Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy recipe that screams autumn, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is a cherished favorite in my home. It’s moist, filled with warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze that makes it irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a weekend brunch, or just because you want to fill your kitchen with the delightful scent of pumpkin spice, this bread will surely bring smiles all around.
What makes this pumpkin bread truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll love how quickly the batter comes together and how delicious it tastes fresh out of the oven. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting without too much fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Delicious: The combination of pumpkin and warm spices creates a flavor that’s simply heavenly.
- Easy to Make: With just simple steps and common ingredients, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore this sweet treat! It’s a great way to sneak in some veggies.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast or dessert, this pumpkin bread fits right in at any meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create our delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. You likely have many of these items already in your pantry!
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, 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
– 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
– 1–3 tsp (5–15 ml) milk, as needed
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations you might try:
- Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: If you’re a chocolate lover, toss in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent twist.
- Spice It Up: Want more warmth? Add an extra dash of nutmeg or cinnamon to amp up the flavor.
- Make Muffins Instead: Use the same batter to create delightful pumpkin muffins – perfect for on-the-go snacking!
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 step is important because it ensures your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first allows for even distribution of flavors throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, canned pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well will help create a lovely moist texture in your finished bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can lead to dense bread.
Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen—it’s pure bliss!
Step 6: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bread cools, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually while mixing until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
Step 7: Frost and Enjoy!
Once cooled completely, generously spread your cream cheese frosting over the top of the pumpkin bread. Slice it up and share with loved ones—or keep it all for yourself; I won’t tell!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Baking is all about enjoying the process, and these tips will help you create the perfect pumpkin bread that your friends and family will rave about!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs, cream cheese, and butter to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter and fluffier loaf.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined prevents the gluten from developing too much, which keeps your bread tender and moist.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick: Inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf should yield a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures your bread is perfectly baked.
- Cool the bread completely before frosting: If you frost while it’s still warm, the cream cheese frosting may melt and slide off. Letting it cool ensures a beautiful presentation!
- Store properly to maintain freshness: Keeping your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature can help it stay moist for several days.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Serving your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting can turn a simple treat into an impressive dessert or breakfast item. Here are some ideas to make it extra special!
Garnishes
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted bread for added crunch and flavor.
- Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon adds an extra touch of warmth and enhances the fall flavors.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes complements the rich flavors of the pumpkin bread with its refreshing taste.
- Greek yogurt: A dollop of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy contrast that pairs beautifully with sweet pumpkin bread.
- Herbal tea: Serve alongside a warm cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or chai, for a cozy pairing that accentuates the spices in the bread.
- Coffee: A classic accompaniment—coffee’s robust flavor contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pumpkin bread, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re ready to impress everyone with your delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! Enjoy every bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its deliciousness anytime! Whether you’re planning for a gathering or simply want a sweet treat throughout the week, this recipe is easy to store and reheat.
Storing Leftovers
- Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last about a week.
- If you have leftover frosting, store it separately in the fridge and consume within 5 days.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To freeze individual slices, wrap them separately, so you can thaw only what you need!
Reheating
- For best results, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
- If reheating the whole loaf, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Add a dollop of cream cheese frosting after reheating for that extra touch of goodness!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe:
Can I make this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread stays moist and flavorful when made ahead. Just follow the storage instructions above.
What can I use instead of eggs in this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?
You can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
How do I know when my Pumpkin Bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, your bread is ready!
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth. It’s a great way to use seasonal ingredients!
Final Thoughts
Baking this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is not just about creating something delicious; it’s about filling your home with warm, inviting aromas that bring comfort and joy. I hope you find this recipe as delightful as I do and that it becomes a staple in your fall baking traditions. Enjoy making it, sharing it with loved ones, and savoring every bite! Happy baking!
Breakfast
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of autumn with this Pumpkin Bread topped with luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightful recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin and spices, creating a moist and tender loaf that’s perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to dessert. The rich cream cheese frosting adds a creamy touch that elevates each slice to pure bliss. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings or simply enjoying a quiet weekend at home, this pumpkin bread will fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and bring smiles to everyone around the table. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, it’s a must-try recipe for fall!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cups canned pumpkin puree
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–3 tsp milk, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, spices, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients; stir until just blended.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until creamy; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Once cooled completely, frost the bread generously before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
