Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping

If you’re looking for a cozy recipe to fill your home with the warm scents of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping is not just any pumpkin bread; it’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a delightful brown sugar crumb topping that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re baking for a busy weeknight dessert or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.

I love how easy this pumpkin bread is to whip up! It’s perfect for sharing with friends over coffee or enjoying as a sweet treat after dinner. Plus, the crumb topping adds an irresistible crunch that elevates each slice. So grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 35 minutes of prep, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying warm pumpkin bread.
• Perfect for Sharing: Bake two loaves so you can keep one and share the other with someone special.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of pumpkin puree and spices keeps this bread moist and flavorful.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are. Each one plays a role in making this pumpkin bread flavorful and satisfying. Let’s gather everything we need!

For the Bread

• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup canola oil (or vegetable oil)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2/3 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Dried Fruit: Add raisins or cranberries for a fruity touch that complements the pumpkin flavor beautifully.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick.

How to Make Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before anything else, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly from start to finish. Also, grease two 8×4 bread pans and line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and ginger. This step is important because combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Mix in Sugars

Next, add in both granulated sugar and brown sugar into the dry mix. Stir until everything is well combined—this ensures every bite of bread has sweetness and flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Oil

Make a well in the center of your mixture and pour in the oil. Mix just until incorporated; don’t worry if it looks dry at this point. The oil will help create moisture once we add more wet ingredients.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Now it’s time to add eggs! Incorporate them two at a time while mixing after each addition. Again, it’ll seem dry but trust me—the magic happens next!

Step 6: Introduce Pumpkin Puree

Stir in the pumpkin puree along with water and vanilla extract until everything is smooth. This will bring richness and flavor that makes this easy pumpkin bread truly special.

Step 7: Divide the Batter

Pour the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Set those aside while we whip up that delicious crumb topping!

Step 8: Prepare Crumb Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs—this adds that delightful texture on top!

Step 9: Sprinkle Topping

Now sprinkle the crumb topping generously over both batter-filled pans—don’t be shy! Every slice deserves that tasty crunch.

Step 10: Bake

Place your pans in the oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on them; if they seem to brown too quickly on top, tent with foil.

Step 11: Cool Down

Once baked through (a cake tester should come out clean), let them cool for about 10 minutes before removing from pans. Then transfer onto wire racks to cool completely.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally, slice up your Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping! Serve warm or at room temperature—either way; it’s going to be hard not to go back for seconds! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping

Baking this delightful pumpkin bread is a breeze, and with a few tips, you can make it even more special!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and other ingredients to room temperature helps create a smoother batter that incorporates air better, giving your bread a lighter texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined keeps the bread tender and prevents it from becoming tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking for doneness at around 50 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean, your bread is ready!

• Store properly: To keep your pumpkin bread moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste! Adding more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the fall flavors that everyone loves.

How to Serve Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping

This easy pumpkin bread is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and makes the bread look extra inviting.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top before baking can give an added crunch and enhance the flavor profile.
• Cream cheese spread: A dollop of cream cheese spread on each slice elevates the flavor and adds a creamy richness that complements the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Hot apple cider: This warm beverage is perfect for fall and pairs wonderfully with the warm spices in the pumpkin bread.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of warm pumpkin bread creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries balances out the richness of the bread.
• Coffee or tea: A steaming cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy pairing that enhances your overall tasting experience.

With these serving suggestions, you’re sure to impress family and friends with your homemade Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping! Enjoy every bite as you embrace the flavors of fall.

Make Ahead and Storage

This easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or share it with friends and family. Here’s how to keep your delicious loaves fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in an airtight container.

Freezing

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely, then slice it into individual pieces.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with the date; your pumpkin bread will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen slices, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• Warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.
• For a crispy crust, you can also reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Got questions? We’ve got answers! Here are some common inquiries about our Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping.

Can I make this Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How can I adjust the sweetness of my Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping?

Feel free to reduce the sugar by up to half a cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf. You can also use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but adjust wet ingredients accordingly.

What spices can I use instead of pumpkin spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin spice on hand, you can combine cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to create your own blend for this recipe.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some walnuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pumpkin Bread with Crumb Topping is not just a delightful treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for cozy fall afternoons or festive gatherings. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! Share it with loved ones or savor it yourself – either way, it’s sure to bring a smile. Happy baking!