Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten up your fall days, this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the answer! The moment you take your first bite, you’ll be met with a warm, spiced flavor that fills your home with cozy aromas. This recipe has been a family favorite for years—perfect for busy weeknights or when friends come over for coffee. Plus, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone at the table!

What makes this pumpkin bread extra special is the creamy layer of cream cheese frosting that adds just the right amount of sweetness and tang. Whether you serve it as a breakfast delight or a dessert after dinner, it fits perfectly into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll whip this up in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin bread, making it perfect for gatherings or quick snacks.
• Deliciously moist: Thanks to the pumpkin puree and spices, every slice is bursting with flavor.
• Make-ahead option: Bake it ahead of time and frost it just before serving for effortless entertaining.
• Customizable: Add your favorite nuts or dried fruits to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is easy! You likely have many of these simple, wholesome items in your pantry already. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

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 mix things up and create your own version of this delicious pumpkin bread.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
• Use different spices: Experiment with your favorite spices like allspice or cardamom for a unique taste.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.

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 ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly from start to finish. While that’s heating up, you can prepare your loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or whisk until everything is well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly fluffy; this will help create that lovely moist texture we love in pumpkin bread.

Step 4: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay; they will bake out during cooking.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread is cooling on a wire rack, it’s time to make the frosting. In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy—this step is crucial for a light frosting! Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If the frosting seems too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Pumpkin Bread

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely—trust me; this step is important so you don’t end up with melted frosting—spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Slice yourself a piece and enjoy every bite of this delicious treat!

And there you have it—your very own Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with those you love!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter, fluffier bread.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the gluten from developing too much, keeping your bread moist and tender.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This prevents overbaking, which can dry out your bread.

• Let it cool before frosting: Allow your pumpkin bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Store properly for freshness: Wrap your cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps it moist for up to one week!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Presenting your pumpkin bread beautifully can make all the difference! Here are some delightful ideas to serve this scrumptious treat.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted pumpkin bread for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting adds an aromatic touch that enhances the warm spices in the bread.
• Pumpkin seeds: For a fun twist, add roasted pumpkin seeds as a garnish for both texture and seasonal flair.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A medley of seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, and pomegranates adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of pumpkin bread.
• Herbal tea: Pairing your pumpkin bread with a warm cup of herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall afternoons.
• Yogurt parfait: A yogurt parfait layered with granola and berries complements the sweetness of the pumpkin bread while adding creaminess and nutrition.
• Coffee or chai latte: Enjoying your slice of pumpkin bread with a hot cup of coffee or chai latte elevates the experience with warm spices and rich flavors.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re set to impress family and friends with your delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, making it a fantastic option for busy weeks or when you want to impress guests with a homemade treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the pumpkin bread before freezing for easier serving later.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply leave it out at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the wrapped loaf or slices directly on the oven rack.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree in this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure it’s cooked and pureed until smooth. You’ll want about 1¼ cups of fresh puree, similar to what you’d get from canned pumpkin.

How can I make my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting more festive?

To add a festive touch, consider incorporating chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter. You could also sprinkle some cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting for extra flavor!

What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, you can use vegan cream cheese or a mixture of coconut cream and powdered sugar as a frosting substitute. This will still give you that creamy texture without using traditional cream cheese.

How long does Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly, this delicious bread will last at room temperature for about 3 days or up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can maintain its quality for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking this moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s truly one of those recipes that brings warmth and joy to any fall gathering. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it alone with a cup of coffee, this bread is sure to delight. Happy baking!