowd-pleasing treat. The aroma alone as it bakes is enough to fill your home with cozy autumnal vibes. It’s the perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering, breakfast table, or afternoon tea. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Serve thick slices of this delicious pumpkin bread warm, perhaps with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter for an extra decadent touch. It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced cider. For a fun twist, consider adding chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts to the batter before baking. You could even substitute the maple glaze with a simple cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a different flair. Experiment and make it your own!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this pumpkin bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pumpkin bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can store it at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just thaw it completely before glazing.

What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?

For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pure pumpkin puree is simply mashed pumpkin and doesn’t contain added sugars or spices, giving you more control over the final taste of your bread.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you absolutely can! Simply divide the batter among greased muffin tins and reduce the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Glaze the cooled muffins individually.

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Moist and flavorful pumpkin bread topped with a simple and sweet maple glaze.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
60 Minutes

Total Time
20 Minutes

Servings
1 loaf

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup (100ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (110ml) milk
• 1 3/4 cups (230g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp milk

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Step 2
   In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
3. Step 3
   In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, baking soda, and cinnamon.
5. Step 5
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Step 6
   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the butter mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
7. Step 7
   Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Step 9
   For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and 1 tbsp milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.