If you’re searching for the perfect cozy treat to brighten your kitchen and warm your heart, this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with rich autumn spices, moist pumpkin puree, and crowned with a crunchy, caramelized pecan topping, this bread offers an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a weekend brunch, or just because, this recipe brings comfort and joy in every bite, making it a fast favorite and a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating that ideal balance of spice, moisture, and sweetness in this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe. Fresh pumpkin puree brings that signature moist, tender crumb, while the warming spices give it that classic autumn flavor. The pecans add crunch and depth, perfectly offset by the brown sugar’s caramel notes in the topping.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This provides the structure to hold all those beautiful flavors together.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp baking powder: Works alongside the baking soda to ensure a perfect lift.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice bringing warmth and fragrance.
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, nutty undertone that’s essential in pumpkin recipes.
- ¼ tsp ground ginger: Provides a subtle kick and complexity.
- ¼ tsp ground cloves: Adds a deep, intense spice note that elevates the bread.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: The heart of the recipe delivering moisture, flavor, and vibrant orange color.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering other tastes.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft crumb.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds natural molasses flavor that complements the spices perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the sweetness and rounds out the spice notes.
- ½ cup pecans, chopped: For that crunchy, nutty topping you won’t be able to resist.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (topping): Melts into a sticky, caramelized layer with the pecans.
- 1 tbsp butter, melted: Binds the topping components and adds richness.
- ½ tsp cinnamon (topping): Sprinkled on top for an extra aromatic touch.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your bread cooks evenly. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or spray, then line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on. Trust me, this little prep step means your bread won’t stick and makes clean-up way simpler.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and your blend of pumpkin spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Whisking them first helps distribute everything evenly so your bread gets a consistent flavor and rise throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a larger bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is silky smooth. This batter will be thick but lush—make sure it’s fully combined without overmixing.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just incorporated; this keeps the bread tender by avoiding the development of too much gluten. Don’t worry if there are a few small lumps—those will bake out perfectly.
Step 5: Transfer Batter to the Pan
Pour your luscious batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spread it out evenly with a spatula. You want a nice, even surface to help the bread bake uniformly and give great structure to the pecan topping.
Step 6: Make and Add the Brown Sugar Pecan Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the batter. As the bread bakes, the topping will melt and caramelize, creating a crunchy, sweet layer that adds incredible texture and taste. This is what turns ordinary pumpkin bread into something truly special.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signalling that deliciousness awaits!
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Let your pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is vital to prevent the bread from crumbling and to help the topping set beautifully. Once cooled, slice and get ready to impress everyone with this cozy, stunning treat.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of softened butter can add an extra special touch that enhances both the flavor and presentation. For a richer experience, a drizzle of honey or a smear of cream cheese is a delightful addition that complements the warm spices beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs delightfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced latte. For a heartier snack, serve alongside a bowl of your favorite chili or a plate of scrambled eggs to balance out the sweetness with some savory comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bread into small squares and serve as part of a brunch spread or afternoon tea party. You can also toast slices lightly and top with mascarpone cheese and fig preserves for a fancy twist. Another idea is to cube the bread and toss it with cinnamon sugar—perfect as a unique bread pudding base that carries the beloved brown sugar pecan topping flavor through every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover pumpkin bread will stay fresh when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. After that, refrigeration can extend its life for about a week, just be sure to bring slices back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pumpkin bread with brown sugar pecan topping keeps well for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for several hours to enjoy that freshly baked softness again.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in a toaster oven or warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth. For added yumminess, top with a little butter or cream cheese after reheating to recreate that soft, luscious experience.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?
Absolutely! You can use melted coconut oil or a mild olive oil as substitutes. Just keep in mind that some oils might add a slight flavor difference, but the texture will remain wonderfully moist.
Is it necessary to use all the spices listed in the recipe?
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves creates the classic pumpkin spice flavor, but you can adjust the amounts or omit cloves if you prefer a milder spice profile. It’s all about tailoring it to your taste!
Can I make mini loaves or muffins using this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe?
Yes, this batter works beautifully for mini loaves or muffins. Just reduce the baking time accordingly—about 20 to 25 minutes for muffins—and keep the same delicious topping for that perfect crunchy finish.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter, your bread is ready. Also, the bread should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure your baking soda and powder are gluten-free as well, and expect the texture to be just as delicious with a slightly crumbly touch.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe feels like a warm hug from the oven. It’s a simple yet decadent way to celebrate the flavors of fall or any time you want that cozy, homemade smile on your face. Once you try it, I’m confident this pumpkin bread will earn a special spot in your recipe collection and your heart, too. Happy baking!
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Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Sugar Pecan Topping is a moist, warmly spiced quick bread perfect for fall and holiday seasons. It combines autumnal spices with pumpkin puree and a delightful crunchy pecan and brown sugar topping for a deliciously comforting treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This creates a fragrant, spiced dry mixture for your bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix chopped pecans, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter to form a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use canned or homemade pumpkin puree for best results.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense bread.
- Check the bread after 55 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping.
