Maple Glazed Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Bread

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of reds and golds, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread filling your home. Our Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Bread with Maple Glaze is designed to capture the very essence of fall, offering a delightful blend of warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and an irresistibly buttery crumble. This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s a truly special treat that promises to elevate your seasonal baking to new heights. Each slice boasts a delectable cinnamon swirl, a crunchy streusel topping, and a sweet, aromatic maple glaze that makes every bite a celebration of autumn. Prepare yourself for THE BEST gluten-free pumpkin bread recipe you’ll ever encounter!

For many, myself included, pumpkin season simply isn’t complete without at least one loaf of our absolute best pumpkin bread gracing the kitchen counter. This recipe isn’t just good; it’s a masterpiece that truly has it all. Beyond its straightforward preparation and the resulting soft, impossibly fluffy texture, it offers an impressive presentation that will make your guests believe you bought it from a gourmet bakery. But the real magic lies in the layers of flavor and texture packed into every slice. We’re talking about:

• Perfectly Spiced Pumpkin Bread Batter: Imagine a batter infused with just the right balance of warm cinnamon, fragrant nutmeg, a hint of vanilla, and the earthy sweetness of pumpkin puree. This foundational flavor profile is the heart of our bread, providing a cozy and inviting taste experience that defines autumn.
• TWO Layers of Cinnamon Swirl: Why settle for one when you can have double the cinnamon goodness? This recipe features not one, but two generous layers of sweet cinnamon swirl, weaving through the pumpkin bread to create beautiful ribbons of spice and an extra burst of flavor in every bite. It’s a delightful surprise that truly sets this loaf apart.
• Gorgeous Streusel Topping: Our bakery-style streusel topping adds an irresistible buttery crumble that brings a fantastic textural contrast to the soft bread. Made with a blend of melted butter, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, it bakes into a golden, crunchy crown, making this gluten-free pumpkin streusel bread feel exceptionally special and decadent.
• A Simple Maple Glaze: To complete this symphony of flavors, a sweet and silky maple glaze is drizzled generously over the cooled bread. While some might consider it “a bit extra,” this maple-infused finish adds a glossy sheen and a delicate sweetness that perfectly complements the pumpkin and cinnamon, making for a truly unforgettable treat.

Even with ALL that deliciousness and intricate layering, you might be pleasantly surprised by how simple the ingredient list is. We believe in crafting extraordinary flavors from accessible components. Let’s delve into the core ingredients that make this gluten-free pumpkin streusel bread an autumn essential…

How To Make Gluten-Free Pumpkin Streusel Bread with Maple Glaze, Step by Step

Ready to create this sensational fall treat? Follow these detailed steps to bake the best gluten-free pumpkin streusel bread you’ve ever tasted. Remember, the full recipe with precise ingredient amounts, detailed instructions, and helpful tips can always be found in the recipe card below!

1. Preheat & Prep Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the bread goes in, promoting an even bake. Next, line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. I find it helpful to leave an overhang on the longer sides of the pan. This creates convenient “handles” that will allow you to easily lift the finished, cooled bread out of the pan without any sticking or breaking.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon for the swirl. Stir these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are well blended and evenly distributed. This mixture will create beautiful, aromatic layers within your pumpkin bread. Set this aside for later assembly.
3. Craft the Buttery Streusel Topping: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the melted butter, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Using a fork or your fingertips, mix these ingredients until the mixture comes together and starts to stick. It should resemble thick, wet sand and will naturally form small clumps and clusters. These are exactly what you want! Try not to break them up too much; instead, focus on ensuring all the flour and sugar are coated in the butter so there are no dry spots. Once satisfied with the crumbly texture, set this delicious streusel mixture aside.
4. Mix the Pumpkin Bread Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients for the pumpkin bread: pumpkin puree, milk, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, room temperature eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Now, add the dry ingredients directly to the wet mixture: gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and kosher salt. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet. The key here is not to overmix. Mix only until there are no visible dry spots of flour remaining and most large lumps have disappeared. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and will lead to a tender crumb.

5. Assemble Your Beautiful Pumpkin Streusel Bread: Now for the fun part – layering! Pour approximately one-third of your pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Gently smooth the batter with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to create an even layer. Evenly sprinkle half (about 2.5 tablespoons) of the cinnamon swirl mixture over this first layer of batter, trying to cover it completely. Next, carefully spoon another one-third of the pumpkin bread batter over the cinnamon swirl. Use the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to gently spread this batter, completely covering the cinnamon layer underneath. Sprinkle the remaining half (about 2.5 tablespoons) of the cinnamon swirl mixture over this second layer of batter. Finally, cover the second cinnamon swirl layer with the remaining one-third of the batter, smoothing it out into an even top layer. To finish, evenly sprinkle all of your prepared streusel topping over the entire surface of the pumpkin bread batter, ensuring the top is completely covered with these delightful crumbs.
6. Bake & Cool the Loaf: Place the assembled pumpkin streusel bread in your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 50-60 minutes. The bread is perfectly done when the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees F (93 degrees C) on an instant-read thermometer, or when a toothpick inserted into the very center of the loaf comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are acceptable, but no wet batter). Another good indicator is that the top of the bread should spring back when gently pressed. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before attempting to add the maple glaze. This cooling time is crucial for the bread to set and prevents the glaze from melting off.
7. Prepare & Add the Maple Glaze: While the bread cools, prepare your irresistible maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, ½ cup powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, vanilla extract, and maple extract (if you’re using it to boost the flavor). Mix until smooth. If your glaze seems too thick to drizzle, add milk ½ teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. You want the glaze to be fairly opaque and just thin enough to drizzle beautifully. A good test is to let a drop fall onto your finger; it should roll down the side in an opaque line. If the glaze becomes too thin, simply add powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. Once the pumpkin streusel bread has cooled for at least 30 minutes, generously drizzle the maple glaze over the top. You may have a little extra glaze, which is perfect for serving alongside individual slices!