This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze has become a tradition in our home. It’s the perfect weekend breakfast, a welcome after-school snack, and a delicious treat to share with friends. It’s easy enough that even on my most frazzled days, I can pull it together, and the results are always worth it. If you’re looking for a sanity-saving recipe that will make your family (and your taste buds) sing, you’ve come to the right place!
Ready to join me in the kitchen? Let’s do this, kitchen warriors!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Alright, let’s gather our troops! This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is all about simple ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. Trust me, this list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: For that perfect rise!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Hello, fall!
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness is key.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: For that extra bit of molasses goodness.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist.
- 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree: Not pumpkin pie filling!
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness (see swap below!).
For the Brown Butter Maple Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: The star of the show!
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For that smooth, sweet glaze.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: Real maple syrup is best!
- 2-4 tablespoons milk: To reach desired consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A touch of flavor.
No worries if you don’t have buttermilk! I use a tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice mixed with enough milk to equal 1/2 cup. Let it sit for a few minutes, and voila! Buttermilk substitute.
You can grab most of these ingredients at Target while doing your regular grocery run. This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze doesn’t have to break the bank, either. Look for store-brand spices – they work just as well!
Here’s a Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze trick that saved my sanity more than once: I measure out all my dry ingredients into a bowl ahead of time. It’s a huge time-saver when the 5 PM panic hits!
My family loves when I add chocolate chips. A half-cup of semi-sweet chips takes this bread to a whole new level!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, mom tribe, let’s get baking! I promise this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious loaf in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Make sure everything is well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and eggs. Get it nice and smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree and buttermilk to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Now it’s starting to look like something!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different. Start checking around 50 minutes.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from getting soggy.
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the brown butter glaze. This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze isn’t complete without this brown butter glaze!
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter is golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the brown butter maple glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
In my chaotic kitchen, this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze usually takes about 15 minutes to prep and an hour to bake. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
Your Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze should smell amazing by now. That warm, spicy scent is the best!
Don’t panic if your Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze looks a little cracked on top. That’s totally normal! It just means it’s rising beautifully.
Here’s where I used to mess up my Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze: I would try to slice it while it was still warm. Big mistake! Let it cool completely, or the slices will be messy.
While your Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! You deserve it! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out butternut squash gnocchi with sausage.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve baked your Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze, and now it’s time to devour it! Here’s how we love to enjoy this fall treat in my house.
The kids devour this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze when I serve it with a side of yogurt and fresh berries for breakfast. It’s a complete meal that keeps them full until lunchtime.
This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners! I know it sounds weird to serve bread with dinner, but hear me out. A slice of this warm, comforting bread is amazing with a bowl of soup or chili. It’s also great on its own as a delicious treat! It is a welcomed dessert that doesn’t take a ton of time to prepare.
Sometimes, I like to get fancy (for like, five minutes) and toast a slice of this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze and top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a mini dessert that’s perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth!
This bread is amazing all on its own. The sweetness from the maple is a welcomed treat! This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze reminds me of another family favorite that everyone loves: homemade spiced pumpkin butter.
If you have any leftover bread, don’t let it go to waste! Cut it into cubes and make French toast casserole. It’s a delicious breakfast or brunch option that’s perfect for using up stale bread.
My family loves when I add nuts. Adding walnuts is a welcomed crunch!
This bread is perfect to make on a crisp fall day, where you curl up with a warm blanket and watch your favorite show.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Alright, mom tribe, let’s tackle some common questions about this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze. I know you’ve got them, so let’s get them answered!
Can my picky eater handle this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze?
It depends on the picky eater, of course! But the pumpkin flavor is pretty mild, and the brown butter maple glaze adds a sweetness that most kids love. You can always leave off the glaze for the little ones and see if they like it plain.
What if I burn my Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
We’ve all been there! If the top is getting too brown, tent it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. If it’s completely burnt, well, that’s a learning experience! Next time, check the oven temperature.
Can I make this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This bread actually tastes better the next day. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze can be made ahead of time, too. Store it in the refrigerator and warm it up slightly before drizzling.
Can I freeze this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze?
Yes! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.
Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No! Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices that will throw off the recipe. Make sure you’re using 100% pumpkin puree.
My glaze is too thick! What do I do?
Add a little more milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
What if I don’t have maple syrup for the glaze?
You can substitute honey or even a bit of brown sugar syrup. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
If you’re looking for a fun twist, check out this pumpkin bread with brown butter streusel!
Final Thoughts:
This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is more than just a recipe to my family; it’s a symbol of warmth, comfort, and the simple joys of fall. It’s something my kids look forward to every year, and it brings back so many happy memories.
My Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze Mom Hacks:
- Make a double batch and freeze one for later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself!
- Let the kids help with the mixing and measuring. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices. A pinch of ginger or cardamom can add a unique flavor.
Family-Tested Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.
- Walnut Pumpkin Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter. My husband’s favorite!
- Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Swirl a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract into the batter before baking.
For more creative variations, explore The BEST Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Icing or MOIST Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping and Maple Glaze.
I hope you give this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun in the kitchen! Most importantly, remember that it’s okay if it’s not perfect. The most important thing is that you’re spending time with your family and creating memories. Make sure to check out this recipe for brown sugar roasted butternut squash.

You got this, kitchen warriors! Happy baking!
Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze
This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter Maple Glaze is a moist and flavorful fall treat. The nutty brown butter glaze adds a decadent touch to the warm spices of the pumpkin bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
For the Brown Butter Maple Glaze:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a light-colored saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. Add more maple syrup for desired consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled pumpkin bread. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.
To make the Brown Butter Maple Glaze:
Notes
For an extra nutty flavor, toast the walnuts and sprinkle on top of the glaze.