What makes pumpkin bread moist and flavorful?

Pumpkin bread stays moist thanks to the natural richness of pumpkin puree and a good balance of oil, eggs, and sugar. Brown sugar adds depth and a slight caramel flavor, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance that cozy fall taste. Avoid overmixing the batter gentle folding keeps the texture soft and tender.

Can I add a maple glaze to any pumpkin bread recipe?

Yes! You can drizzle a maple glaze over nearly any pumpkin bread. Just make sure the loaf is fully cooled so the glaze sets beautifully instead of soaking in. The sweet maple flavor pairs perfectly with pumpkin, spice, and even nuts or chocolate chips.

How do you make a thick maple glaze that doesn’t soak into bread?

Start with powdered sugar and real maple syrup, then add just enough milk to reach a thick, pourable consistency. The key is to cool the bread completely before glazing. If your glaze feels too thin, whisk in more powdered sugar a spoonful at a time until it drips slowly off your whisk.

How should I store pumpkin bread with glaze to keep it fresh?

Store your glazed pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five. Keep it wrapped tightly to preserve moisture and texture. To freshen it up, microwave a slice for 10 seconds before serving it’ll taste like it just came out of the oven.

Can pumpkin bread with maple glaze be frozen?

Absolutely. Freeze the loaf (unglazed or glazed) once fully cooled. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge and let it reach room temperature before enjoying. If unglazed, add the maple drizzle after thawing for that fresh, glossy finish.

What can I use instead of maple syrup for the glaze?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey, agave nectar, or even brown sugar syrup make great substitutes. Each brings a slightly different sweetness but still pairs beautifully with pumpkin. For a twist, try a vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting for tangier flavor.

Top-Rated Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze in 5 Simple Steps

Name: Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves); 1 cup pumpkin puree; 3/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips; For the Maple Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1 tablespoon melted butter; 1–2 teaspoons milk or cream; Pinch of salt (optional)

Description

Soft, fragrant pumpkin bread topped with a buttery maple glaze cozy, moist, and perfect for fall mornings or gifting to friends.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp cloves)
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips
For the Maple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon melted butter
1–2 teaspoons milk or cream
Pinch of salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two additions. Stir gently until just combined.
Fold in optional nuts, chocolate chips, or cranberries if desired.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.
Cool in pan 15 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
For the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, melted butter, and milk until smooth. Adjust consistency if needed.
Drizzle glaze over cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Notes

Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Cool the loaf completely before glazing for a shiny, bakery-style finish. Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American