Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a heartwarming treat to embrace the cozy vibes of fall, then this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. There’s something magical about the aroma of spices filling your kitchen while baking—it’s like a hug in loaf form! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my family for years, perfect for busy weeknights or delightful family gatherings. The combination of moist pumpkin bread topped with creamy frosting will make your taste buds sing!

Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or save it for a special occasion, this pumpkin bread is sure to bring smiles and happy memories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this recipe is perfect even if you’re new to baking.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and spicy flavors of pumpkin bread—it’s a hit with both kids and adults!
• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor make this bread an ideal treat as the leaves change color.
• Make Ahead: This bread stores well, so you can bake it in advance for holidays or unexpected guests.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack paired with your favorite tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is all about using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s 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 experiment and make it your own. Here are some variations to consider:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Try adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a surprising kick!
• Chocolate Twist: Fold in chocolate chips for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Swap the Frosting: If cream cheese isn’t your thing, a simple dusting of powdered sugar works beautifully too.

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, mix together your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these first helps ensure even distribution of flavors throughout your bread.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combining these wet ingredients creates that lovely moist texture in our pumpkin bread.

Step 3: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This step keeps your bread tender and fluffy.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The warm aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 5: Make the Frosting

While your bread cools, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually. Mix until smooth! If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Frost & Enjoy!

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously on top. Slice up and enjoy each delectable piece—this treat is sure to brighten up anyone’s day!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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

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

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mix until just combined to keep your pumpkin bread light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so embrace the lumps!

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let it cool completely before frosting: This prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting into the bread and allows for beautiful presentation. Plus, it’s easier to slice!

• Add optional mix-ins: Feel free to stir in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor. Just remember to adjust baking time if you add extra ingredients.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Presenting your pumpkin bread beautifully can make all the difference at gatherings. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling chopped nuts on top of your frosted bread adds a delightful crunch and an inviting look.

• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting is not only visually appealing but also enhances the warm spices in the bread.

Side Dishes

• Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte complement the flavors of pumpkin beautifully, making this drink a cozy pairing for your slice of bread.

• Apple Slices with Maple Dip: Fresh apple slices drizzled with a maple yogurt dip provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin bread while staying within seasonal flavors.

• Coffee or Tea: A nice cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an excellent companion that balances out the sweetness of the frosting while enhancing the comforting vibes of this dish.

• Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a tartness that cuts through the richness of the pumpkin bread, providing an exciting flavor contrast.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re set to create a memorable experience around 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, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat throughout the week. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, keep it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• To maintain freshness, consider wrapping the bread in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label the package with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For freezing individual slices, cut the loaf into portions and wrap each slice separately before freezing.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply thaw the pumpkin bread overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm treat, slice and microwave each piece for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can wrap the whole loaf in foil and heat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! You can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it’s well-cooked and smooth for the best results.

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

To enhance flavor, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips to your batter. You can also experiment with spices like allspice or cardamom!

What is the best way to store Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep any leftover frosting refrigerated.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Yes! You can freeze both the bread and frosting separately. Make sure both are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe! It’s a wonderful way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall while creating something delicious that your loved ones will adore. Don’t hesitate to share your baking experience or any personal twists you add along the way. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet slice!