When the leaves turn golden and the mornings start crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm loaf of Pumpkin Streusel Bread | The Domestic Rebel. I still remember standing in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her stir together a quick pumpkin bread recipe with cinnamon wafting through the air. This version feels like fall wrapped in sugar and spice: soft pumpkin bread topped with a crunchy streusel topping that makes each bite feel like a little slice of joy. Whether you use fresh pumpkin or pumpkin pie filling, this loaf is a celebration of fall baking at its finest.
The Magic of Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Why Pumpkin Streusel Bread Feels Special
There’s something magical about the combination of soft, spiced pumpkin bread and a crumbly streusel topping. The pumpkin brings natural sweetness and moisture, while the topping delivers texture similar to a coffee cake. The result is a loaf that’s indulgent but also perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet ending to supper.
Texture and Taste Notes
This loaf is tender on the inside, with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and just enough sweetness to make it feel like a treat. The buttery streusel bakes golden brown, giving the bread a slight crunch on top that balances the moist, rich crumb beneath. For extra coziness, pair it with a warm drink or serve alongside other pumpkin recipes like a pumpkin cheesecake.
Ingredients and Baking Tips
Ingredient Highlights
The beauty of Pumpkin Streusel Bread | The Domestic Rebel is that it uses pantry staples with a few seasonal stars.
| Ingredient | Notes / Substitutions |
|---|---|
| Pumpkin Puree | Use fresh or canned; avoid pumpkin pie filling unless you reduce added sugar. |
| Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves) | These give the bread its classic fall flavor. |
| Streusel Topping | Made with butter, flour, and sugar for crunch like coffee cake. |
| Cream Cheese (optional) | Add a swirl for pumpkin cheesecake vibes. |
Preparation Made Simple
Mix the wet ingredients, stir in the dry, and pour into a greased loaf pan. The streusel is pressed lightly on top before baking, ensuring it holds a crunchy crust. In just about an hour, you’ll have a kitchen filled with the aroma of delicious pumpkin and cinnamon.
Storage and Serving
Make-Ahead and Storage
This bread stays fresh for 3–4 days when wrapped and stored at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and warm them in the toaster oven. The streusel topping will keep its crunch if you reheat lightly instead of microwaving.
Serving Ideas
Serve slices with butter or cream cheese for breakfast, or top with whipped cream for a dessert twist. Around the holidays, this pairs beautifully with a hot cider or pumpkin-spiced latte. If you’re a baked pumpkin lover, this bread makes a wonderful alternative to pie at fall gatherings.
Tips, Variations, and Reflections
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: It can make the bread tough.
- Using pumpkin pie filling directly: It may make the loaf too sweet unless sugar is reduced.
- Skipping the streusel: Don’t! It’s the star of this recipe.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This Pumpkin Streusel Bread | The Domestic Rebel is one of those recipes that transforms ordinary mornings into something memorable. It’s cozy, humble, and brimming with the flavors of fall. Add cream cheese for a pumpkin cheesecake feel, or stick with the classic version for a loaf that celebrates the season in every bite.
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Pumpkin Streusel Bread | The Domestic Rebel – Cozy Fall Baking Favorite
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This cozy Pumpkin Streusel Bread is soft, spiced, and topped with a buttery crumb that turns any autumn morning into something special.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- Optional: 1/2 cup softened cream cheese for swirl
- For the Streusel:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla, and sugar until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- If using cream cheese, gently swirl into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- In a separate bowl, mix streusel ingredients using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the batter and gently press down.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Wrap and store at room temperature for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Lightly toast to restore streusel crunch. Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts work great too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
FAQs
What makes Pumpkin Streusel Bread different from regular pumpkin bread?
The streusel topping sets it apart, giving a sweet, buttery crunch that makes it more like a cross between pumpkin bread and coffee cake.
Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Yes, but reduce the sugar in the batter since pumpkin pie filling already contains sweeteners and spices.
How do I add a pumpkin cheesecake twist to this recipe?
Swirl softened cream cheese into the batter before baking. This creates a rich, tangy layer that tastes like a pumpkin cheesecake loaf.
What are the best add-ins for Pumpkin Streusel Bread?
Try adding chocolate chips, pecans, or cranberries for extra fall flavor. These additions make the loaf even more delicious pumpkin goodness.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Streusel Bread | The Domestic Rebel is cozy, flavorful, and perfect for any autumn day. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and crunchy streusel topping, it brings together everything we love about fall baking. Whether you’re making it for family breakfast, a sweet gift, or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, this loaf will surely make your kitchen smell like home. Don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest and Medium for more heartwarming pumpkin recipes and baking inspiration.
