This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall. With its moist texture and rich pumpkin flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any gathering. The addition of creamy, tangy frosting elevates this loaf, making it a standout choice for celebrations or cozy afternoons at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and Flavorful: This pumpkin bread is packed with spices and pumpkin puree, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have fresh pumpkin bread in no time.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as breakfast, dessert, or a snack. It’s perfect for any occasion!
- Cream Cheese Frosting: The sweet and tangy cream cheese glaze complements the warm spices beautifully.
- Great for Sharing: Bake a loaf to share with friends and family; it’s sure to impress everyone!
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (9×5)
- Electric mixer (optional)
- Cooling rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl allows you to combine your ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Electric mixer: While optional, using an electric mixer can help achieve a fluffy cream cheese frosting with minimal effort.
Ingredients
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for fall baking. Enjoy this pumpkin bread topped with a sweet, creamy glaze.
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
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt.
2. Whisk together until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Mix together the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the room temperature cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy.
2. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually while mixing.
3. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Frost the Pumpkin Bread
Once your pumpkin bread has completely cooled:
1. Spread or drizzle the cream cheese frosting on top of the bread.
2. Slice and enjoy!
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Serving pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting can elevate your fall gatherings. This sweet and spiced loaf pairs well with various accompaniments, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Enjoy with Coffee
- Pair a slice of pumpkin bread with a warm cup of coffee for a cozy morning treat.
Afternoon Tea Delight
- Serve the bread alongside herbal teas or chai for an elegant afternoon snack.
Breakfast Option
- Enjoy a slice topped with butter or jam as part of your breakfast spread.
Dessert Platter
- Include pumpkin bread on a dessert platter along with other seasonal sweets to impress your guests.
Fall Brunch
- Offer pumpkin bread at brunch events, complementing it with fruits and pastries for variety.
Holiday Gatherings
- Present this bread during holiday gatherings as a comforting option that everyone will love.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
To achieve the best results for your pumpkin bread, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spices and high-quality canned pumpkin puree for optimal flavor.
- Measure Accurately: Ensure precise measurements for flour and sugars; this affects the texture of the bread.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your pumpkin bread can enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon complements the sweetness of pumpkin bread beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of berries and citrus provides contrast and balances the richness of the glaze.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and sliced fruits for a healthy side that pairs well with the sweet bread.
- Cheese Platter: Offer soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory touch that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
- Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon or nutmeg add a crunchy texture alongside the soft loaf.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup over slices enhances the fall flavors in both the bread and syrup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making a Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature. This helps in achieving a smooth batter and creamy frosting.
- Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off. Overpacking can lead to dry bread.
- Skipping the spices: The spices in this recipe add warmth and flavor. Don’t skip them or you’ll miss out on that delicious fall taste.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough instead of moist.
- Ignoring baking time: Start checking your bread 5-10 minutes before the suggested bake time. Every oven is different, so be vigilant to avoid overbaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making this delightful pumpkin bread.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s well-cooked and mashed before adding it to your batter.
How do I make my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe more flavorful?
Add extra spices like nutmeg or cloves, or incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
What should I do if my cream cheese frosting is too thick?
If your frosting is too thick, gradually add milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
How long does this pumpkin bread last?
When stored properly, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is not only perfect for fall but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture. Give it a try and enjoy a slice of this delightful treat!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of autumn with our Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This moist and spiced loaf is the perfect blend of sweet pumpkin puree and aromatic spices, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, dessert, or any gathering. The addition of rich, creamy frosting elevates this delightful bread, ensuring it stands out on your holiday table or cozy afternoon snack spread. Easy to make and versatile enough for various occasions, this recipe will quickly become a fall favorite. Bake a loaf today and share the joy with friends and family!
Ingredients
- 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
- 4 oz. (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 4 tbsp (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 1–3 tsp (5–15 ml) milk, as needed (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt; whisk until well blended.
- In another bowl, mix canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir gently until just combined.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
- For the frosting: Beat cream cheese and unsalted butter until creamy; gradually add vanilla extract and powdered sugar while mixing.
- Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once your pumpkin bread has completely cooled, frost the bread and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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