Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to brighten up your kitchen this fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s moist, flavorful, and bursting with warm spices that make it perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weekend breakfast or serving it at a family gathering, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

What makes this recipe extra special is the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level. It’s like a sweet hug for your taste buds! And the best part? It’s so simple to make. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this delicious pumpkin bread ready to bake.
• Family Favorite: The flavors are loved by both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This bread stays fresh for days, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy it later!
• Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast or dessert, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.
• Deliciously Spiced: The combination of warm spices creates an inviting aroma that fills your home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is easy and fun! You’ll find these simple, wholesome ingredients available at any grocery store. Let’s take a look at 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

One of the great things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative and adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
• Dried Fruit: Consider adding raisins or cranberries for a fruity surprise.
• Spice It Up: Want more warmth? Increase the amount of cinnamon or add some allspice!

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 comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, spices, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the baking soda evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. This step creates a lovely base that holds moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread light and fluffy!

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5 loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread cools down, beat together cream cheese and butter until creamy. Then add vanilla extract and powdered sugar while mixing until smooth. Adjust with milk as needed for desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost & Enjoy!

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely, spread on that luscious cream cheese frosting generously. Slice yourself a piece, pour a cup of tea or coffee, and savor every bite!

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is sure to be a hit wherever you serve it. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Making pumpkin bread is a delightful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can elevate your baking game!

• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground ones. This enhances the overall taste of your pumpkin bread, making it more aromatic and delicious.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps keep the bread tender and moist. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked. This ensures that you avoid an undercooked or overbaked loaf.

• Let it cool before frosting: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting off and ensures a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor! Walnuts or pecans complement the pumpkin beautifully, while chocolate adds a sweet contrast.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Serving this pumpkin bread can be just as fun as baking it! With a few creative touches, you can make it even more appealing for your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your frosted pumpkin bread for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: A light dusting of cinnamon on top of the frosting adds an extra layer of spice that is both aromatic and visually appealing.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce over the cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist that enhances sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries complements the rich flavors of the pumpkin bread while adding brightness to your plate.
• Yogurt parfait: Serve with a side of yogurt topped with granola and honey. The creaminess balances out the spices in the bread wonderfully.
• Spiced warm cider: Pairing with a cup of warm spiced cider creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall gatherings. The spices will harmonize beautifully with your dish.
• Coffee or tea: A hot beverage like chai tea or dark roast coffee pairs excellently, enhancing the comforting vibe of enjoying baked goods on chilly days.

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting recipe is not only easy to make but also brings warmth and joy to any occasion. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve its delightful flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it moist.
• Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the pumpkin bread if you prefer individual portions.
• Wrap each slice or the whole loaf in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen pumpkin bread in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours.
• For a warm slice, microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this scrumptious recipe!

Can I make this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures 1:1.

What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting for this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

You can use vegan cream cheese or even whipped coconut cream as a lighter alternative.

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 a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe?

Absolutely! Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or fold in chocolate chips before baking for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about creating warmth and memories during those cozy fall days. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor every bite yourself, this bread is sure to bring smiles. Happy baking, and don’t forget to relish each delicious moment!