If you’ve been hunting for a **Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe** that delivers moist, flavorful slices every single time, then you’re in the right place. I absolutely love how this pumpkin bread turns out—coated with a simple yet irresistible glaze that makes it a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cozying up for fall or just craving a sweet treat, this recipe is easy to follow and just downright delicious. Stick around—I’m going to share all my insider tips for baking it perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Moist Texture: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and oil, every slice stays incredibly soft and tender.
- Sweet, But Not Overpowering: The light glaze adds just the right touch without drowning the pumpkin flavor.
- Easy to Make: No fancy ingredients or complicated steps—this is a laid-back recipe for any skill level.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a midweek snack or a holiday treat, this pumpkin bread always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe are simple pantry staples that work harmoniously to create warm autumnal flavors. A good pumpkin puree (not pie filling!) is key, and I love using fresh spices to keep that cozy vibe.
- All-purpose flour: The base for your bread—make sure it’s spooned into the measuring cup for accuracy.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Both help the bread rise just right, creating a light crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all those warm spices and balances sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves: These spices bring out that classic pumpkin bread aroma you love.
- Canola oil: Keeps the bread moist without a heavy texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the bread and caramelizes slightly during baking for a lovely crust.
- Pumpkin puree: Not the pie filling—pure pumpkin puree gives the bread its natural moisture and flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness.
- Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract: For the glaze that makes this pumpkin bread extra special and slightly sweetened on top.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on the season or occasion, and you totally should, too! This Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe is really forgiving and lets you get creative without losing its signature moist and cozy qualities.
- Adding Nuts or Chocolate Chips: I once added chopped walnuts for a nice crunch, and my family went crazy! Dark chocolate chips are also a fun way to amp up the sweetness.
- Using Coconut Oil: For a subtle tropical twist and a dairy-free option, coconut oil works beautifully in place of canola oil.
- Spice Adjustments: If you like things spicier, bump up the cinnamon or add ground ginger. I’ve done this when I want a little extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped in a gluten-free flour blend with good results—just watch the baking time as it may vary slightly.
How to Make Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×5-inch loaf pans with cooking spray or butter, so your pumpkin bread slides right out later. I like to line the pans with parchment paper on the bottom for extra insurance. It might seem like an extra step, but it pays off!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. This step is where the aromatic pumpkin spice magic starts—make sure all the spices are fresh for maximum smell and flavor. I like to give it an extra stir to avoid any lumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Next, in a large bowl, add the canola oil, sugar, pumpkin puree, and eggs. I usually use a handheld mixer here to get everything smooth and blended quickly. If you don’t have one, a good whisk works fine—just mix until it’s well combined and slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Don’t overmix! A few lumps in the batter are totally fine and help keep the bread tender. This step is key—overworking the flour leads to dense bread, which none of us want.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans, smoothing the tops with your spatula. Pop them in the oven for about 45–55 minutes. I check around 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center—it’s done when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the breads cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Glaze Time!
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or water if you want it lighter), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. When your loaves are cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops. This simple glaze adds a beautiful shine and a lovely gentle sweetness that I bet you’ll crave just like I do.
Pro Tips for Making Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: I found that eggs and pumpkin at room temp mix more evenly, resulting in a better crumb.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: The glaze is what really sets this pumpkin bread apart—I always make it, even if I’m in a hurry!
- Check Oven Temperature: I recommend verifying your oven’s temp with an oven thermometer; baking times can vary otherwise.
- Let Bread Cool Fully Before Glazing: I used to drizzle glaze too early, which made it run off—cool bread holds the glaze perfectly.
How to Serve Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pepitas on top of the glaze for extra texture and a pop of flavor. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar after glazing makes it look like a festive treat—great for sharing at brunch!
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai latte or freshly brewed coffee for breakfast or snack time. If I’m serving it at a get-together, I like to bring along a bowl of whipped cream cheese mixed with honey—it’s a fun dip that complements the glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve wrapped individual slices in parchment paper tied with a pretty ribbon—makes a thoughtful homemade gift! You can also cut the bread into bite-size cubes and serve on a platter with toothpicks for an easy party appetizer. Add some seasonal fruit for color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed, I store leftover pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for up to 4 days—perfect if you want to enjoy it across the week without baking again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. I slice the bread first, then individually wrap each piece in plastic wrap and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick treat, a slice can be thawed overnight in the fridge or popped directly into the toaster oven for a warm bite.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave a slice for 20 seconds, but I find the oven method keeps the texture better. Adding a little butter on top while reheating is an indulgent bonus!
FAQs
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Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
I don’t recommend substituting pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugars and spices, which can alter the texture and flavor balance of your bread. Stick to pure pumpkin puree for the best results.
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How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the bread after about 45 minutes of baking—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is done! If it has wet batter on it, it needs more time.
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Can I make this recipe in one large loaf pan?
You can, but baking time will vary. Expect it to take around 60 minutes or more—keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test to confirm doneness.
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Is this Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! It freezes really well, especially if you slice and wrap individual pieces. Just thaw in the fridge or warm slices gently when you’re ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe has become one of my go-to treats every fall season—and honestly, any time I want a cozy sweet bite. It’s straightforward, quick to throw together, and the glaze on top just makes it feel special without any fuss. I hope you enjoy baking it as much as I do, and that it fills your kitchen with as much warmth and comfort as it does mine. Give it a try and watch this pumpkin bread become a new favorite in your home!
PrintGlazed Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 2 loaves (24 servings total)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Pumpkin Bread recipe features moist, flavorful pumpkin bread infused with warm spices and topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting treat, this bread is made with simple ingredients and baked to perfection for a tender crumb and outstanding taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
Glaze
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two 8 x 5 inch loaf pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are well distributed.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the canola oil, sugar, pumpkin puree, and eggs. Use a whisk or handheld mixer to blend everything smoothly, creating a uniform wet mixture.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients carefully until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the tops for even baking. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or water), and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Bread: Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled loaves, allowing it to set for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- This recipe yields two loaves, perfect for sharing or gifting.
- The bread is moist and flavorful, surpassing popular coffeeshop versions.
- Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best texture and taste.
- Allow glaze to set fully before slicing for a neat finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/24th of two loaves)
- Calories: 141 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 109 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 16 mg