Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming treat for the fall season, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is not just any loaf; it’s a delightful blend of spices and pumpkin that fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight dessert or bringing it to a family gathering, this bread is sure to impress everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is its moist texture and rich flavor. The creamy frosting adds a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the spiced bread. It’s a recipe that I often turn to when I want something deliciously comforting—and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect even for beginner bakers.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves pumpkin bread! It’s a great way to get kids involved in baking and enjoying tasty treats together.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it; the flavors deepen over time, making each slice even more delicious.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From breakfast to dessert, this bread fits beautifully into any meal or celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our pumpkin bread. You likely have most of these in your pantry already!

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 Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it with these variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Swap the Sweetener: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Mix in Chocolate Chips: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra indulgent twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra ginger if you love a bit more warmth in your spice blend.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout your batter. In another bowl, mix together the sugars, canola oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. The oil keeps the bread moist while the pumpkin adds rich flavor!

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our pumpkin bread light and fluffy! Pour this beautiful orange batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan.

Step 3: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly! Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread cools down, prepare the frosting. Beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Frost Your Bread

Once your pumpkin bread has completely cooled, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously on top. Slice yourself a piece—or two—and enjoy this delightful treat!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking is an art that can be perfected with a few simple tips! Here are some tried-and-true suggestions to ensure your pumpkin bread turns out beautifully every time.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing helps them blend more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and cream cheese frosting.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your pumpkin bread tender and moist. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, which we want to avoid!

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, it’s ready! This prevents overbaking, which can dry out your bread.

• Let it cool completely before frosting: Allowing the pumpkin bread to cool ensures that the frosting doesn’t melt off. A well-cooled loaf provides a perfect canvas for spreading that luscious cream cheese frosting!

• Store properly for freshness: Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices for a quick treat later!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

This delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also visually appealing. Here are some creative ways to present and enjoy this fall favorite!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the frosting for added texture and crunch. They complement the flavors beautifully and add a nice contrast.

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosted bread adds an inviting aroma and enhances the spice notes already present in your loaf.

Side Dishes

• Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea pairs perfectly with your pumpkin bread. The warmth from these beverages complements the spices in the bread, making each bite even more enjoyable.

• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the richness of pumpkin bread. Consider including apples, pears, and berries for a colorful and nutritious side.

• Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with some granola and fresh fruit on the side. This combination adds creaminess and crunch while keeping it light alongside your indulgent dessert.

• Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like brie or gouda can create an interesting flavor pairing. The creaminess of the cheese contrasts nicely with the sweet pumpkin bread.

With these serving ideas, your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting will not only taste great but also impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a loaf ahead of time, making it a fantastic treat to have on hand for breakfast or dessert throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Cool the pumpkin bread completely before freezing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping and place the bread on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• For microwave reheating, slice and heat each piece for 15-20 seconds on high.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives. Look for vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter to keep this recipe deliciously creamy without dairy.

How long does Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting last?

When stored properly at room temperature, this pumpkin bread lasts up to 3 days. If refrigerated, it can stay fresh for about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Bread?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in some chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into your batter before baking. They add an extra layer of flavor and texture that’s simply delightful.

What can I use instead of eggs in this recipe?

You can replace each egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind your ingredients just like eggs do!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s such a comforting recipe that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with loved ones, I know you will love every bite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and joy as you create this delicious treat!