Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts, & Dates – The Perfect Autumn Treat Full of Cozy Flavors

If you’re looking for a delicious fall treat that bursts with warm spices, crunchy hazelnuts, and sweet dates, this Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter is just the recipe you need. Imagine a tender, moist bread that’s packed with the flavor of browned butter, making it even richer than your typical pumpkin bread. Every slice is loaded with nutty hazelnuts and the natural sweetness of chopped dates, making it a true seasonal delight. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your favorite warm drink, and it's sure to become a fall favorite in your household.

Scroll down for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts, & Dates

This pumpkin bread recipe was inspired by the classic fall flavors we all love, but it takes things up a notch with a few delicious twists. The use of browned butter adds a deeper, nutty flavor, and the combination of hazelnuts and dates gives this bread an irresistible texture and sweetness. While many pumpkin bread recipes focus on just the spice blend, this one leans into the richness of the ingredients, creating a loaf that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy morning at home or to share with friends, this bread brings the essence of fall to every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts, & Dates isn’t just your typical fall quick bread. Here’s why it stands out:

• Rich Flavor: The browned butter adds a toasty, caramel-like richness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Texture Galore: Crunchy hazelnuts and chewy dates give every bite an exciting contrast.
• Warm Spices: A cozy blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom makes this bread taste like autumn in a loaf pan.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert—this pumpkin bread works for any occasion!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 12 Slices):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 25g

This bread is hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but you can also serve it with a smear of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra indulgence.

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to enjoy it even more:

• Morning Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea to complement the warm spices.
• Serve with Butter or Cream Cheese: A dollop of softened butter or cream cheese adds a lovely creamy texture that balances the nutty flavor of the bread.
• Add a Side of Fruit: Pair a slice with fresh fruit like apples or pears for a balanced and light snack.
• Fall Brunch Spread: Add this bread to your autumn brunch menu, served alongside eggs, bacon, or a savory quiche.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store this pumpkin bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, make sure to wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and warm it up in the oven or microwave for that freshly baked taste.

Photo bypinterest

Fun Fact: Brown Butter Makes Everything Better!

Brown butter, or "beurre noisette," is simply butter that has been cooked until the milk solids turn golden brown, giving it a rich, nutty flavor. It adds depth to baked goods, sauces, and even savory dishes. Once you start using brown butter, you’ll want to add it to everything!

Cooking Tips

1. Don’t Skip Browning the Butter: Taking the extra time to brown the butter adds a unique depth of flavor that makes this pumpkin bread stand out.
2. Chop Dates and Hazelnuts Evenly: Make sure to chop the dates and hazelnuts evenly so they’re distributed well throughout the bread for the perfect bite every time.
3. Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready!

Optional Variations

• Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra treat, fold in 1 cup of dark chocolate chips before baking for a chocolatey twist.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Replace the brown butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version that’s just as delicious.
• Glaze It: For a finishing touch, drizzle a maple or cinnamon glaze over the top once the bread has cooled for added sweetness.

Photo bypinterest

Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts, & Dates Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups sugar
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 ¾ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 can (29 ounces) solid-pack pumpkin puree
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 1 cup melted brown butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste
• 2 cups chopped hazelnuts
• 2 cups chopped dates

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 8x4-inch loaf pans and set them aside.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, ground ginger, and ground cardamom until combined.
3. Beat wet ingredients: In a stand mixer, beat the eggs, pumpkin, milk, melted brown butter, and vanilla paste until blended. Slowly add in the flour mixture, and beat just until moistened.
4. Fold in hazelnuts and dates: Gently fold in the chopped hazelnuts and dates until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared loaf pans. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
6. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring it to wire racks to cool completely. Slice and serve, or wrap tightly to enjoy later!

This Pumpkin Bread with Brown Butter, Hazelnuts, & Dates is the perfect way to celebrate the cozy flavors of fall. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, packing it for a snack, or serving it at a fall gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. The browned butter brings out the richness in the pumpkin, and the dates and hazelnuts add a satisfying texture that makes every bite feel special. So go ahead and bake up a few loaves—you won’t regret it!