The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, autumn was always my favorite season. Though pumpkins weren’t as common in our local cuisine, my grandmother used to bake sweet loaves with whatever was in season apples, oranges, or zucchini. When I moved abroad and discovered the magic of pumpkin bread, I fell in love instantly. It reminded me of her warm, spiced, and comforting.
This Pumpkin Bread with Browned Butter Frosting is my cozy twist on a classic fall favorite. The rich aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin fills the kitchen, while the nutty browned butter frosting adds a creamy, caramel-like finish that’s simply irresistible. 🍂
Whether you’re baking for family, a cozy afternoon, or just to make your home smell like fall, this recipe is pure comfort. The texture is moist and tender, and every bite brings that perfect balance of spice and sweetness. If you love pumpkin season, this is one loaf you’ll bake again and again!
The keyword “pumpkin bread with browned butter frosting” isn’t just a dessert it’s a fall memory baked into every slice. It’s about slowing down, pouring a cup of coffee, and sharing a piece of warmth with someone you love.
Ingredients 🧂
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (240g) pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Browned Butter Frosting:
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (plus more as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This combination of spices gives the pumpkin bread its signature warm flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.
Step 4: Mix It All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until combined don’t overmix, or the bread may become dense. The batter should be smooth, thick, and fragrant.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Make the Browned Butter Frosting
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty about 5–7 minutes.
Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the browned butter, powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk.
Step 7: Frost and Serve
Once the pumpkin bread is completely cool, spread the browned butter frosting generously over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing.
Tips 💡
- Make sure the butter is browned, not burnt it should smell nutty and turn a rich amber color.
- For extra flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- If you prefer a lighter option, skip the frosting and dust with powdered sugar instead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions 🥄
This Pumpkin Bread with Browned Butter Frosting is perfect with a cup of coffee, chai latte, or warm apple cider. I love slicing it thick, warming it slightly, and topping it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also bake mini loaves for gifting they make the sweetest autumn presents!
Nutrition (per slice) 🥗
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Recipe Card 📜
⏰ Time:
Prep: 20 mins | Bake: 60 mins | Total: 1 hr 20 mins
🧂 Ingredients:
See ingredient list above
👩🍳 Instructions:
Mix, bake, cool, frost, and enjoy!
💡 Note:
Use 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling) for best results.
🥗 Nutrition:
320 kcal per slice
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! This Pumpkin Bread with Browned Butter Frosting brings all the cozy fall vibes straight to your kitchen. The bread is soft, moist, and full of warm spices, while the browned butter frosting adds a nutty sweetness that melts in your mouth. It’s a comforting bake that reminds me of my grandmother’s autumn treats simple, fragrant, and made with love. Perfect with coffee or tea, this recipe turns any chilly afternoon into a sweet memory. Bake it once, and you’ll make it every fall! 🍂
Conclusion
Baking Pumpkin Bread with Browned Butter Frosting isn’t just about making dessert it’s about slowing down and celebrating the warmth of the season. The flavors are nostalgic yet elegant, and that silky browned butter topping makes it unforgettable. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced home cook, this loaf is easy to make, and every slice tastes like fall. So preheat your oven, grab your pumpkin puree, and let your kitchen fill with the scent of love, butter, and cinnamon. 🍁
