If you’re searching for the ultimate fall treat, you can’t beat Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. This cozy loaf combines the rich, spiced flavors of pumpkin with an ultra-creamy, tangy-sweet frosting everyone will rave about. Whether you’re sharing it over coffee with friends or enjoying a quiet morning at home, this dessert captures the best flavors of the season in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient works a little magic in this recipe, either boosting flavor, adding the best texture, or getting you that gorgeous golden crumb. Gather these simple items and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base for a tender, not-too-dense loaf.
- Baking soda and baking powder: These leaveners give the bread its light rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Just a touch brightens up all the sweet and spicy flavors.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: This spiced trifecta delivers that signature pumpkin bread warmth and aroma.
- Canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! Brings deep orange color, moisture, and subtle earthy sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds structure and balances the spices.
- Brown sugar: Offers caramel notes and a super-moist crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the loaf extra rich and helps it stay soft for days.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla rounds out the warmth of the spices.
- Milk: Smooths out the batter and helps it bake up tender.
- Cream cheese (softened): For a luscious, tangy-sweet frosting that takes this loaf over the top.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness to the frosting and helps it spread beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Makes the cream cheese frosting perfectly sweet and velvety.
- Vanilla extract (for the frosting): Enhances the cream cheese and brings the whole loaf together.
- Milk (for the frosting): Just a splash gives you that dreamy, spreadable consistency.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This quick step ensures your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting slides out with ease and bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisking distributes the spices thoroughly, so you get those cozy flavors in every bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, blend the pumpkin puree with both sugars, the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is smooth—a stand or hand mixer works great, but a sturdy whisk and elbow grease will also do the trick.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so go easy. Then, stir in the milk until your batter is smooth and thick.
Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then drizzle in the milk a teaspoon at a time until you have a luscious, spreadable frosting.
Step 7: Frost and Slice
Once the bread is fully cooled, lavish the top with your cream cheese frosting. Slice and enjoy the magic of Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Garnishes
Top each slice with a sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, or a dusting of cinnamon. You could even add a handful of pepitas for a pop of green and a little crunch. These finishing touches not only look inviting but add an irresistible flavor boost.
Side Dishes
This loaf shines alongside a steaming mug of coffee or chai for a perfectly spiced pairing. If you’re serving brunch, a bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream makes a gorgeous and tasty side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting into a festive centerpiece by slicing and arranging the pieces on a rustic wooden board or cake stand. For parties, serve mini slices or squares on cupcake liners, or try a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay delightfully moist and flavorful for up to four days—perfect for make-ahead treats or snacking all week.
Freezing
Freeze unfrosted slices (or even the entire loaf) tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months. If you want to freeze with frosting, layer pieces between parchment in an airtight container to help preserve that creamy topping.
Reheating
For a just-baked vibe, let slices come to room temperature or warm them for a few seconds in the microwave. If you’ve frozen your bread, thaw overnight in the fridge (or at room temperature for a couple of hours) before serving or frosting.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin puree will work wonderfully in this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture so your bread doesn’t become soggy.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Go for it! Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a twist on tradition and even more texture and flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The finished loaf may be slightly denser, but the spices and frosting will still shine through.
How do I prevent the frosting from being too runny?
Start by beating in the milk one teaspoon at a time. If your frosting seems thin, sift in extra powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time until you get the right consistency.
Is it okay to make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead for parties?
Definitely! You can bake the loaf and prepare the cream cheese frosting a day ahead. Store them separately, then frost fresh before your guests arrive for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting enough—it’s a pure celebration of autumn and comfort baking. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and let it become your new fall tradition!
Print
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Bread topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for a cozy dessert or sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stir until just combined. Mix in the milk until smooth.
- Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan, bake for 55–65 minutes. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk as needed for consistency.
- Frost the bread: Once cooled, spread the frosting over the top of the bread. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For added texture, fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
- Store bread in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
