If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, irresistible treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine the nutty warmth of brown butter perfectly swirled into moist pumpkin bread, crowned by a silky, sweet maple glaze that drizzles over each slice like a hug for your taste buds. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm, comforting embrace—ideal for chilly mornings or a festive gathering. Trust me, once you make this, your pumpkin bread game will never be the same.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of a mixing bowl with a thick orange-brown batter in the center, swirled with patches of white flour. The batter appears wet and sticky, with a shiny texture and some lumps, indicating it is still being mixed. A red spatula is visible at the bottom, blending the batter in a circular motion inside a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe comes down to a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a distinct role—from the velvety pumpkin puree providing moisture and earthiness, to the browned butter adding a deep, toasted nuttiness that elevates every bite. Here’s what you’ll gather to whip up this crowd-pleaser:

Light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor that complements pumpkin beautifully.
Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness, helping the bread develop a tender crumb.
Pumpkin puree (15 oz can): The star ingredient, giving this bread its moist texture and signature flavor.
Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together while adding richness.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Provides moisture and a slight creaminess to the batter.
Brown butter (3 tbsp): Infuses the bread with a toasty depth and irresistible aroma.
Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Keeps the bread tender and moist for days.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances all the warm flavors and rounds out the taste.
Pinch of salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the pumpkin and spice notes.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure while keeping the crumb soft.
Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the bread rise for that perfect loft.
Pumpkin spice (1/2 tsp): Brings in cozy warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Brown butter (2 tbsp, for glaze): Adds a caramel-like richness to the glaze.
Maple syrup (1/4 cup): Gives the glaze a naturally sweet, earthy note.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Creates the smooth, sweet base for a luscious glaze.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Balances the sweetness perfectly.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp, for glaze): Adds a delicate vanilla fragrance to the finishing touch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly to ensure your lovely pumpkin bread slides right out, maintaining its wonderful shape and crust.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, which is crucial for that perfect rise and flavor throughout the bread.

Step 3: Mix Brown Butter and Sugars

In a separate large bowl, combine the brown butter—make sure it’s cooled to avoid melting your sugars—and both sugars. Mix until smooth and well combined; this step unlocks the rich nutty essence of the butter that makes this bread so special.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, add your eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, salt, and milk to the brown butter and sugar mixture. Whisk gently until all the ingredients are fully incorporated, forming a silky batter that’s bursting with autumn flavor.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and moist without getting dense.

Step 6: Bake Your Pumpkin Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—when it comes out clean, your bread is ready to come out of the oven.

Step 7: Make the Maple Glaze

While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, brown butter (melted but cooled), maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. This glaze will add the perfect sweet, buttery finish.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before drizzling the maple glaze generously over the top. Let the glaze slightly set so every slice gleams with that gorgeous maple shine.

How to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

A close-up of a loaf of brown pumpkin bread with a rough cracked top on white parchment paper, where a thick light brown sauce is being poured down onto the center, slowly flowing and pooling on the bread’s surface. The edges show a dense texture with darker baked sides and lighter cracks on the top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an elevated look and added texture, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a few pumpkin seeds onto the glazed pumpkin bread before serving. These little touches add a delightful crunch and a pop of visual charm.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, enjoy it alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe and arrange it on a rustic wooden board with seasonal fruits like figs, apples, or pears. You can even turn slices into decadent French toast or serve thick toasted slices spread with cream cheese and a drizzle more of maple syrup for an extra-special treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. Proper storage keeps the bread moist and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick snacks or breakfasts throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin bread after it has completely cooled. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

To revive your Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. This enhances the texture and brings back that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! You can roast and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure it’s cooked well and drained to remove excess moisture for the best texture in your pumpkin bread.

What if I don’t have brown butter?

If you don’t have browned butter on hand, you can melt regular butter, but browning the butter really adds that toasty, caramel-like flavor that makes this recipe special—so it’s worth making the extra step.

Can I substitute the maple glaze with something else?

Yes, a simple powdered sugar glaze with lemon juice or even cream cheese frosting works beautifully if you want to switch things up while keeping the bread moist and flavorful.

How do I prevent my pumpkin bread from drying out?

Using both oil and brown butter in this recipe ensures moistness. Also, avoid overbaking—keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes and test with a toothpick to avoid dryness.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing after glazing?

It’s best to freeze the pumpkin bread without the glaze. Once thawed, you can prepare and drizzle the fresh glaze before serving for the best texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve uncovered the secrets to this Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe, I can’t wait for you to try it yourself and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen. Its rich, buttery, and warmly spiced flavors bring comfort and joy with every bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or that well-deserved treat just for you, this pumpkin bread is sure to fill your home with love and the irresistible scent of fall.