The scent. Just the scent of pumpkin baking is enough to transport me back to childhood. My grandma, Nana Elsie, always made pumpkin bread in the fall. Her kitchen would be warm and cozy, filled with the comforting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and of course, pumpkin! This Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe! is inspired by those cherished memories. It’s simple to make, incredibly moist, and bursting with fall flavors. I’ve tweaked Nana Elsie’s original a little (sorry, Nana!), to incorporate a gorgeous maple glaze that truly elevates the bread. Ready to bake up some happy memories? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
This isn’t your average dry, crumbly pumpkin bread. This recipe delivers:
- Moist & Tender Crumb: The grated pumpkin, oil, and buttermilk work together to create a bread that’s unbelievably moist. No one wants dry bread!
- Warm & Cozy Flavors: The classic pumpkin spice blend – cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves – is perfectly balanced.
- Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is foolproof. No complicated techniques required! It’s great for beginner bakers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s the ultimate fall dessert – everyone loves pumpkin bread. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in.
- The Maple Glaze! It adds a touch of sweetness and elevates the entire experience. The subtle maple flavor complements the pumpkin perfectly.
The Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need to bake this delicious pumpkin bread:
For the Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but recommended!)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (use the good stuff!)
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (or water)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get baking! Here’s a breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Dry Ingredients Unite
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Wet Ingredients Combine
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Beat with an electric mixer (or a strong wooden spoon!) until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree and mix until smooth.
- Stir in the buttermilk and egg until just combined. Don’t overmix – it’s okay if there are a few streaks.
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are fine.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. All ovens are different!
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Important: Don’t glaze the bread while it’s still warm.
Step 6: Make the Maple Glaze
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the glaze.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract (if using).
- Add milk (or water) one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be pourable but not too runny.
Step 7: Glaze & Enjoy!
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Tips for Success:
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Use real pumpkin puree: Don’t mistake pumpkin puree for pumpkin pie filling! Pie filling already has spices and sugar added.
- Measure accurately: Baking is a science! Accurate measurements are key to a successful loaf.
- Cool completely: Seriously. A warm glaze will just melt and make a sticky mess. The glaze needs a cool surface to adhere to properly.
Variations to Try:
- Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter. Dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with pumpkin and maple!
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to the batter for a bright and citrusy twist.
- Spiced Pecans: Toast the pecans with a little cinnamon and brown sugar before adding them to the batter.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon. Swirl this mixture into the batter before baking.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken). Use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
Serving Suggestions:
- Warm with butter: A classic!
- With a cup of coffee or tea: The ultimate cozy treat.
- As part of a fall brunch spread: Pair with yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit.
- Frozen for later: Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per slice – assuming 10 slices)
(Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and slice size.)
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Cholesterol: 30-40mg
- Sodium: 300-350mg
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
- Protein: 3-4g
Fall is a time for comfort and joy, and this Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe! embodies that perfectly. It’s a slice of home, a warm hug, and a delicious way to celebrate the season. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up some autumn happiness! I truly hope you love this recipe as much as my family does. Happy Baking!
