Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Glaze – Best Fall Recipe

This pumpkin bread with brown butter glaze is the ultimate fall treat moist, spiced just right, and topped with a luscious glaze that takes it to the next level.

I first made this recipe on a crisp autumn afternoon when I wanted something cozy and comforting. The warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and nutty brown butter glaze instantly made it a family favorite. Now, I look forward to baking it every fall, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do!

My Take on Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Glaze

Pumpkin bread is such a classic fall baking staple, and what makes this recipe stand out is how perfectly balanced it is.

The bread itself is delightfully moist with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that make your kitchen smell amazing. And the brown butter glaze? Oh, let me tell you it’s like a caramel-meets-nutty frosting that adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy tools, just a whisk, a few bowls, and a loaf pan. Plus, you can make it ahead of time because it tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Glaze

This pumpkin bread recipe uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Bread:

• 1 2/3 cups (225 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (15 g) malted milk powder (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (225 g) pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
• 2/3 cup (140 g) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• 1/2 cup (115 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (115 g) light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (55 g) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Brown Butter Glaze:

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) milk

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Glaze

This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Glaze is as simple as mixing, baking, and drizzling! Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease an 8 1/2- by 4 1/2-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, malted milk powder, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, baking soda, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, pumpkin purée, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

5. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.

6. Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper sling to gently lift the bread out of the pan. Remove the parchment paper and let the bread cool completely on the rack.

7. Make the Brown Butter Glaze

While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty, stirring constantly. This should take about 5 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, salt, cinnamon, milk, and vanilla. Pour the browned butter (including the browned bits) into the bowl and stir until smooth.

8. Glaze the Bread

Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled bread, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Your Pumpkin Bread

• This pumpkin bread with glaze is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
• Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai, or even a glass of milk.
• Its sweet, spiced flavor makes it a hit for fall gatherings, brunches, or simply enjoying on a cozy evening.

Storing and Enjoying Leftovers

• To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• You can also freeze individual slices for up to three months just thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat!

Top Tips for Customizing Your Pumpkin Bread

1. Swap the glaze: Try a cream cheese glaze or an orange glaze for a fun twist.
2. Add mix-ins: Fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
3. Make it dairy-free: Use almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk for a dairy-free version.

Your Questions About Pumpkin Bread Answered

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes! Just make sure to purée the fresh pumpkin until smooth and strain any excess liquid for the best texture.

What’s the secret to moist pumpkin bread?

The combination of oil, pumpkin purée, and the right balance of wet and dry ingredients ensures a tender, moist loaf.

Can I skip the malted milk powder?

Yes, you can omit it if you don’t have any on hand. It adds a subtle richness but isn’t essential.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! You can bake two loaves at once just make sure to rotate the pans halfway through baking for even results.

Moist, spiced, and finished with a sweet glaze!

Fall baking doesn’t get much better than this easy pumpkin bread with brown butter glaze. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and full of flavor.

I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and check out more fall-inspired recipes on WandaRecipes.com!

Happy baking!