Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with the warm spices of fall, this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my home for years, always bringing smiles and happy bellies to family gatherings and busy weeknights alike. The blend of pumpkin and spices creates a delightful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert—and let’s not forget that luscious cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level!

Whether you’re curling up with a book or hosting friends for coffee, this pumpkin bread will surely be the centerpiece of your autumn table. Let’s dive into why this recipe is so wonderful!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress everyone!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet flavors, making it a great choice for family gatherings or school lunches.
• Perfectly Moist: The combination of pumpkin puree and oils ensures this bread stays wonderfully moist and flavorful.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even more while you plan your next cozy get-together.
• Irresistibly Tasty: With that creamy frosting, every slice is a delightful treat that no one can resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Here are some fun variations:

• Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips for an extra treat!
• Nuts Galore: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spice blends like allspice or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
• Make it Mini: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans for adorable individual servings.

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 step is crucial because it ensures your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

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 agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until smooth and well combined. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to our bread.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of light and fluffy goodness.

Step 5: Bake the 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. The aroma will fill your kitchen—enjoy this moment!

Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bread cools, make your frosting by beating together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually while mixing. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Bread

Once the bread has completely cooled on a wire rack, generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice it up and serve—your delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking this delightful pumpkin bread is a breeze with a few handy tips to guide you along the way!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Ensuring your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature allows for better mixing, leading to a smoother batter and a more consistent texture in your finished bread.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until the dry ingredients are incorporated helps prevent a dense loaf. Overmixing can develop gluten, resulting in tougher bread rather than the soft, moist texture you want.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready. This ensures you won’t end up with underbaked or overbaked bread.

• Let it cool completely before frosting: Allowing your pumpkin bread to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting off. This way, you’ll have a beautiful presentation and that perfect cream cheese finish.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste or even add new ones like allspice or cardamom. This can personalize your pumpkin bread and make it uniquely yours!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Serving this moist pumpkin bread topped with cream cheese frosting can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to present this seasonal favorite beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the cream cheese frosting for an added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds an aromatic touch that complements the spices in the bread beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and berries provides freshness and balances the richness of the pumpkin bread.

• Yogurt parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits for a wholesome side that brings tartness and texture alongside your sweet treat.

• Herbal tea: Serve slices of pumpkin bread with a warm cup of herbal tea like chai or chamomile. The spices in both will harmonize perfectly.

• Coffee: A classic pairing! Brewed coffee, whether black or with cream, enhances the flavors in your pumpkin bread while providing that cozy vibe we all love during fall.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress friends and family with your delicious pumpkin bread topped with creamy frosting! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop and making it convenient for busy days.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for a longer shelf life (up to 1 week).
• Always ensure that the cream cheese frosting is stored separately to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply remove the pumpkin bread from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a quick warm-up, slice and microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Enjoy with a fresh layer of cream cheese frosting after reheating for that just-baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for making ahead. You can prepare the bread and even frost it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly, as mentioned above.

What makes this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting so moist?

The use of canned pumpkin puree combined with oils rather than butter helps create a wonderfully moist texture, ensuring each bite is packed full of flavor.

Can I substitute other spices in my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! Feel free to customize the spices based on your preference. Nutmeg and cinnamon are key flavors, but you can add more ginger or even try cardamom for a different twist!

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, using whole wheat flour will provide a denser loaf but still delicious results! You might want to add a bit more liquid if needed.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your pumpkin bread is ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake this wonderful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s not just another recipe; it’s an experience filled with warm spices and sweet memories. Enjoy every moment spent making this delightful treat, and don’t hesitate to share your creations. Happy baking!