This Pumpkin Streusel Bread is warm, moist, and packed with pumpkin flavor. The sweet crumbly topping adds a delightful crunch that makes each slice irresistible!
I enjoy having this for breakfast or a snack with coffee. It makes the whole house smell like fall. Who needs a fancy cafe when you can have homemade goodness? ☕️🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! Use canned pumpkin for convenience, or make your own by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin. If you’re not a pumpkin fan, you can also use mashed bananas or applesauce as a substitute for a similar texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of spices adds warmth to your bread. If you don’t have it, mix equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice instead. It gives a fantastic flavor kick and can be adjusted to your taste!
Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can substitute it with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Each will slightly change the flavor but will still be delicious.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, mix regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes. It will work just fine!
Cream Cheese: This provides that creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. They won’t be as creamy but will still give a nice texture.
What’s the Best Way to Mix the Batter Without Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to tough bread, which is something we want to avoid. Follow these tips for a smoother mixing process:
- Mix the dry ingredients together first, ensuring even distribution of baking powder and spices.
- When combining wet and dry ingredients, gently fold them together using a spatula. You want to see some floury bits; that’s okay!
- Mix just until everything is combined. A few small lumps are fine. It’s better than overworking the batter!
By being gentle with the mixing, you’ll end up with a light and fluffy loaf that everyone will love!
How to Make Pumpkin Streusel Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup buttermilk or milk
For The Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For The Cream Cheese Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Streusel Bread will take about 15 minutes of prep time, and then around 60-70 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re adding the glaze, give yourself an extra 5 minutes for that!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan so your bread doesn’t stick later.
2. Make the streusel topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Set this aside because it will add a delicious crunch later!
3. Prepare the cream cheese filling:
In a small bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract together until creamy and smooth. This will give a nice, rich layer in your bread.
4. Mix the pumpkin bread batter:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the pumpkin puree and buttermilk, stirring until everything is well combined. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Remember, just mix until combined to keep the bread soft!
5. Assemble the bread:
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your greased loaf pan. Next, carefully spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter. Then, top it off with the rest of the pumpkin batter. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping on generously.
6. Bake:
Now, it’s time for baking! Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center (make sure it’s not in the cream cheese layer). If the top starts to brown too much, loosely cover it with foil.
7. Cool:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here will pay off!
8. Prepare the glaze (optional):
If you’d like to add a glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until it’s smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for a sweet finish!
9. Serve:
Now, slice yourself a piece (or two) and enjoy this wonderful, moist Pumpkin Streusel Bread! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert with a cozy cup of coffee or tea.
This recipe yields a tender bread bursting with pumpkin flavor, creamy filling, and a crunchy topping. It’s a seasonal favorite that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it before using it in the recipe. Just make sure to measure it out as you would the canned version (1 cup). Fresh pumpkin gives a wonderful flavor and texture!
How Can I Store Leftover Pumpkin Streusel Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that the other ingredients are also gluten-free, like baking powder.
What Should I Do If My Cream Cheese Filling Is Lumpy?
If your cream cheese is lumpy, make sure it’s softened at room temperature before mixing. If needed, you can use an electric mixer to blend it until smooth. This will help avoid lumps in your filling!
