Fall is here, and that means pumpkin season has officially begun! There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin, especially when paired with the rich crunch of walnuts and a perfectly crumbly streusel topping. Our Pumpkin Walnut Streusel Bread is moist, nutty, and filled with cozy fall spices that make every bite feel like a warm hug. So let’s dive in and talk about why this bread might just become your new seasonal favorite!
🌰 Fun Fact: Walnuts Are Full of Heart-Healthy Goodness!
Did you know walnuts are packed with omega-3s and antioxidants? They add a satisfying crunch to this bread and bring some extra nutritional goodness to your fall baking!
The Story Behind Our Favorite Fall Bread
For us, pumpkin bread is one of those treats that just feels like fall. Growing up, we’d make loaves of pumpkin bread around this time each year, and the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves would fill the house. But as we experimented with different recipes, we discovered the magic of adding a crunchy walnut streusel topping. That’s when this bread went from good to absolutely unforgettable! The texture is everything—moist, fluffy pumpkin bread on the inside with a sweet, nutty crunch on top. It’s like fall in loaf form.
What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment, and it comes together in just a few easy steps. The walnuts add a lovely, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin, and if you’re a streusel fan like us, you’ll love the sweet, crumbly topping. Plus, for anyone with dietary preferences, this bread is naturally vegetarian, and you can even make it vegan with a couple of easy swaps.
🧈 Pro Tip for the Perfect Streusel
Use cold butter when making the streusel topping for extra crunch! Keeping it crumbly will give you those satisfying sweet clusters on top of the bread.
Texture and Flavor: What Makes This Bread Special
One of the best things about pumpkin in baking is how it keeps everything moist. This bread stays soft for days, thanks to the pumpkin puree, which gives it a gentle sweetness and an incredible texture. And let’s not forget those warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring out the best of pumpkin’s flavor, creating that cozy, familiar taste we all crave this time of year.
The walnut streusel topping is where things get exciting. With a mix of brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, it adds a little extra sweetness and a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft bread. It’s an easy topping to make but truly elevates the whole loaf. Don’t be afraid to experiment a bit—if walnuts aren’t your thing, pecans or almonds make great substitutions, or you can even sprinkle in some pumpkin seeds for an extra seasonal twist!
🥜 Allergy Tip
If you’re allergic to nuts, you can skip the walnuts in the bread and the topping. Try using pumpkin seeds instead for a bit of crunch without the nuts!
Our Go-To Gift for Sharing Fall Flavor
Pumpkin Walnut Streusel Bread isn’t just a great snack or breakfast—it’s also a wonderful homemade gift. Bake up mini loaves, wrap them in parchment paper and twine, and you have a beautiful, homemade present ready to share with friends or family. We love making a few extra loaves, freezing them, and then gifting them all season long. It’s hard not to love a sweet, spiced treat that’s been made with love and care!
So, if you’re ready to embrace the flavors of fall, grab some pumpkin, cinnamon, and walnuts, and let’s bake up this cozy, delicious bread. One slice, and you’ll be hooked—fall has never tasted this good!
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¼ cup whole milk or almond milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Walnut Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter cubed
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts and set aside.
- 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, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the mixtures: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fill the loaf pan: Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, then sprinkle the walnut streusel evenly over the batter.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the streusel topping begins to brown too quickly, cover the loaf loosely with aluminum foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea and makes a lovely gift during the fall season.
This pumpkin bread recipe elevates a fall favorite with the addition of a rich walnut streusel, making it a perfect dessert or breakfast option for special occasions. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of the topping with each moist, spiced bite!
🥄 Common Questions About Pumpkin Walnut Streusel Bread
Can I make this bread without walnuts?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have an allergy, simply leave them out or substitute with pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds. Each option adds a nice crunch without changing the flavor too much. 🌰
How do I make the streusel topping extra crunchy?
For a super crunchy streusel, use cold butter when mixing the topping ingredients. You can even add a little extra brown sugar or oats for added texture. Make sure not to over-mix—keep it crumbly for the perfect topping! 😋
What’s the best way to store this bread?
This bread stays moist for days! Wrap it in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on the counter for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to a week, or freeze slices individually to enjoy anytime. ❄️
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