As the crisp autumn air seeps through the open window, I catch a whiff of warm spices and something sweet—it’s time to bring fall into my kitchen with a loaf of Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze. This comforting recipe blends moist pumpkin and fragrant spices, creating a delightful guilt-free treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Not only is this bread a breeze to whip up, but it also transforms any gathering into a cozy celebration of seasonal flavors. Imagine drizzling that luscious maple glaze over the golden-brown loaf, making it a showstopper on your fall dessert table. Are you ready to make your kitchen feel like a warm embrace this season?
Why is This Pumpkin Bread Special?
Comforting Comfort Food: There’s something about the combination of pumpkin and warm spices that feels like a hug in loaf form—perfect for chilly days.
Easy to Bake: This recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for both seasoned bakers and beginners. Just mix, pour, and bake!
Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast with a spread of butter or as a delightful afternoon snack with your favorite tea or coffee.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a potluck, this bread garners compliments and eager requests for the recipe—even more so with the irresistible maple glaze.
Perfect for Fall: Infuse your home with the cozy scents of autumn, inviting friends and family to gather around the kitchen for a delicious homemade experience.
Want more fall flavor? Check out my recipes for Garlic Bread Air or a warm bowl of Comforting All Ages.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Ingredients
For the Bread
- Pumpkin Puree – Provides moisture and sweetness; fresh pumpkin can be used, just drain excess moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the bread; whole wheat or gluten-free flour can be used.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; no significant substitutions suggested.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances flavor depth; can be substituted with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Essential leavening agents; ensure they are fresh for the best rise.
- Ground Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves) – Provide that classic fall flavor; feel free to experiment with ginger or cardamom.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors in the bread; no substitutions needed.
- Eggs – Binds ingredients and adds richness; can be replaced with flax eggs for a vegan option.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – Adds moisture; choose based on your preference, or use coconut oil for a twist.
- Vanilla Extract – Offers warmth and a hint of sweetness; almond extract can be a delightful substitute.
For the Maple Glaze
- Powdered Sugar – Ensures sweetness and smooth glaze texture; no significant substitutions recommended.
- Maple Syrup – The star flavor that complements the pumpkin; always choose pure maple syrup for optimal taste.
- Milk or Cream – Helps achieve a pourable consistency; plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free version.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the glaze’s flavor; consider swapping for zesty orange zest for a refreshing twist.
This delicious pumpkin bread with maple glaze elevates any cozy fall occasion!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, take a minute to grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or butter, ensuring the bread will slide out effortlessly once baked. This is the first step in creating your Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This delightful blend creates a fragrant foundation for your pumpkin bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil (or melted butter), and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir vigorously until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined, inviting warm autumn aromas that will fill your kitchen with cozy anticipation.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now, gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this will help maintain the light and fluffy texture of your Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze. You might see a few lumps, and that’s perfectly fine!
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes. Your bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, showing you’ve achieved the perfect rise and a golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
After baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle. Once cooled slightly, gently transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for the ideal texture and savoriness of your pumpkin bread.
Step 7: Prepare the Maple Glaze
While the bread is cooling, prepare the maple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Mix until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency, creating a sweet finishing touch for your Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze.
Step 8: Glaze the Bread
Once the pumpkin bread has cooled completely, drizzle the maple glaze generously over the top. Allow it to cascade down the edges, creating a deliciously sweet layer that compliments the warm spices of the bread. This final touch truly elevates the bread into a seasonal delight.
What to Serve with Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Warm up your gatherings with delightful pairings that enhance the cozy flavors of fall.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: This comforting side dish provides a creamy texture that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin bread.
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Chai Latte: With its fragrant spices, a chai latte adds a wonderful warmth that beautifully complements the flavors in the bread.
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Fresh Apple Slices with Cinnamon: The crunch of fresh apples paired with a sprinkle of cinnamon mimics the spices in the bread, brightening the flavor profile.
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Maple Ice Cream: A scoop of rich maple ice cream brings out the sweetness of the glaze and adds a creamy, decadent touch for dessert lovers.
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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: This velvety soup creates a delightful contrast, invoking the essence of autumn in every bite.
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Warm Spiced Cider: The perfect drink pairing, warm spiced cider with hints of cinnamon and cloves will cozy up any gathering as you savor each slice.
Delight your senses and make your fall gatherings unforgettable with these delicious pairings.
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can make the bread batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply combine the dry ingredients and wet ingredients in separate bowls. Cover and refrigerate the wet mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking and keep the flavors fresh. When ready to bake, combine the mixtures and pour them into your prepared pan. The loaf itself can be baked and stored, wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to three days. For the glaze, prepare it just before serving to ensure it stays silky smooth. This way, your delightful treat will be just as delicious and ready to impress when you need it!
Expert Tips for Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Avoid Overmixing: Stir just until the ingredients combine to ensure your pumpkin bread remains light and fluffy, preventing a dense texture.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh baking powder and spices for the best flavor and rise in your delicious pumpkin bread with maple glaze. Stale ingredients can lead to disappointing results.
Oven Accuracy: Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to avoid uneven baking, ensuring your bread comes out perfectly moist.
Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process! Let the bread cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack for the best texture and flavor.
Glaze Consistency: Adjust the milk in your glaze to achieve the desired thickness. A thicker glaze stays put, while a thinner glaze runs beautifully down the sides.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe uniquely yours, adding your personal touch to the comforting flavors of fall.
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Nuts Galore: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture. Mixing in nuts not only enhances flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch.
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Chocolate Lovers: Toss in 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter right before pouring it into the pan. The rich chocolate pairs beautifully with the spices, creating a divine treat.
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Dried Fruit Delight: Fold in 1 cup of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and chewiness in each bite. This twist introduces delightful flavor contrasts that elevate your pumpkin bread experience.
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Spice It Up: Experiment with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the spice profile. This variation can surprise your palate and add a warm, aromatic kick!
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Mini Loaves or Muffins: Bake the batter in mini loaf pans or muffin tins, adjusting the baking time to 20-25 minutes for bite-sized treats. These are fantastic for sharing and perfect for entertaining.
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Vegan Variation: Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs made from mixing 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water. This swap makes the recipe suitable for vegan diets while keeping it delectable.
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Creamy Pumpkin Bread: Swapping out 1/4 cup of vegetable oil for applesauce makes it delightfully moist and a little less calorie-heavy. This noticeable change retains great flavor without losing any of the comforting essence.
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Zesty Glaze Twist: Add zest of 1 orange to the glaze for a citrusy brightness. This ingredient can offer a refreshing twist, balancing out the sweet maple syrup beautifully.
The next time you’re tempted to whip up this delightful pumpkin bread with maple glaze, consider these variations to reinvent this beloved classic while keeping it cozy and comforting. And for more comfort food options, why not dive into a warm bowl of Comforting All Ages or treat yourself to a slice of Garlic Bread Air? Happy baking!
Storage Tips for Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Room Temperature: Keep your pumpkin bread wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moistness and flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for best results. You can freeze it for up to three months, perfect for enjoying later!
Reheating: To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, simply slice and microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast lightly until warmed through.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe FAQs
What kind of pumpkin puree should I use?
Absolutely! You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience. However, if you prefer, fresh pumpkin works wonderfully too. Just make sure to cook and drain it well to eliminate any excess moisture before incorporating it into the recipe.
How should I store my pumpkin bread?
For best results, wrap your delicious pumpkin bread with maple glaze in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will last up to a week. Just be sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?
Yes, you can freeze it! First, allow the bread to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
What if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
If your bread doesn’t rise as expected, one common culprit could be stale baking powder or baking soda. Always ensure these leavening agents are fresh before baking. Additionally, avoid overmixing the batter; mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light, fluffy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
It can be! If you have egg allergies, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg). For dairy-free options, simply substitute the milk in the glaze with a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Be sure to check all ingredient labels to accommodate specific dietary restrictions.
How long will the glaze last once prepared?
The maple glaze can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. Give it a good stir before using, as it may thicken up in the fridge. If you notice it’s become too thick, a splash of milk will return it to a lovely pourable consistency.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze for Cozy Fall Days
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze.
- Once cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top of the pumpkin bread.
