Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that fills your home with the warm scents of fall, then this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is just what you need. There’s something truly special about the combination of pumpkin and spices, creating a loaf that’s both moist and flavorful. This recipe has become a beloved staple in my kitchen, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone will gather around to grab a slice (or two!).

What makes this pumpkin bread so delightful is not just its taste but also the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that takes it to a whole new level. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast with your morning coffee or as a sweet dessert after dinner, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a handful of simple steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet pumpkin flavor and creamy frosting!
• Moist and Flavorful: The blend of spices makes each bite comforting and delicious.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time! It stays fresh for days, making it great for busy schedules.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or an ordinary day, this pumpkin bread is sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! They are simple and wholesome, ensuring your pumpkin bread comes out perfectly every time. 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

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or cardamom for extra warmth.
• Swap the Frosting: Try using a maple glaze instead of cream cheese frosting for a different twist.
• Make Muffins: Pour the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan for quick grab-and-go treats.

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 ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. While that’s heating up, prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps evenly distribute the spices throughout the batter. Take a moment to breathe in those warm aromas!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. This step adds moisture and richness to our bread. Don’t be shy—mix until everything is nice and smooth!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Now comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to dense bread—yuck!

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread is cooling down on a wire rack, let’s whip up that creamy frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and softened butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract followed by powdered sugar; mix until smooth. If needed, adjust consistency with milk—aim for a spreadable but thick texture.

Step 7: Frost Your Pumpkin Bread

Once your pumpkin bread has completely cooled down—this is important to avoid melting your frosting—spread that luscious cream cheese frosting over the top generously. Feel free to sprinkle some extra cinnamon on top if you’re feeling fancy!

And there you have it—a delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that’s sure to become one of your favorites! Enjoy every slice with friends and family; they won’t be able to resist asking for more!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Starting with eggs, cream cheese, and butter at room temperature helps them mix more easily, resulting in a smoother batter and a fluffier loaf.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding the ingredients together until just combined prevents the gluten from developing too much, ensuring your bread remains tender and moist.

• Check for Doneness Early: Every oven is different! Start checking your bread for doneness five minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overbaking, which can lead to dryness.

• Cool Completely Before Frosting: Allow your bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents melting and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste or even add some extras like allspice or cardamom for a unique twist. Your personal touch will make it even more special!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Presenting your pumpkin bread beautifully enhances its appeal. Here are some fun ideas for serving this delightful treat!

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top of your frosting for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon over the frosting not only looks beautiful but adds an extra hint of spice.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad with apples, pears, and grapes offers a refreshing contrast to the rich pumpkin bread.
• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang that complements the sweetness of the bread.
• Herbal Tea: Pair your pumpkin bread with a warm cup of chamomile or chai tea for a cozy fall experience.
• Coffee: A nice cup of coffee brings out the flavors in this spiced loaf, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to bake up a storm with this delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store or freeze it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for longer freshness, up to a week.
• Always store the cream cheese frosting separately and keep it chilled until ready to use.

Freezing

• Slice the pumpkin bread before freezing for easy access later.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slices on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 10 minutes.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting in advance?

Absolutely! This pumpkin bread is great for making ahead of time. You can bake it a few days prior and store it properly to maintain its moisture and flavor.

What are some variations for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting?

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture, or incorporate chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Spices can also be adjusted according to your taste!

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Bread is moist?

Using canned pumpkin puree and making sure not to overmix the batter will help keep your pumpkin bread moist. Also, be careful not to overbake it!

What can I use instead of eggs in the Pumpkin Bread recipe?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works well in baking.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly a delight that captures the essence of fall baking! The combination of spices and that creamy frosting makes it special enough to share with family and friends. I hope you enjoy making this comforting treat as much as I do. Happy baking!