Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming treat this fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is not just any loaf; it’s infused with warm spices and packed with pumpkin goodness. The moment you take a bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has a special place in my heart. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dessert, a family gathering, or even as a thoughtful gift, this pumpkin bread is sure to delight everyone who tries it.

There’s something magical about the soft texture and the sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting that makes every slice feel like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, anyone can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavor and moist texture—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time, and it stays fresh for days. Just frost it when you’re ready to serve!
• Seasonal Flavor: Embrace the essence of fall with the delightful spices and pumpkin that scream comfort.
• Versatile: Enjoy it plain or dressed up with frosting—the choice is yours!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome, making this recipe approachable for any home cook. Let’s gather what we need to create this delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

For the Pumpkin Bread

• 2 cups (240 g) all purpose flour
• 1 tsp (6 g) baking soda
• 2 tsp (6 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup (118 ml) canola oil
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs (US), room temperature
• 1¼ cup (325 g) canned pumpkin puree
• 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
• 1-3 tsp (5-15 ml) milk, as needed

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a surprising kick.
• Chocolate Lovers Delight: Mix in some chocolate chips for a rich twist on the classic.
• Fruit Twist: Substitute canned pumpkin with mashed bananas or applesauce for different flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important because having your oven at the right temperature ensures that your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly moist.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the spices evenly throughout your batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, blend together the canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Be sure everything is mixed well; this creates a lovely base full of moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—this keeps your bread tender. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; they’ll bake out!

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread cools down on a wire rack, beat together the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually while mixing until creamy. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Enjoy!

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely—which is key to prevent melting!—spread that dreamy cream cheese frosting over each slice or generously on top of the loaf itself. Slice up and enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking pumpkin bread is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll create a loaf that will impress everyone!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature ensures they blend smoothly into the batter, resulting in a tender texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the ingredients are combined prevents the bread from becoming tough. A few lumps are perfectly fine!

• Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your pumpkin bread is ready to come out of the oven.

• Let it cool completely before frosting: Allowing your pumpkin bread to cool fully helps the cream cheese frosting maintain its shape and flavor without melting.

• Experiment with spices: If you love warm spices, feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg for an extra aromatic punch!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Serving pumpkin bread can be as creative as you like! Dress it up for special occasions or keep it simple for cozy family breakfasts.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted pumpkin bread for a delightful crunch.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds an inviting aroma and enhances the fall flavors.
• Caramel drizzle: A thin drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate your dessert with a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with cream cheese frosting.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes complements the rich flavors of pumpkin bread wonderfully.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve a side of Greek yogurt layered with berries and granola for a creamy contrast that balances the sweetness.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea makes an excellent pairing to enjoy alongside your moist pumpkin bread.
• Cinnamon-infused oatmeal: For a hearty breakfast option, serve your pumpkin bread with a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal topped with sliced bananas or apples.

With these serving ideas and pro tips, you’re all set to create memorable moments around this delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it ahead of time, store it, or even freeze it to enjoy later. Here’s how to keep your delicious creation fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
• Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the bread before freezing for easy thawing.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• For the whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), wrap it in foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have while making this delightful recipe!

Can I make this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. The texture will be just as delightful!

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting turns out moist?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean but slightly moist.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in this frosting?

You can substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative or use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of powdered sugar for a lighter option.

How long will this pumpkin bread last?

When stored properly at room temperature, expect delicious freshness for about 3 days. Refrigeration extends its life up to a week!

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is truly a fall favorite—moist, flavorful, and topped with a creamy glaze that takes it over the top! I hope you enjoy crafting this sweet treat as much as I do. It’s perfect for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. Don’t forget to share your experience or any variations you try! Happy baking!