This Maple Glazed Pumpkin Bread is the perfect blend of sweet and spice, making it an ideal treat for the autumn season. With a moist, tender crumb, it's a delightful way to use pumpkin puree and celebrate the flavors of fall.
Sugar and brown sugar are both used to achieve the right sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar adds a hint of molasses flavor that complements the spices. Unsalted butter brings richness and helps create a tender crumb. Eggs provide structure and stability to the bread. Canned pumpkin puree is the star here, offering that iconic pumpkin flavor and moisture. Maple syrup adds a subtle earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spices. Milk contributes to the bread's tenderness, and vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.
Now, for the dry ingredients: All-purpose flour forms the base of the bread. Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the bread rise. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness. The spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger — bring warmth and depth to the flavor. Finally, chopped pecans add a delightful crunch.
This pumpkin bread is lovely on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese. For a special brunch, pair it with a spiced chai or a warm apple cider to enhance the autumnal flavors.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread doesn't stick and bakes evenly. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, which gives the bread its soft texture.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the batter and build structure. Mix in the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring just until combined — overmixing can make the bread tough.
Fold in the chopped pecans gently. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.