Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm up your fall days, you’ve come to the right place! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is not just any bread; it’s an experience. With its sweet and spicy aroma wafting through your kitchen, this moist loaf is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s a recipe that brings everyone together, creating memories with every slice.

What makes this pumpkin bread so special? It’s the combination of simple ingredients and that luscious cream cheese frosting that takes it to the next level. Imagine enjoying a piece with your morning coffee or sharing it at a potluck—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip this up even on the busiest days.
• Family Favorite: The delicious flavor appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect as breakfast or dessert, it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and enjoy it all week long—just store it well!
• Heavenly Flavor: The blend of spices and creamy frosting creates a delightful taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These are staples you might already have in your pantry, making this recipe easy to prepare anytime!

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 quite flexible! You can customize your pumpkin bread in many ways to suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Chocolate Chips Delight: Mix in some dark chocolate chips for a rich twist.
• Spice It Up: Add a bit more ginger or even some cayenne pepper for an unexpected kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.

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 ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.

Step 2: Mix 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 distribute the spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture adds moisture and flavor to our bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This keeps your bread light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake in your preheated oven for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The wonderful smell filling your kitchen will be hard to resist!

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread cools on a wire rack, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually. If it’s too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Frost Your Bread

Once cooled completely, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over your pumpkin bread. Enjoy every bite of this delightful creation!

Now that you’ve got all the steps down, I can’t wait for you to try this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe! It’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your home just like it is in mine. Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Baking is a delightful adventure, and with these tips, your pumpkin bread will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh spices – Freshly ground spices can greatly enhance the flavor of your pumpkin bread, giving it that warm, inviting aroma that makes your kitchen feel like fall.

• Don’t overmix – Mixing the batter just until combined ensures a tender loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, so be gentle when folding in the ingredients.

• Check doneness with a toothpick – Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready! This prevents overbaking and keeps the bread moist.

• Let it cool before frosting – Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. This helps prevent the frosting from melting and keeps its beautiful appearance.

• Store properly – To maintain freshness, store your pumpkin bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Serving your delicious pumpkin bread is an opportunity to get creative! Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a special gathering, there are plenty of ways to present this treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts – Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor that complements the creaminess of the frosting.
• Cinnamon sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon over the frosted bread adds an appealing visual touch and enhances the spiced flavors.

Side Dishes

• Hot Coffee or Tea – A warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea pairs beautifully with pumpkin bread, enhancing its cozy flavors while providing a comforting experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad – A side of fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balance against the richness of the cream cheese frosting. Consider using seasonal fruits like apples and pears.
• Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful contrast in textures and flavors that complements the moistness of the pumpkin bread.
• Creamy Oatmeal – A bowl of creamy oatmeal topped with nuts or dried fruits provides a wholesome side that rounds out your meal without overpowering the star dish.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re all set to enjoy your homemade Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for meal prep! You can easily bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious loaf.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• For individual slices, wrap each slice separately for easy access later.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Unwrap the bread and place it on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• If you prefer, you can also microwave individual slices on low power for about 30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions that might pop into your mind while preparing this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that the blend has xanthan gum included for better texture.

How do I get my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting to rise properly?

Make sure your baking soda is fresh and active. Also, don’t skip letting your ingredients come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a fluffy texture!

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it until smooth. Just be sure to measure out 1¼ cups for this recipe.

What can I use instead of cream cheese for frosting?

You can use vegan cream cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative if you’re looking for a non-dairy option. Just ensure it’s still creamy enough to spread easily!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe as much as I do! It’s such a comforting treat that fills your home with warmth and spice, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during cozy evenings. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own – I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!