As the leaves turn and the air crisps, I find myself craving more than just the usual pumpkin treats. Recently, I experimented by adding a handful of toasted hazelnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar topping to my pumpkin bread. The crunch of the nuts combined with the moist, flavorful sweetness creates an unexpected joy in every bite.
This recipe isn’t just about cozy flavors; it’s about rediscovering autumn through texture and aroma. I love how the warm pumpkin scent mingles with toasted nuts and subtle spice, filling my kitchen with fall’s best memories. Baking this bread feels like capturing a moment when everything feels perfectly in tune with the season.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- Joy of transforming simple ingredients into a festive delight.
- Ongoing nostalgia of autumn afternoons baking with family.
- Pride in creating a uniquely textured pumpkin bread.
- Relief from overly sweet, one-note pumpkin desserts.
- Pure satisfaction from the crunchy topping with every bite.
AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)
- FORGOT to line the pan — batter stuck; use parchment for easy release.
- DUMPED in too much nut topping—cluttered the bread, spread evenly next time.
- OVER‑TORCHED the edges—smelled burnt, lower oven temperature, cover with foil.
- FORGOT the batter needed extra moisture—dry slices; add a splash of milk.
QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY
- When burnt, quickly shield with foil, bake a few minutes longer.
- Splash a little extra milk if batter feels stiff—adds moisture and fluff.
- Patch dry edges with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Shimmer of sugar glaze hides minor cracks and adds glossy finish.
- When in doubt, toss in a handful of chocolate chips for richness.
There’s something about baking pumpkin bread in autumn that feels like a warm hug from the season itself. The smell of spices baking and the crack of toasted nuts evoke memories of crisp mornings and gathering around the table.
This recipe especially shines now, when seasonal flavors are calling to be celebrated. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or sharing with friends during weekend brunch. After all, a simple loaf can carry stories, warmth, and that unmistakable magic of fall.
Pumpkin Nut Bread with Toasted Hazelnuts and Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Equipment
- Loaf Pan
- Toaster or oven for toasting nuts
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree unsweetened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup toasted hazelnuts roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Toast the hazelnuts in a dry skillet or oven until fragrant and golden, then roughly chop and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vegetable oil until smooth and combined.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined; do not overmix to keep the batter tender.
- Stir in the toasted hazelnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the loaf is golden brown.
- While the bread bakes, prepare the cinnamon sugar topping by mixing melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Once baked, transfer the bread to a cooling rack and brush the top with the melted butter mixture, then sprinkle evenly with cinnamon sugar for a crunchy, flavorful top.
- Let the bread cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy the moist, tender crumb with a crunchy nut topping and sweet cinnamon accents.
Nutrition
Every slice of this pumpkin bread offers a comforting reminder that baked goods crafted with care hold more than just flavor—they carry emotion. It’s a versatile treat that can be enjoyed plain, toasted, or even with a smear of butter or cream cheese for an added layer of richness.
As the days grow shorter and the air cooler, having a loaf like this on hand makes the season all the more special. Sometimes, it’s the simplest pleasures that leave the biggest mark on our memories, filling kitchens and hearts alike.
