Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Hi friend,

Can we all agree that once September hits, we start craving all things pumpkin?

This Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze is the first thing I bake every fall. It’s soft, spiced, and topped with a buttery crumb and sweet maple glaze that soaks right into the bread. It’s not just good—it’s you’ll hide the last slice from your family good.

Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping for a cozy brunch, or just want your kitchen to smell like autumn, this recipe is foolproof. You don’t need fancy tools or pro-level skills. Just a whisk, a loaf pan, and a love for cozy baking.

So let’s make something delicious together.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

This isn’t your average pumpkin loaf. It’s soft, super moist (yes, we’re using that word), and has layers of flavor in every bite. Let me tell you why it’s on repeat in my kitchen:

• Packed with real pumpkin for natural sweetness and moisture
• Topped with a crunchy, buttery pumpkin spice streusel
• Drizzled in a sweet maple glaze that melts into every crumb
• Simple to make—perfect for beginners
• One bowl friendly, no mixer required
• Freezer-friendly and great for gifting

I started making this when my oldest was a toddler. Now she’s in middle school and still requests it every fall. It’s become a little family tradition, and I hope it becomes one in your home too.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

Everything you need is probably already in your pantry. We’re keeping it simple, but flavorful.

Pumpkin Spice Streusel

• ¼ cup (55g) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Bread

• 1 (15oz) can pure pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (100ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (110ml) milk
• 1¾ cups (230g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¾ tsp pumpkin pie spice
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Maple Glaze

• ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (85g) pure maple syrup

Tip: Use real maple syrup here. It makes a big difference in taste and texture.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it recipes. A few simple steps, and then your kitchen will smell like a bakery in no time.

1. Make the Streusel

In a small bowl, mix:

• Melted butter
• Flour
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Pumpkin pie spice

Stir until crumbly and pop it in the fridge while you make the batter. Chilling helps it firm up for that perfect crumbly texture on top.

2. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang on the long sides. It’ll make lifting out the bread so much easier.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Salt

Set aside.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:

• Pumpkin purée
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Oil

Then add:

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

5. Bring It All Together

• Stir in half the dry ingredients
• Add the milk, stir
• Then fold in the rest of the dry ingredients just until combined

You’ll end up with a thick, velvety batter.

6. Pour and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Take the streusel out of the fridge and crumble it evenly over the batter.

7. Bake Low and Slow

Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top gets too brown before it’s fully baked, lightly cover it with foil.

Tip: Every oven is different. I usually check mine at 1 hour and 10 minutes, just to be safe.

8. Cool Completely

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and transfer it to a rack.

Wait until it’s completely cool before glazing. Trust me—warm bread + glaze = slippery mess.

9. Make the Maple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Powdered sugar
• Maple syrup

That’s it. Two ingredients. Adjust to your preferred thickness by adding more sugar or syrup.

10. Glaze and Serve

Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf using a spoon or squeeze bottle. Let it set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

You did it! Now go grab your favorite mug and enjoy a slice (or two).

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temp:
Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 days on the counter.

Fridge:
Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week. I recommend microwaving slices for 10 seconds to revive the softness.

Freezer:
Wrap in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.

FAQs About Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze

When should I put the glaze on pumpkin bread?

After the bread has completely cooled. Otherwise, the glaze will melt and run off the top.

What’s the best glaze for pumpkin bread?

I’m partial to this maple glaze—it’s sweet, smooth, and pairs perfectly with warm spices. But cream cheese glaze or a simple vanilla icing also work beautifully.

Can I make this with less sugar?

Yes! You can reduce both the granulated and brown sugar by ¼ cup each for a slightly less sweet loaf. Or use coconut sugar for a natural alternative.

Does maple go well with pumpkin?

Yes, yes, a thousand times yes. Maple and pumpkin are fall BFFs.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just use two loaf pans and rotate them halfway through baking for even results.

Make It Your Own – Add-Ins and Variations

Want to get creative? Try these mix-ins:

• Chocolate chips (½ cup)
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• A handful of dried cranberries
• Swap pumpkin pie spice for apple pie spice
• Add orange zest for a citrus twist

More Cozy Recipes to Try

If this recipe made you want to keep baking, I’ve got you covered:

• Try our warmly spiced pumpkin banana loaf for another cozy fall treat.
• If you love glaze, these maple-glazed apple blondies are a must-try.
• Craving more comfort? This cinnamon roll bread is soft, sweet, and full of cinnamon goodness.

Don’t Forget to Save and Share

Planning to bake this weekend?
Pin this recipe on Pinterest so you can find it when pumpkin cravings strike!
👉 Follow Ritzy Recipes on Pinterest for even more cozy fall treats, meal ideas, and family-friendly favorites.

And if you make it, tag @RitzyRecipes—I love seeing your creations!

Final Thoughts – Your New Fall Favorite

This Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze is the kind of recipe that brings people together.

It’s simple enough for a weekday bake and special enough for Thanksgiving morning. Every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe. And every time I share it, I feel like I’m passing along a little piece of autumn joy.

So if your house needs a little warmth, if your heart needs a little comfort, or if your family needs a sweet treat to gather around—this one’s for you.

Now go bake that bread, friend. You’ve got this.

Let’s Chat

Have questions? Tried a fun variation?
Tell me in the comments below—I’d love to hear how your pumpkin bread turned out!

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