Introduction

This Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Glaze is a delightful fall treat that combines rich, nutty flavors with the warm spices of pumpkin. Moist and tender, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, topped with a sweet and slightly salty glaze that makes every bite irresistible.

A loaf of nut bread sliced to show its soft, speckled inside filled with nuts in light tan and brown colors, topped with a thick layer of shiny caramel sauce that drips down the sides onto a round wooden board below. The caramel topping is smooth and glossy with a few coarse salt flakes scattered on top. Around the bread, there are a few pecans, a small white bowl with caramel sauce and a spoon inside, and a white cloth napkin casually placed to the side, all on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred with warm, neutral tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

190 g brown sugar
90 g white sugar
15 oz pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
100 ml whole milk
30 ml brown butter
80 ml neutral oil
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt
240 g all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1-2 tsp pumpkin spice
25 g brown butter (for glaze)
50 g maple syrup
50 g powdered sugar
A pinch of salt (for glaze)
A dash of vanilla extract (for glaze)
Milk (for consistency of glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Brown 30 ml of butter in a small pan over medium heat until it turns golden and fragrant, then set it aside to cool. In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, the cooled brown butter, oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 3: Pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan (greased or lined). Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: While the bread cools in the pan for about 15 minutes, prepare the glaze. Brown 25 g of butter, then whisk together the brown butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of vanilla extract. Add milk gradually to achieve a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm bread before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra moist texture, substitute half of the oil with melted butter or applesauce.
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, increase the pumpkin spice to 2 teaspoons.
Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or roast fresh pumpkin and puree it yourself for a richer flavor.
Make the glaze thicker by adding more powdered sugar, or thinner by adding more milk depending on your preference.

Storage

Store the pumpkin bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate and consume within a week. To enjoy again, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven. The glaze is best enjoyed fresh but will soften over time.

How to Serve

The image shows a loaf of nut bread on a round wooden board, placed on a white marbled surface. The loaf has three visible layers: the bottom is a dense, light brown bread mixed with small pieces of nuts; the middle layer is moist and stretches from the cut front face to the back; the top is covered with a thick, shiny caramel sauce that drips heavily over the sides of the loaf and onto the wooden board. In the background, there is a small white cup containing a light brown drink, and in the foreground, a white bowl with floral patterns holds more caramel sauce with a spoon inside. A white cloth napkin is partially draped on the right side of the board. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and saves time. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.