Skip to Content

Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel Topping

Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel topping is sweet, tender, and delicious. This quick spiced pumpkin bread is loaded with chunks of apple and warm pumpkin pie spices.

Loaf of pumpkin bread sitting on a rack over a baking sheet with 3 apples sitting behind it on a striped towel.

Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel Topping is perfect with a bowl of soup at lunch or a great breakfast treat with a cup of coffee.

This pumpkin apple bread recipe is the perfect loaf to make when you crave those beautiful pumpkin spices.

I’ve been on a real quick bread kick lately. I love making a quick bread and like serving it with a savory meal, a sweet snack, or just enjoying a slice for breakfast.

I’ve made this Pumpkin Apple Streusel Bread a couple of times. The first time I used 2 cups of diced apples and boy was it delicious.

However, there was so much moisture in the bread that it didn’t have the delicate crumb that I enjoy.

A slice of pumpkin bread dotted with chunks of apple and streusel topping with melted butter running down the slice over a wooden cutting board.

Another win for this bread is the addition of apple juice. I used a 100% pure apple juice with no sugar added variety not only to keep this bread moist and tender but also to add additional apple flavor.

The pumpkin is a very forward flavor compared to the apple. Using the apple juice was a good choice for balancing out this apple pumpkin recipe.

What is a quick bread?

I call this a quick bread because it doesn’t require any yeast or rising time. Once you start making quick bread, it’s easy to make variations that you enjoy. I used pumpkin pie spice and fresh apples in this delicious Pumpkin Apple bread version.

Other quick bread recipes that I love!

We LOVE baking bread! You can find all of our bread recipes here!

What is pumpkin spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a blend of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. I like using blends like this because the ingredients are already calculated for you. Why not use one blend instead of figuring out four?

Slice loaf of pumpkin bread dotted with chunks of apple and topped with streusel topping sitting on a wooden cutting board

What’s the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Pumpkin puree is just pumpkin that has been cooked and pureed. Pumpkin Pie filling contains spices and sugar. I used pumpkin puree in this recipe and calculated the amount of spice and sugar that we believe is amazing in this pumpkin apple bread with streusel topping.

Make sure you read the ingredients on the can before buying it. Some pumpkin puree brands list squash in their ingredients. The USDA has standards for grades of canned pumpkin.

Can pumpkin pie filling be substituted for pumpkin puree?

NO! That being said, it would bake up just fine but you’ll be duplicating sugars and additional spices. I’m not even guessing what that would taste like.

Top shot of a bread pan filled with pumpkin apple bread topped with streusel topping. This bread sits on a cooling rack over a brown sheet pan.

I’ve never used homemade pumpkin puree in this recipe. I’ve been told once you make your own, you’ll never buy again.

Well, I made my own and wasn’t overly impressed. Also, I love the convenience of using canned. Lazy baker right?

One thing that does impress me is the way this pumpkin apple streusel bread came out. It’s tender, delicious, and tastes like a fall day loaded with warm pumpkin pie spice.

It’s quick enough to whip up in a jiffy. I hope you’ll give it a try and let me know what you think.

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin quick bread

  • Don’t add too much fresh apple to this loaf. That will add too much moisture.
  • Don’t overwork the streusel ingredients. We use a wire pastry cutter. That keeps the cold butter from blending into the topping too much. Keeping the pieces in tack is what creates that crunch texture.
  • Let the loaf cool in the pan over a cooling rack instead of popping the bread out of the pan right away. That will help it firm up.
  • Wait for the loaf to cool before you cut it to get the perfect slice.
  • We store our homemade quick bread on a plate and cover them with foil. Storing a quick bread in a plastic bag will create condensation and make it mushy. It will not last as long either.
  • This bread can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

A few items you may need to make the perfect Pumpkin Apple Bread Recipe!

  • Loaf Pans – I find that both halves of the squash will usually fit in a loaf pan. I like that these pans are a little bit bigger. I use them for meatloaf and bread recipes too!
  • Wire Pastry Cutter – I like the wire so much better than the blade cutters. I find the texture to be so much more of what I’m looking for than what I get with the blade cutters.
A slice of pumpkin bread dotted with chunks of apple and streusel topping with melted butter running down the slice over a wooden cutting board.

Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel Topping

Author: Julie Menghini
Pumpkin Apple Bread with Streusel topping comes together quickly. It's tender, moist and delicious. This quick spiced pumpkin bread is loaded with chunks of apple and warm spices.
4.93 from 14 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Bread, Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword: Pumpkin Apple Bread, Quick Bread
Servings: 16

Ingredients
 
 

Bread

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar I like dark but either is fine
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 2 eggs large
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree I use canned
  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 6 tbsp butter unsalted melted and cooled
  • 1 apple diced

Streusel topping

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp butter cold, diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350F. Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper as I often do and then spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, sugars, and salt. Whisk together
  • In a medium-size bowl, combine eggs, apple juice, melted butter, and pumpkin puree.
  • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to combine. Fold in the diced apple.
  • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Combine streusel ingredients. Cut the cold butter in using a pastry cutter. Sprinkle on top of batter.
  • Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Turn the loaf pan halfway through baking. Cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack.

Video

Notes

Tips:
  • Don’t add too much fresh apple to this loaf. That will add too much moisture.
  • Don’t overwork the streusel ingredients. We use a wire pastry cutter. That keeps the cold butter from blending into the topping too much. Keeping the pieces in tack is what creates that crunch texture.
  • Let the loaf cool in the pan over a cooling rack instead of popping the bread out of the pan right away. That will help it firm up.
  • Wait for the loaf to cool before you cut it to get the perfect slice.
  • We store our homemade quick bread on a plate and cover them with foil. Storing a quick bread in a plastic bag will create condensation and make it mushy. It will not last as long either.
  • This bread can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 219kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 2641IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your favorite board!

We all need more sweet pumpkin recipes. Here are some great ones!

4.93 from 14 votes (2 ratings without comment)
Recipe Rating




Tracy

Thursday 20th of October 2022

Have you made it with just all purpose flour & omit the whole wheat flour?

Julie Menghini

Thursday 20th of October 2022

You can totally use all-purpose flour for the whole thing Tracy!

Linda Fuller

Saturday 11th of September 2021

Can apple sauce be substituted for the apples in this recipe? My favorite bakery offers pumpkin apple bread with streusel cropping but there are no chopped apples to be seen! This looks delicious and I will try it according to you recipe. Thank you!

Julie Menghini

Tuesday 14th of September 2021

You can make this bread without the apples, Linda. That's soo sad that you can't get apples. You can add 1/2 cup of applesauce and eliminate the apple juice too. Just be careful not to add too much liquid.

Amy Nash

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

This just might be my new favorite quick bread of all time! It was so delicious and the streusel on top is the best part!

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 11th of November 2020

Thank you, Amy!

Michele

Monday 9th of November 2020

Did a test run on this recipe this morning! I can't quit eating it... its just so good. Im super excited to put little loafs in our Christmas baskets for the neighbors!

Julie Menghini

Monday 9th of November 2020

What a terrific idea! Thanks, Michele!

MICHAELA KENKEL

Monday 9th of November 2020

This is my go-to bread to bake in the fall -- it's like it encompasses everything Fall in one delicious bread!

Julie Menghini

Monday 9th of November 2020

Thank you, Michaela!

As Seen On