PERFECT PUMPKIN CRUMB BREAD

I can almost smell the crisp autumn air just thinking about it! Every year, as soon as the leaves start to turn, I get an uncontrollable craving for pumpkin everything. My grandma used to bake a simple pumpkin bread that we devoured in minutes, but I wanted to elevate it. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping you’ll ever make!

The Ultimate Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping: Your New Fall Favorite

Get ready to transform your kitchen into a fall wonderland with this incredible recipe! This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s a moist, flavorful masterpiece topped with a buttery, crumbly topping that will have everyone begging for more. I’ve perfected this recipe over years, and I’m so excited to share it with you.

Why This Pumpkin Bread is a Must-Try

There are a million pumpkin bread recipes out there, so what makes this one so special? Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Incredible Moisture: This bread is unbelievably moist thanks to the perfect ratio of pumpkin puree and oil. No dry, crumbly bread here!
• Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger creates that classic pumpkin spice flavor we all crave.
• That Crumb Topping! Oh, the crumb topping! It’s buttery, sweet, and adds the perfect textural contrast to the soft bread.
• Easy to Make: Despite its impressive flavor, this bread is surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend baking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a loaf (or two!) ahead of time and freeze it for a quick and delicious treat anytime.

Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create some pumpkin bread magic? Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of warm, crumbly goodness in no time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

For the Crumb Topping:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Step-by-Step Instructions: The Pumpkin Bread

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure everything is well combined for even baking.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. You want a smooth, emulsified mixture.
4. Add Pumpkin: Stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture will be a beautiful orange color.
5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread. A few streaks of flour are okay.
6. Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
7. Cut in the Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. You can also pulse it a few times in a food processor.
8. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly.
9. Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter. Don’t be shy – the more crumb topping, the better!
10. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
11. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking and allows it to cool evenly.
12. Slice and Enjoy: Once cooled, slice and enjoy! This bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also amazing with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Success Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread Every Time

Want to guarantee pumpkin bread perfection? Here are my top tips and tricks for a foolproof recipe:

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Measure Flour Correctly: The best way to measure flour is by using a kitchen scale. If you don’t have one, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and lead to dry bread.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs allows them to emulsify more easily with the other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender bread.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the bread is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
• Let it Cool Completely: I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but letting the bread cool completely allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set. Plus, it will be easier to slice.

Variations and Add-Ins: Make it Your Own!

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark, or semi-sweet) to the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Nuts: Stir in ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, for added crunch and flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart and chewy addition.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Make a simple cream cheese frosting (cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract) and swirl it into the batter before baking. This adds a creamy, tangy element to the bread.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a simple maple glaze (powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk) over the cooled bread for added sweetness and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond a Simple Slice

While a slice of this pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

• Warm it Up: Warm a slice of bread in the microwave for a few seconds to enhance the flavors and aromas.
• Add a Topping: Spread a thin layer of butter, cream cheese, or mascarpone cheese on a slice of bread for added richness.
• Pair with a Beverage: Enjoy a slice of pumpkin bread with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy and comforting treat.
• Make French Toast: Dip slices of pumpkin bread in an egg mixture and pan-fry them for a delicious and unique French toast.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Crumble pumpkin bread over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

This pumpkin bread is perfect for making ahead of time! Here’s how to store and freeze it:

• Storing: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. You can also freeze individual slices for a quick and easy treat.

Other Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Explore

If you’re a pumpkin fanatic like me, you’ll want to check out these other amazing pumpkin recipes:

For a truly decadent treat, you absolutely must try the PUMPKIN PRALINE BREAD. It’s rich, nutty, and utterly irresistible.

Need a quick and easy dessert? The PUMPKIN CRISP is your answer. It’s a warm, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

Looking for a fun and festive cookie? You can’t go wrong with PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLES! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with pumpkin spice flavor.

For a quick and easy breakfast, you can’t beat Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats. They are delicious and nutritious!

If you love cream cheese frosting, then you absolutely must try Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. It’s the best recipe ever!

And for a grab-and-go option, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins are perfect. They are super easy to make and incredibly delicious!

Recipe Card: Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping

Here’s a handy recipe card you can print out and keep in your kitchen:

Conclusion: Embrace the Flavors of Fall

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping! I truly believe this will become a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice. Happy baking!

Lady Maria

Perfect Pumpkin Crumb Bread

This pumpkin bread is incredibly moist and perfectly spiced, topped with a buttery, crumbly topping that will have everyone begging for more. It’s easy to make and freezer-friendly, making it a perfect fall treat for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 1

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• ½ cup all-purpose flour for crumb topping
• ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar for crumb topping
• ¼ cup granulated sugar for crumb topping
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for crumb topping
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces for crumb topping

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• whisk
• Pastry blender or food processor (for crumb topping)
• Wooden skewer or toothpick
• wire rack
• Oven
• Grease or cooking spray
• Flour (for dusting pan)
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined.
4. Stir in the pumpkin puree until evenly incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few streaks of flour are okay.
6. In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon for the crumb topping.
7. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly.
9. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the batter.
10. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
11. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, measure flour accurately using the spoon and level method or a kitchen scale. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a tough bread. Store cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for variations.