Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread Recipe

If you’ve been craving that perfect balance of cozy warmth and sweet spice, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread. This delightful treat marries the luscious moistness of pumpkin puree with a gently spiced batter that’s topped with a crunchy, sugary cinnamon crust. Each bite bursts with fall’s best flavors, making it an irresistible snack or breakfast treat that feels like a big, comforting hug in bread form. Whether you’re a pumpkin fanatic or just looking to try something new, this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread is a game changer you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread just right starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that together deliver incredible flavor, texture, and that beautiful autumnal color. Each component plays a vital role, from the tender crumb to the irresistible topping you’ll crave.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and lightness to keep the bread tender yet sturdy.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread a lovely rise and fluffiness without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret blend of warming spices that defines the classic pumpkin flavor experience.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness for a more complex taste.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the soft crumb in the bread.
• Light brown sugar: Infuses a touch of molasses flavor, deepening the sweetness and richness.
• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient delivering moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin essence.
• Vegetable oil (or coconut oil): Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
• Unsweetened vanilla almond milk: Adds moisture and a subtle vanilla note, making the bread feel extra special.
• Molasses: A splash of this enriches the flavor, giving a slightly smoky depth that plays beautifully with the spices.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and brings warmth and sweetness to the batter.
• Granulated sugar (for topping): Creates a delightful, crunchy contrast with the soft bread beneath.
• Cinnamon (for topping): Sprinkled generously on top, it adds that classic, irresistible cinnamon-sugar crunch.

How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by warming up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Prepare your mini loaf pans by spraying them generously with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring them well. This little step ensures your breads pop out perfectly, with nice edges and no sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until evenly combined. This blend is your flavor foundation, perfectly balanced to make your bread flavorful and light.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, almond milk, molasses, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mix is the source of your bread’s rich moisture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the dry spices.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ones, then gently stir until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix here — you want to keep the batter light and tender, so a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Pans

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared pans, filling each about two-thirds full. Next, sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar and half a teaspoon of cinnamon over each loaf for that signature cinnamon sugar topping that crisps beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the pans on a baking sheet for easy handling and slide them into the oven. Bake for 40 to 43 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye starting at 30 minutes — oven temps vary and if your bread’s browning too fast, lightly tent it with foil to protect the tops.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your loaves cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before removing them to a wire rack. Cooling fully ensures the bread firms up just right, making slicing easier and flavors even better.

How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread

Garnishes

Enhance your Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread with a little extra flair by sprinkling powdered sugar over the top or slathering on a pat of cinnamon butter. For a decadent touch, a drizzle of cream cheese glaze brightens the warm spices and adds a creamy counterpoint.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a cup of steaming coffee or a spiced chai latte, turning an everyday snack into a cozy ritual. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Imagine turning your loaf into individual tea-time treats by slicing it thick and toasting lightly, then topping each slice with a thin apple slice and a drizzle of honey. Or cube it and toss in a fall-inspired bread pudding for a second creative use that’s equally irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread tightly and keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to five days. The bread stays wonderfully moist but just enough to maintain its crumb without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in the freezer. They keep well for up to three months, making it easy to enjoy pumpkin spice whenever the mood strikes.

Reheating

To freshen up your stored pumpkin bread, simply warm slices in the toaster oven or microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This softens the bread and revives that fresh-baked aroma and flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree because pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices, which can throw off the recipe’s balance. Puree allows you to control the sweetness and spices exactly.

What can I substitute if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This simple blend will mimic the warm, cozy flavors essential to Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Using plant-based milk like almond milk and oil as the recipe suggests keeps it vegan-friendly, and it’s naturally free of eggs, making it a wonderful option for vegan diets.

Why use molasses in the recipe?

Molasses adds depth and complexity to the bread’s sweetness, enhancing the spice flavors and contributing to a richer color and moist texture.

Can I make this in a larger loaf pan?

Absolutely! You can bake the batter in a standard loaf pan, but you may need to increase the baking time to about 50–60 minutes. Keep a close eye on the bread as oven times vary.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how magical Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Bread can be, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bake this fall favorite yourself. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas and leaves everyone reaching for another slice. Whether for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a cozy dessert, this pumpkin bread truly brings the season’s warmth and sweetness to your table. Happy baking!

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