If you are on the hunt for a cozy, comforting treat that truly captures the essence of fall, you’ve just found your new favorite. The Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe brings together moist pumpkin bread bursting with warm spices, all topped with a luscious, glossy maple glaze kissed by nutty brown butter and a sprinkle of sea salt. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, and every bite feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a quiet afternoon indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed showstopper that will quickly become a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully simple, featuring ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, rich flavor, and beautiful appearance of this pumpkin bread.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for browning to create that deep, nutty flavor that elevates the bread and the glaze.
- Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and that classic autumn hue.
- Large Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and give the bread structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the spices.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the necessary foundation for the bread’s crumb.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Cloves: The warm spices that make pumpkin bread irresistible.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a rounded sweetness to the flavor profile.
- Sour Cream: Contributes to the tender texture and slight tang.
- Powdered Sugar: The key to a smooth, sweet glaze that sets beautifully.
- Pure Maple Syrup and Sea Salt (for the glaze): Give the final touch of sweet and salty magic.
How to Make Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preparing your pan well is important—grease it generously and dust with a little flour to ensure your loaf pops right out after baking without sticking. This simple step makes clean-up easier and keeps your bread looking flawless.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Melt the butter slowly over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a beautiful golden brown and releases a warm, nutty aroma. This browning process is what transforms the flavor profile and is the secret behind the rich character of the glaze and the bread itself.
Step 3: Mix Pumpkin, Eggs, and Sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, and sugar until completely smooth. This mixture forms the moist and flavorful base for your bread.
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
Separately, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Getting these spices evenly distributed ensures every slice bursts with that signature pumpkin spice goodness.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently to avoid overmixing. You want just enough blending so the batter comes together without becoming dense.
Step 6: Add Brown Butter, Vanilla, and Sour Cream
Fold in the slightly cooled browned butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream. These additions ensure your pumpkin bread is rich, tender, and moist—far from dry or crumbly.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center—when it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
Step 8: Cooling and Glazing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it’s cooling, prepare the salted maple brown butter glaze by melting butter until browned in a small saucepan, then whisking in maple syrup, sea salt, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Once the bread is fully cool, drizzle the luscious glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.
How to Serve Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or a scattering of toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and extra warmth. You can also add a few edible flowers or fresh rosemary sprigs to make each serving look like a little piece of art.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or even a glass of cold milk. For a more indulgent experience, serve with whipped cream or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the bread and arrange the pieces in a beautiful basket lined with a cozy cloth. You could also cut bite-sized squares, skewer them, and serve as fun pumpkin bread pops drizzled with extra glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it an easy go-to breakfast or snack.
Freezing
This bread also freezes wonderfully. Slice first for easy thawing; wrap each slice individually or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a low oven to revive the buttery aroma and melt the glaze slightly. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect and consistent, making it a convenient choice that works wonderfully in this Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe.
What if I don’t have sour cream on hand?
You can substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk if needed. Both will provide a similar tang and keep the bread moist and tender.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the maple brown butter glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling to restore its smooth, pourable consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?
Definitely! The Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning when wrapped with a rustic ribbon or placed in a festive box. It’s sure to impress any recipient.
Final Thoughts
This Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors in every bite. It’s more than just a pumpkin bread; it’s a heartwarming experience meant to be shared with loved ones and savored in moments of comfort. I can’t recommend trying it enough—once you taste that perfect blend of spices, buttery richness, and sweet-salty glaze, I promise it will become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire. Happy baking!
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Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 1h 0m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butter Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Brown Butter Glaze is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion. The bread combines rich pumpkin puree with warm spices and brown butter to create a tender crumb, while the salted maple brown butter glaze adds a luscious, sweet-savory finish that elevates the entire loaf.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a standard loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Make brown butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined without overmixing.
- Add brown butter and flavorings: Stir in the brown butter, vanilla extract, and sour cream until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake the bread: Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: While the bread cools, melt the butter in a small saucepan until brown bits form, then remove from heat.
- Make glaze mixture: Add maple syrup, sea salt, and powdered sugar to the browned butter and whisk until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Glaze the bread: Once the bread has fully cooled, drizzle the salted maple brown butter glaze over the top.
- Set glaze and serve: Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Notes
- Use fresh pumpkin puree or canned for convenience.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the bread moist.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- You can store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a nut-free option, ensure your brown butter is prepared without any cross-contaminants.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar gradually.
