If you’re looking for a comforting and utterly delicious treat that captures the cozy essence of autumn, this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe is an absolute must-try. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and that irresistible cinnamon sugar topping, it’s like a big hug in bread form. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this pumpkin bread brings together simple ingredients to create an incredibly flavorful loaf that will quickly become your seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look straightforward, but each plays an essential role in creating the perfect pumpkin bread. From the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and flavor, to the blend of spices that infuse warmth, every element works harmoniously to make this loaf a standout.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the bread.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise and become light.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds extra lift for a fluffier texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the bread.
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon: The soul of this recipe, lending warm spice and depth.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and sweet undertone.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Provides moisture, flavor, and that vibrant fall color.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens and balances the spices perfectly.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
- 1/4 cup milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and rounds out flavors.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (for the topping): Creates a buttery base for the cinnamon sugar crust.
- 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for the topping): A crunchy, sweet topping that creates the signature finish.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the bread bakes evenly and develops that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these first ensures your wet ingredients are fully incorporated, resulting in an ultra-moist batter.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Incorporate the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg by slowly mixing them into your wet ingredient mixture. Doing this gradually helps prevent lumps and keeps your batter smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Bake the Batter
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
While the bread is still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon mixture evenly over the top to create that iconic sweet and crunchy crust. This step makes this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for a while before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling ensures the flavors settle and the texture becomes just right. Once cooled, slice into generous pieces and get ready to enjoy the magic.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, try spreading a little cream cheese or honey butter over your slices. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate sweetness and pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a spiced latte. For a heartier breakfast, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this loaf sliced and stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of nut butters, jams, and whipped cream cheese. Alternatively, transform slices into decadent French toast or use them as the base for a pumpkin bread pudding for a creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moistness and keeps the cinnamon sugar topping fresh.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will keep beautifully frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or warm it gently in a toaster oven. Adding a small dab of butter before reheating makes it taste just like it came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute canned pumpkin for fresh pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and perfectly fine to use. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugars.
How long does the cinnamon sugar topping stay crunchy?
The topping is crispiest on the day of baking. It may soften slightly after a day or two, but reheating slices will help revive some of that delightful crunch.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Adding a bit of xanthan gum can help improve the texture if your blend doesn’t already include it.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar in this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that the sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the bread’s moistness and caramelization. Reducing it too much might affect the texture and topping as well.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips mix beautifully into this pumpkin bread, adding extra texture and flavor that complement the warm spices.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a wonderful way to bring the comforting tastes of fall right into your kitchen. It’s easy to make, wonderfully fragrant, and simply irresistible with its signature cinnamon sugar crust. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet moment with a cup of tea, it’s sure to become a beloved classic on your recipe list.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful fall classic, combining aromatic spices and pumpkin puree with a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s easy to make and sure to delight with its warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature by the time your batter is ready.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the prepared batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Once the bread is out of the oven and still warm, brush the top with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle the mixture of sugar and cinnamon evenly over the top to create a sweet, crunchy crust.
- Serve: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy the warm, spiced flavors of this delicious loaf.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree or homemade puree for best results.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
- Adjust baking time if using a different size loaf pan.
- The cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful texture contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
