How to Perfect Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
If you’re looking to dive into a baking project that yields a moist, comforting loaf bursting with fall flavors, this Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze recipe is your new best friend. It combines the cozy spices and tender crumb of classic pumpkin bread with a rich, nutty glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, a snack, or a holiday gathering, this recipe promises a mouthwatering treat you’ll want to savor again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and brown butter, every bite is soft and irresistibly tender.
- Unique Flavor Twist: The salted brown butter glaze enhances the classic pumpkin bread with a rich, savory-sweet finish.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together for a homemade treat that feels gourmet.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy breakfast or dessert, this bread fits the bill beautifully.
- Great for Gifting: Wrap it up to impress friends and family with your baking skills and thoughtful flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze recipe plays a key role. From the moist pumpkin puree to the fragrant spices and the star brown butter glaze, these components work together to deliver irresistibly delicious results.
- Pumpkin Puree: The base of the batter, providing moisture and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the bread its structure and crumb; fresh flour means better texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- Eggs: Help bind ingredients and contribute to the bread’s rise and richness.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create that comforting pumpkin bread aroma.
- Baking Soda and Powder: Essential leavening agents to make your bread rise evenly.
- Salted Butter (for brown butter): This turns golden and nutty, infusing the glaze with an incredible depth.
- Powdered Sugar: The base for the silky-smooth glaze that tops the bread beautifully.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances the flavors throughout the bread and glaze.
Variations for Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to make it your own. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or playing with flavors, it’s effortless to customize this pumpkin bread.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free mix for a safe alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cayenne to your spice blend for warmth and subtle heat.
- Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Stir in mini chocolate chips before baking for melty pockets of richness.
- Dairy-Free Glaze: Use coconut oil instead of butter to make a vegan-friendly salted brown butter glaze.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Brown Butter
Start by melting salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it cook until it turns a golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, then remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and the cooled brown butter. Mixing the brown butter in after slight cooling prevents scrambling the eggs.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
Step 6: Prepare the Salted Brown Butter Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar into the remaining brown butter, adding a pinch of flaky sea salt to balance the sweetness. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread for that gooey, irresistible finish.
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
- Use Fresh Pumpkin Puree: Homemade or canned pumpkin (not pie filling) yields better texture and flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Brown Butter: It elevates the flavor, adding rich nuttiness that’s simply unforgettable.
- Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level your flour for accuracy to avoid dense bread.
- Allow Cooling Before Glazing: Warm bread will melt the glaze and make it runny, so patience pays off.
- Test for Doneness Early: Start checking the loaf at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking and dryness.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
Garnishes
Top your glaze with a sprinkle of toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for a beautiful crunch and an added nutty layer.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of spiced coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte to highlight its warm flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread thick and spread with a touch of cream cheese or honey butter for a decadent breakfast or snack presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Slice the loaf before freezing to quickly thaw just the amount you want. Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave briefly to bring back that fresh-baked feel and melt the glaze slightly for extra goodness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pie filling contains added sugars and spices that can alter the bread’s texture and flavor.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—avoid any wet batter residue.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using dairy-free butter alternatives, plus a plant-based milk if needed, you can enjoy a vegan version.
What type of sugar is best for the glaze?
Powdered sugar dissolves smoothly and creates that perfect texture for the glaze, so it’s the ideal choice.
Can I add nuts to the bread batter?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans complement the flavors and add a satisfying crunchy contrast to the soft bread.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the full scoop on this delightful Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake something special. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that marries classic pumpkin comfort with an indulgent gourmet twist. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
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Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze
Pumpkin Bread With Salted Brown Butter Glaze is a moist, tender loaf infused with warm fall spices and topped with a rich, nutty, sweet-salty glaze. Perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or holiday treats, this bread combines pantry staples with an elevated flavor twist thanks to the signature brown butter glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour option)
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup salted butter (for browning)
For the Salted Brown Butter Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- Remaining browned salted butter from above
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Your Brown Butter: Melt the salted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt for even distribution.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and cooled brown butter, ensuring the butter is not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Bring It All Together: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Salted Brown Butter Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar into the remaining brown butter and stir in a pinch of flaky sea salt. Drizzle generously over the cooled pumpkin bread for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for best flavor and texture.
- Brown butter is key for deep, nutty flavor—don’t skip it.
- Measure flour carefully by spooning and leveling to avoid dense bread.
- Cool the bread completely before applying the glaze to avoid melting.
- Check for doneness starting at 55 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: pumpkin bread, salted brown butter glaze, fall baking, moist bread, pumpkin spice, homemade pumpkin bread
