There’s something so satisfying about autumn flavors that lean savory, and this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter and Sage is the ultimate fall twist. Imagine a warm, rich pumpkin loaf with nutty brown butter and a hint of earthy sage—it’s not your average sweet pumpkin bread, but an elevated, gourmet version that’s perfect for anyone who loves the complex, savory side of fall. So, grab your mixing bowl, a few fresh sage leaves, and let’s dive into what makes this bread an unforgettable addition to your fall recipes!
🍂 Fun Fact: Sage Is a Classic Fall Herb!
Did you know that sage has been used for centuries in cooking for its unique, earthy flavor? It’s a perfect pairing with pumpkin, giving this bread a savory, gourmet twist.
The Inspiration Behind This Savory Pumpkin Bread
Most of us think of pumpkin bread as a sweet treat, but we wanted to explore a different side of pumpkin. A few years ago, we experimented with adding savory elements to classic pumpkin recipes, and that’s when the brown butter and sage combination was born! Brown butter is a game-changer—it adds a deep, nutty flavor that complements the subtle sweetness of pumpkin, and fresh sage leaves add just the right amount of earthy, herbal notes.
This bread is perfect for any time of day, whether as a breakfast treat with a drizzle of honey, a snack with a hot cup of tea, or even a savory side for dinner. It’s an elegant loaf that’s not only simple to make but also feels a bit more gourmet, making it ideal for gatherings or a cozy night in.
🧈 Pro Tip for Perfect Brown Butter
To get the perfect brown butter, keep a close eye on the pan! Let the butter melt over medium heat, stirring often, until it turns golden brown and you smell a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to avoid burning.
The Unique Flavor Combination: Brown Butter, Sage, and Pumpkin
The magic of this bread lies in its unique combination of flavors. Pumpkin adds that lovely, moist texture and mild sweetness, while brown butter brings depth and richness. Brown butter (butter cooked just past melting to a golden brown) is incredibly aromatic and adds a warm, almost caramel-like flavor to the bread. Combined with fresh sage leaves, the flavors transform pumpkin bread from sweet to savory and sophisticated.
Sage is traditionally paired with fall vegetables, so it’s right at home here with pumpkin. And if you’re a fan of creative fall flavors, you’ll love how these ingredients come together in every bite. We like to finely chop fresh sage for a more pronounced flavor, but dried sage works too if that’s what you have on hand.
🌱 Fresh Sage or Dried?
If you don’t have fresh sage, you can use dried sage instead. Just be sure to use about half the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor!
Perfect for Serving with Soups, Salads, or Just by Itself!
This pumpkin bread isn’t just for snacking—it’s incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with savory dishes. Serve it as a side with soups, salads, or roast vegetables, or toast a slice and top it with goat cheese or a little honey butter. It’s also a great addition to a fall brunch spread or as an appetizer with dips and spreads. And if you’re planning a holiday meal, this bread is a perfect, unique side to wow your guests.
So, if you’re looking to step up your pumpkin bread game this fall, try this savory twist. This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter and Sage is an experience all its own—warm, fragrant, and gourmet in every slice. Fall baking has never felt this refined!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves finely chopped
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup whole milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Brown the butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped sage and cook, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma (about 3-5 minutes). Be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract. Once the brown butter has cooled slightly, whisk it into the wet mixture.
- Combine the mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For a touch of sweetness, add a light honey or maple glaze after the bread has cooled.
This pumpkin bread recipe balances the sweet warmth of pumpkin with the savory richness of browned butter and sage, making it a sophisticated and seasonal addition to any meal.
🥄 Common Questions About Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter and Sage
Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes! Dried sage works well in this recipe if you don’t have fresh. Just use half the amount of dried sage, as its flavor is more concentrated. Fresh sage adds a bit more brightness, but both will give you that earthy, savory flavor. 🌿
How do I make sure the brown butter doesn’t burn?
Brown butter can be tricky! Melt the butter over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it turns a golden brown color and smells nutty, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning. Keep an eye on it, as it can go from perfect to burnt quickly! 🧈
What’s the best way to serve this bread?
This bread is incredibly versatile! It’s delicious on its own, but we love it as a side with savory dishes like soups or salads. Toasted with a little honey butter or topped with goat cheese also makes for an amazing snack or appetizer. 🍞
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