Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread: A Delicious Fall Treat

February 15, 2026

Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread has become my go-to recipe for celebrating the cozy season of autumn. The rich, nutty flavor of browned butter combined with the warm spices and creamy pumpkin puree creates a loaf that is not only delicious but also fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. I remember the first time I made this bread; the rich scent wafted through the house, drawing my family in from the living room. Each slice is a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy to make, perfect for baking novices.
Made with wholesome ingredients, making it a tasty treat.
Great for fall gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
This pumpkin bread with brown butter is a crowd-pleaser.
Can be customized with nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.

Ingredients for Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Here’s everything you need for this delightful pumpkin bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour – forms the base of the bread.
1/2 tsp baking soda – helps the bread rise.
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice – adds warmth and flavor.
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness.
1 cup light brown sugar – for moisture and sweetness.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – adds sweetness and texture.
3 tbsp brown butter, cooled – infuses the bread with a nutty flavor.
2 large eggs – binds the ingredients together.
1/3 cup vegetable oil – keeps the bread moist.
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the flavor profile.
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree – the star ingredient for flavor and moisture.
1/2 cup whole milk – adds richness to the batter.
2 tbsp brown butter – for the glaze, adding a finishing touch.
1/4 cup maple syrup – sweetens the glaze naturally.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – thickens the glaze.
Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness of the glaze.
1 tsp vanilla extract – adds flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pumpkin bread.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with both the light brown sugar and granulated sugar, mixing until well incorporated. Then add the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, salt, and whole milk. Mix until smooth and uniform.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined to form the pumpkin bread batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour the batter evenly into the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or butter knife in the center; it should come out clean when ready.
Step 6: While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together brown butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 7: Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before removing it. After cooling, pour the glaze evenly over the top of the bread for a sweet finishing touch.

Deliciously moist Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread loaf with a sweet glaze, perfect for a fall treat

Pro Tips for the Best Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

These tricks guarantee success every time:

Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Let the brown butter cool slightly before adding it to the mixture; this prevents cooking the eggs.
For a nutty twist, add walnuts or pecans to the batter.

What’s the secret to perfect Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread?

The secret lies in the browned butter, which adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the bread. This technique enhances the overall taste and aroma.

Can I make Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread?

One common mistake is overmixing the batter; this can lead to a dense loaf. Also, ensure you measure ingredients accurately to achieve the best results.

Best Ways to Serve Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

This delightful bread is perfect on its own, but you can enhance your experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese. Pairing it with a hot cup of coffee or tea makes for a cozy afternoon treat. For a twist, try brown butter pumpkin bread with chocolate chips for an indulgent dessert.

Close-up of a slice of Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread showing its moist texture and glaze, ideal for breakfast

Nutrition Facts for Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Per serving (recipe makes about 10 slices):

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Protein: 3g

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Once cooled, store your bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave. This pumpkin bread made with brown butter can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread

Can I freeze brown butter pumpkin bread?

Absolutely! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruits to the batter for added texture and flavor. Experiment to find your favorite mix!

Variations of Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread You Can Try

For a healthier option, try a healthy brown butter pumpkin bread recipe by substituting whole wheat flour and reducing sugar. You can also experiment with different spices by adding cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the autumn flavor.

Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread: A Delicious Fall Treat

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Brown Butter Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful autumn treat made with rich browned butter, pumpkin puree, warm pumpkin spice, and a sweet maple glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
Pinch of salt
1 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tbsp brown butter, cooled
2 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1/2 cup whole milk
2 tbsp brown butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pumpkin bread.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and a pinch of salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars, mixing until well incorporated. Then add the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, salt, and whole milk. Mix until smooth and uniform.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients bowl. Stir gently until just combined to form the pumpkin bread batter.
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour the batter evenly into the pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 10 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick or butter knife in the center; it should come out clean when ready.
While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking together brown butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan before removing it. After cooling, pour the glaze evenly over the top of the bread for a sweet finishing touch.