Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat to bake this fall, then you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! There’s something truly magical about the aroma of pumpkin and spices wafting through your kitchen. This bread is not just any loaf; it’s a delightful blend of moist pumpkin goodness topped with a creamy, tangy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just want to enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Baking this pumpkin bread is simple and rewarding. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want to fill your space with warmth and delicious scents. Plus, who can resist that sweet cream cheese frosting? Trust me; this recipe will win over hearts and taste buds alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll create a delicious pumpkin bread that feels like an achievement.
• Family Favorite: The blend of spices and sweetness makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this pumpkin bread fits right in.
• Make Ahead: Bake it in advance, and it stays moist for days—great for meal prep!
• Delightful Flavor: Each bite is bursting with warm spices and creamy frosting; it’s pure comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. 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 make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
• Chocolate Chips: Toss in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a sweet twist!
• Coconut Flakes: Add shredded coconut to give your bread a tropical flair.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5 loaf pan ensures that the bread comes out easily after baking. No one likes losing half their loaf stuck in the pan!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt. This step evenly distributes the spices throughout the flour so every slice bursts with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Combining these wet ingredients creates a rich base for your bread.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! This keeps your bread tender and fluffy.

Step 5: Pour into Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 6: Cool Before Frosting

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before frosting—this prevents the cream cheese from melting into puddles.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while mixing well. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Frost Your Pumpkin Bread

Once cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top of your pumpkin bread. Slice it up and enjoy every delectable bite!

With each slice of this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, you’ll taste love baked right into it! Perfect for sharing or savoring solo—it truly embodies fall flavors at their best!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking this pumpkin bread is a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature allows for better mixing, resulting in a smoother batter and a more consistent texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread rather than the light, moist loaf we all love.

• Test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This ensures your bread is baked perfectly without being dry.

• Cool completely before frosting: Allow your pumpkin bread to cool entirely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and maintains its creamy texture.

• Store properly: If you have leftovers (if!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This keeps the bread fresh and delicious.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Serving this pumpkin bread is as delightful as baking it! Here are some fun ideas to enhance your presentation and enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of your frosted bread for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the loaf.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds an aromatic touch that enhances the fall flavors of the pumpkin bread.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: Serve alongside warm apple cider for a cozy beverage pairing that brings out the spices in the pumpkin bread.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad can provide a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the pumpkin bread, brightening up your meal.
• Yogurt parfait: Layer some yogurt with granola and fresh fruits to add a creamy, tangy contrast that balances well with sweet pumpkin flavors.
• Herbal tea: Pair your slice with a cup of soothing herbal tea, like chamomile or chai, which complements the spices beautifully while enhancing relaxation.

Enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting – it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors throughout the week. Whether you’re planning for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this recipe makes it easy to have something sweet on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pumpkin 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 it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the pumpkin bread before freezing for convenience.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To thaw, simply place slices in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For individual slices, toast them in a toaster until warmed through.
• Alternatively, place slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• If reheating the whole loaf, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can prepare this pumpkin bread ahead of time and store it as mentioned above. It tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together beautifully.

How should I store leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

Store any leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or refrigerate them if you prefer. This ensures that your delicious pumpkin bread remains fresh and moist!

Can I use another type of frosting instead of cream cheese?

Yes! If you’re looking for alternatives, consider a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or even a chocolate ganache. However, cream cheese frosting really enhances the pumpkin flavor!

What can I serve with Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

This delightful bread pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. It’s also fantastic served alongside fresh fruit or nuts for added texture.

Is this recipe suitable for baking in mini loaf pans?

Definitely! You can pour the batter into mini loaf pans; just be sure to adjust your baking time accordingly—mini loaves may take around 30-40 minutes to bake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try making this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s a special recipe that captures all the warmth of fall flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones or simply enjoying on your own. Baking is such a rewarding experience, and I can’t wait for you to savor every bite of this delicious treat! Happy baking!