Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this mouthwatering pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! It’s the ultimate fall treat that makes my heart sing. The rich, warm flavors of pumpkin and spices combine beautifully with a luscious, creamy frosting that just takes it over the top. I remember the first time I made this recipe; my kitchen smelled heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to dig in! It’s such a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on that delightful combination. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this deliciously easy recipe!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pumpkin puree (I always use the canned stuff for convenience, but feel free to make your own!)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adds sweetness and balances the spices perfectly)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (this gives a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (keeps the bread moist and tender—don’t skip this!)
- 4 large eggs (these help bind everything together and add richness)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (the base for that perfect, fluffy texture)
- 2 teaspoons baking soda (this is key for making it rise nicely)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (for that extra lift)
- 1 teaspoon salt (brings out all those amazing flavors)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (the star spice that screams fall)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (adds a warm, nutty flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (just a pinch of this goes a long way)
- 8 oz cream cheese (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (this sweetens the frosting beautifully)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that lovely, aromatic touch)
How to Prepare Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Pumpkin Batter
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want that perfect baking temperature right from the start! In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended. Now, crack in those eggs—one at a time! Mix well after each addition; this ensures they’re fully incorporated and gives your bread that rich texture we all love. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all those lovely spices. Gradually add this dry mixture to the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want to keep it light and fluffy!
Baking the Bread
Now it’s time to pour that beautiful batter into a greased loaf pan. I like to use a spatula to scrape it all in—let’s not waste a drop! Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Oh, the smell wafting through your kitchen will be divine! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial because you don’t want to frost it while it’s still warm—you want that frosting to sit perfectly on top!
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Now for the best part—frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and mix until everything is well blended and creamy. You want it to be spreadable, but not too runny—so adjust the powdered sugar if needed. Once your pumpkin bread is completely cool, spread that luscious cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Trust me, it’s going to be hard to resist sticking your finger in the bowl for a little taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the perfect blend of warm pumpkin flavors and creamy sweetness—an irresistible combination!
- Super easy to make, even for beginners; you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen!
- The moist texture of the bread pairs beautifully with rich cream cheese frosting, creating a delightful contrast.
- It’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, especially during the fall season.
- Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy treat for yourself—you’ll want to share, but it’s hard to resist!
- Customizable! You can easily add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra fun twist.
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting turns out absolutely perfect! First, always measure your ingredients accurately—this is key for the right texture. If you can, use room temperature eggs and cream cheese; it helps blend everything smoothly. Don’t rush the mixing process; mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients—overmixing can lead to dense bread, and we want it fluffy! Also, keep an eye on your oven; every oven is a little different, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. If you want to add nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in gently at the end. Finally, let that bread cool completely before frosting it; you want that frosting to sit perfectly on top without melting! Trust me, following these tips will make all the difference!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to customize your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! For a nutty crunch, try adding 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter—it’s such a delightful surprise in every bite. If you’re a chocolate lover, mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent twist. Want a little extra spice? A dash of ginger or a sprinkle of pumpkin spice can elevate those warm flavors even more. You could also experiment with swapping out some of the flour for whole wheat flour for a heartier bread. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to five days—if it lasts that long! If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze the bread without frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for added protection. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a quick reheating option, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to warm it through and make that frosting a little extra creamy!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note about the nutritional information: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I do my best to provide accurate estimates, but keep in mind that these numbers are not set in stone. Always check your own ingredients for the most precise information. Enjoy your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, knowing you’re indulging wisely!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just roast it, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. It’ll add a lovely, fresh flavor to your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 ratio, and your pumpkin bread will still turn out deliciously moist!
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If you find your cream cheese frosting is too runny, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired thickness. It’s a simple fix that works every time!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the pumpkin bread a day in advance and frost it just before serving. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What can I serve with pumpkin bread?
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, and it’s perfect for brunch gatherings. You might even consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat!
For more delicious recipes, check out Pasta Primavera or Healthy Pasta Primavera!
Print
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious pumpkin bread topped with creamy frosting.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, sugar, brown sugar, and oil.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the cooled pumpkin bread.
Notes
- You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pumpkin bread, cream cheese frosting
