Irresistible Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake with Streusel: Your Perfect Fall Recipe

As the leaves begin to hint at a change in color and a crispness enters the air, there’s no better way to welcome the autumn season than with the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin. This Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake is not just any cake; it’s a celebration of fall, offering a perfectly dense and incredibly moist pumpkin base, elevated by a delightful crispy streusel topping, and finished with a sweet, creamy glaze that ties all the flavors together.

Why This Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake Is Your New Fall Favorite

Loaf cakes are truly one of the most satisfying baked goods to prepare and enjoy. Their simplicity often belies a depth of flavor and texture that makes them incredibly appealing. This pumpkin version, in particular, shines as the seasons transition. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert after dinner. Imagine a slice, slightly warmed, with a cup of coffee or tea – pure bliss!

Beyond its delicious taste, this loaf cake is a joy to behold. Its rich color and inviting layers of cake, streusel, and glaze make it incredibly photogenic, almost as if it’s posing for its close-up. But aesthetics aside, the true magic lies in the experience: the soft crumb, the crunchy streusel, and the sweet, smooth glaze dancing on your palate. It’s a recipe that promises to satisfy both your craving for pumpkin spice and your desire for a truly homemade, comforting bake.

The Unofficial Start of Fall: Embracing Pumpkin Season

While the calendar might still say August, for many, the return to school and the first hints of cooler weather signal the unofficial start of fall. And with fall comes the glorious reign of pumpkin spice! This recipe perfectly encapsulates that seasonal shift, bringing all the warm, inviting flavors of autumn into your kitchen. It’s time to stock up on pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and all things nice, because this loaf cake is about to become your go-to recipe for the season. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake is a wonderful way to kick off the coziest time of the year.

Mastering the Perfect Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake: Ingredients and Preparation

Creating this delightful pumpkin loaf cake is a straightforward process, but understanding the role of each ingredient can elevate your baking experience. We start with high-quality pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to ensure a pure, natural pumpkin flavor and moist texture. The combination of granulated and brown sugar provides both sweetness and a subtle molasses note, enhancing the overall richness of the cake.

The streusel topping is a crucial element, adding a wonderful textural contrast to the soft cake. It’s a simple mix of flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter that bakes into a delightful, crunchy layer. Finally, the sweet glaze, a quick blend of powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon, adds a final touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish, making each slice feel extra special. The detailed recipe below provides all the measurements and steps you need to achieve this autumnal masterpiece.

Yield: 12 servings

Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour 20 minutes

Additional Time
30 minutes

Total Time
2 hours 5 minutes

Ingredients

Pumpkin Loaf Cake

a 15 oz can of pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/2 cup of milk
1/2 of vegetable oil
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of baking soda
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 3/4 cup of flour

Streusel topping

1/2 cup of flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter

Glaze

1 cup of powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and sugars. In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flour. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into a greased or lined loaf pan.
In another bowl, make the streusel topping by combining the flour, sugars, cinnamon, and melted butter together. The mixture sugar have a crumble like texture. Add the streusel topping on top of the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake in 325 preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. Let the cake cool completely before removing form the pan and glazing the cake.
For the glaze, combine the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour the glaze on top of the cooled cake. Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 319Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 247mgCarbohydrates: 64gFiber: 2gSugar: 43gProtein: 4g

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Baking Tips for a Flawless Pumpkin Loaf

Achieving the perfect Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake is simple with a few helpful tips:

Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with the other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a finer crumb in the finished cake.
Grease and Line Your Pan: To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal, always grease your loaf pan thoroughly, and consider lining it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This “sling” makes lifting the cooled cake out incredibly simple.
Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven ensures even baking from the start. Give your oven enough time to reach and stabilize at the 325°F (160°C) temperature before placing the loaf pan inside.
Check for Doneness: Bake for the recommended time, but always perform the toothpick test. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking in 5-minute increments.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: This is a crucial step! Glazing a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and run off, rather than setting into a beautiful, opaque coating. Patience is key for a perfect finish.

Elevate Your Loaf: Variations and Serving Suggestions

While this Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake is perfect as is, you can easily customize it to suit your taste:

Add-ins: Stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white), chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are excellent), or dried cranberries into the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Spice it Up: For a more complex spice profile, consider adding 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon.
Different Glazes: Instead of a simple vanilla-cinnamon glaze, try a cream cheese glaze (cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla) for a tangy counterpoint, or a maple glaze (powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk) for an extra autumnal touch.
Serving Ideas: Enjoy a slice on its own, with a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly decadent dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, a chai latte, or spiced apple cider.

Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Loaf Cake

To keep your Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake fresh and moist, store it properly:

Room Temperature: If planning to consume within 2-3 days, store the loaf cake (glazed or unglazed) in an airtight container at room temperature. This helps maintain its moisture and prevents it from drying out.
Refrigeration: If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Bring to room temperature or gently warm a slice before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: This loaf cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled, unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze and serve as desired. Slices can also be frozen individually for quick treats.

Embrace the Flavors of Fall

This Glazed Pumpkin Loaf Cake with its crispy streusel topping is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the magic of autumn. It’s easy enough for a beginner baker yet yields results impressive enough for any gathering. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to fill your home with the warm, inviting scents of pumpkin and spice. Bake this comforting loaf, share it with loved ones, and let its rich flavors bring a touch of seasonal joy to your day. Enjoy every delicious bite!