Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread
This Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread is soft, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Topped with a golden, buttery streusel that adds just the right amount of crunch, every slice is pure fall comfort. Serve it warm with a generous spread of butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a hot cup of coffee for the coziest autumn treat.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread and streusel topping, giving the loaf structure and a soft crumb.
Pumpkin Purée: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and classic fall flavor — use canned purée, not pumpkin pie filling.
Brown Butter: Brings nutty, caramel-like depth that enhances both the bread and the streusel topping.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread while helping with browning and a tender texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, molasses-like flavor, perfect for the streusel topping and spiced loaf.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk or pumpkin to create lift and a light, airy texture.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding the batter together.
Milk: Adds moisture and tenderness to the crumb, balancing the richness of the brown butter.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves that gives the bread its cozy fall flavor.
Cinnamon: Used in the streusel topping and batter for extra warmth and spice.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Butter: Used in the streusel topping to create a golden, crunchy crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the flavor of the bread, adding a sweet, aromatic note.
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread:
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The bread bakes up light, airy, and spongy with just the right amount of moisture.
Warm Pumpkin Spice Flavor: Infused with cozy fall spices that make every bite comforting and seasonal.
Brown Butter Depth: The nutty richness from brown butter elevates this quick bread far beyond a classic pumpkin loaf.
Golden Streusel Topping: A buttery, crunchy crumb layer that adds both texture and sweetness.
Perfect for Fall Mornings: Enjoy a slice with coffee for the ultimate cozy start to the day.
Simple to Make: A straightforward recipe that doesn’t require fancy steps or equipment.
Beautiful Presentation: The streusel topping bakes into a golden crown, making the loaf look bakery-worthy.
Versatile Serving Options: Delicious plain, with butter, or alongside whipped cream or cream cheese spread.
Crowd Pleaser: A treat that appeals to both pumpkin lovers and anyone who enjoys a comforting homemade bake.
Great for Gifting: Wrap up a loaf and share with friends, neighbors, or family during the holidays.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread:
Brown the Butter Carefully: Cook the butter until golden with a nutty aroma, then let it cool slightly before adding to the batter to avoid melting the sugars too quickly.
Measure the Flour Accurately: For the best texture, weigh your flour or use the spoon-and-level method to prevent adding too much and making the bread dense.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and dairy to room temperature so they mix smoothly into the batter and help the bread rise evenly.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep the bread soft, fluffy, and tender.
Make the Streusel Fresh: Prepare the crumb topping just before using so it stays crumbly rather than melting into the batter.
Spread Streusel Evenly: Sprinkle the topping over the batter in an even layer to ensure a beautiful golden crust on every slice.
Bake on the Middle Rack: This helps the bread cook evenly without over-browning the top or underbaking the center.
Check for Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert it into the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling before cutting into slices.
Serve Warm: Enjoy with butter and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the ultimate sweet-and-salty balance.
How to Store Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread:
Room Temperature: Store the bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the crumb soft and prevents it from drying out.
Refrigerator: Place cooled bread in an airtight container or wrap well in foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave or oven for the best texture before serving.
Freezer (Whole Loaf): Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Freezer (Sliced): Slice the cooled bread, then wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to grab single servings. Reheat slices straight from frozen in the toaster oven or microwave.
Streusel Topping: If freezing, note that the streusel may soften slightly when thawed. To refresh, pop the bread slices or loaf into a 350°F oven for about 8–10 minutes to crisp the topping again.
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake the bread a day in advance. Store it at room temperature, covered tightly, or in the fridge if keeping longer. Warm slices before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Q: Do I have to use brown butter, or can I use regular butter?
A: Brown butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that makes this loaf extra special. You can use regular melted butter if needed, but you’ll lose that deeper flavor.
Q: How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The streusel should also look golden brown.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin purée?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin purée and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
Q: Can I freeze Brown Butter Pumpkin Streusel Bread?
A: Yes! You can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slices in the oven to refresh the streusel topping.
Q: What’s the best way to serve this bread?
A: It’s delicious on its own, but even better warm with a spread of butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or alongside a hot cup of coffee.
Q: Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
A: Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips mix beautifully into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make this brown butter pumpkin streusel bread. Happy baking!
