Nothing evokes the cozy vibes of autumn quite like the warm, nutty aroma of brown butter pumpkin bread fresh from the oven. Combining the richness of brown butter and the sweetness of spiced pumpkin puree, this bread is a seasonal delight. In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe to create a loaf so good it might just become a year-round favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To achieve perfection, gather the following fresh and high-quality ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
For the Optional Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Butter
- In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
- Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning, and pour into a heatproof bowl to cool.
Pro Tip: Stir constantly and watch closely as brown butter can quickly burn. Use a light-colored pan for better visibility.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy.
4. Optional Streusel Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, softened butter, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly.
- Set aside to sprinkle over the batter before baking.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- If using the streusel topping, sprinkle it evenly over the batter.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor, let the bread rest overnight. The spices will meld beautifully, creating a deeper, richer taste.
Tips for Perfect Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread
Use Fresh Spices
The quality of your spices directly impacts the flavor. Opt for freshly ground spices to enhance the warm and cozy notes.
Don’t Skip Browning the Butter
Brown butter adds an unparalleled nutty richness that elevates this recipe beyond standard pumpkin bread.
Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature to create a smooth batter and a consistent texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Slice and serve with a smear of maple butter or cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate autumn experience.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend freshness for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Defrost at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread boasts a tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and a depth of flavor that comes from the nutty, caramelized butter and earthy pumpkin. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a quick snack.