Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze Recipe
If you adore the comforting flavors of fall, then get ready to fall head over heels for the Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze. This luscious bread combines the rich nuttiness of brown butter with the warm spices of pumpkin, all elevated by a sweet yet perfectly salted maple glaze that drips decadently over each slice. It’s the ultimate cozy treat that makes every bite feel like an autumn hug, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave something soul-warming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze is delightfully straightforward. Each component plays a key role, from the moist pumpkin puree lending its vibrant color and silky texture, to the blend of brown and white sugars that balance sweetness and depth.
- Brown sugar (190 g): Adds deep molasses notes for richness and moisture.
- White sugar (90 g): Provides a clean sweetness that balances the brown sugar.
- Pumpkin puree (15 oz): The star ingredient delivering moistness, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together while adding a bit of fluffy lift.
- Whole milk (100 ml): Keeps the bread tender and helps the batter come together smoothly.
- Brown butter (30 ml): Infuses a nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates every bite.
- Neutral oil (80 ml): Ensures the bread stays moist without overpowering flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the spices beautifully.
- Salt (1/4 – 1/2 tsp): Enhances all the sweet and savory flavors for balance.
- All-purpose flour (240 g): Creates structure while keeping the crumb tender.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the bread rise and stay light.
- Pumpkin spice (1-2 tsp): The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for cozy aroma.
- Brown butter (25 g, for glaze): Adds that luscious nuttiness in the glaze.
- Maple syrup (50 g): Brings natural sweetness and characteristic maple flavor.
- Powdered sugar (50 g): Provides sweetness and thickens the glaze.
- A pinch of salt (for glaze): Enhances and balances the glaze’s sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (a dash for glaze): Adds extra depth to the glaze.
- Milk (as needed for glaze consistency): Helps achieve the perfect drizzle texture.
How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze
Step 1: Brown Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients
Start by gently browning 30 ml of butter in a small pan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the butter melts and bubbles, turning golden with a fragrant nutty aroma—that’s your flavor jackpot. Let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl combine your brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, cooled brown butter, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat everything together until you get a smooth, well-incorporated mixture bursting with autumn flavors.
Step 2: Combine with Dry Ingredients
Next, sift the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice directly over the wet ingredients. This step ensures there are no clumps and helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices. Gently whisk everything until just combined—don’t overmix or you risk a dense bread. The batter should look luscious and slightly thick, promising a tender crumb.
Step 3: Bake Your Bread
Pour your batter into a prepared loaf pan—greased or lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Place it into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. As it bakes, the bread rises and its aroma fills the kitchen with intoxicating notes of pumpkin and spice. Test for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 4: Prepare the Salted Maple Glaze and Pour
While your freshly baked bread cools for about 15 minutes, it’s time to make the glaze that takes this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze to glorious new heights. Whisk together the 25 g of browned butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and add milk little by little until you reach a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency. Generously pour this luscious glaze over the warm loaf, letting it cascade down the sides and soak in just a bit for an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze
Garnishes
To amplify your serving, consider topping slices with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. They add a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast to the soft, sweet bread. Fresh whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese gently balances the warm spices and glaze for a decadent experience that’s easy to personalize.
Side Dishes
This bread is so rich and flavorful, it pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or chai tea for breakfast or brunch. For a cozy afternoon snack, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm spiced latte complements the sweetness and warmth exquisitely. On cooler days, a bowl of spiced apple cider alongside the bread creates a comforting seasonal spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your bread into thick slices and arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of additional maple glaze or clover honey for dipping. For gatherings, assemble mini skewers with bite-sized cubes, paired with slices of sharp cheddar or cream cheese for a playful sweet-savory twist. You can also toast slices lightly and spread a thin layer of butter before glazing for an extra indulgent crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This method preserves the moistness without softening the glaze too much. If your kitchen is warm, storing wrapped loosely in wax paper and then in a container helps maintain the texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil and freeze. It can last up to two months this way. When ready to enjoy, thaw the loaf overnight in the fridge to retain its moisture perfectly. You can also freeze individual slices for convenient, quick treats.
Reheating
To revive your bread’s fresh-baked charm, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. You want it heated through but not dried out. If you like, drizzle a touch more maple glaze post-warming to refresh that signature salty-sweet shine.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this bread?
Absolutely! Using canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and gives you consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure it’s plain pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter and milk with dairy-free alternatives. Use a plant-based butter for browning, and a nut or oat milk to keep the texture just right. The flavor will still be incredible.
How do I prevent the glaze from becoming too runny?
To keep your salted maple glaze thick enough to drizzle, add milk gradually and stop once it reaches a smooth, thick consistency. If it’s too runny, add a bit more powdered sugar or chill the glaze before applying to help it set.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or bittersweet chocolate chips mix wonderfully into this pumpkin bread, adding texture and bursts of extra flavor. Fold them in gently during the mixing stage before baking.
What’s the best way to slice this bread without crumbling?
Use a serrated knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing. Saw the knife gently back and forth rather than pressing down to avoid crumbling and keep beautiful slices for serving.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze, it will quickly become one of your seasonal must-bakes. The layers of warm spices, the velvet touch of pumpkin, and that irresistibly nutty and sweet glaze create a harmonious bite every time. Don’t hesitate to share this cozy loaf with loved ones—it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles and happy memories with every slice.
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Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This luscious Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with a Salted Maple Glaze is a perfect seasonal treat that combines the warm spices of pumpkin spice with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter. Topped with a sweet and slightly salty maple glaze, this moist and tender bread is ideal for autumn breakfasts, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 190 g brown sugar
- 90 g white sugar
- 15 oz pumpkin puree (about 425 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 100 ml whole milk
- 30 ml brown butter (for batter)
- 80 ml neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 – 1/2 tsp salt
Dry Ingredients
- 240 g all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1–2 tsp pumpkin spice
Glaze Ingredients
- 25 g brown butter
- 50 g maple syrup
- 50 g powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Brown Butter and Mix Wet Ingredients: Begin by browning 30 ml of butter in a small pan over medium heat until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma. Allow it to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, whole milk, cooled brown butter, neutral oil, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all purpose flour, baking soda, and pumpkin spice. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, whisking gently just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze and Pour: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together 25 g brown butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and a dash of vanilla extract in a small bowl. Add milk gradually to reach a drizzling consistency. Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
Notes
- Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that enhances the pumpkin spice perfectly.
- For best results, use fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin labeled 100% pure pumpkin without added spices or sugars.
- Adjust the pumpkin spice quantity based on your preference; 1 tsp provides a subtle warmth while 2 tsp bring a stronger spice flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- The glaze can be thinned with milk to your desired consistency to control how much you want on the bread.
- Store leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: pumpkin bread, brown butter, maple glaze, fall recipes, pumpkin spice, quick bread, autumn dessert
