If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly blends sweet pumpkin spice with irresistible creaminess, give this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting a try. This loaf brings everything you love about fall baking into one perfect slice, from the tender, moist pumpkin crumb to the dreamy, tangy swirl of rich frosting on top. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or a coffee break, you’ll adore how the spices and velvety frosting combine for pure comfort in every bite. There’s a reason Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is destined to become your new go-to autumn bake!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting comes together with everyday ingredients, each one playing a key role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Simple as they are, don’t skip or swap—these picks are truly what make this loaf taste like a big autumn hug!

All-purpose flour: The foundation for your bread, giving it structure without being dense.
Baking soda: Ensures a good rise and light crumb.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift for an airy bite.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Brings that signature warmth every pumpkin bread needs.
Ground nutmeg: Gives a nice aromatic depth that’s unmistakably autumnal.
Ground cloves: Adds subtle complexity and a hint of spice.
Ground ginger: Lends a gentle, zesty kick to round out the spice blend.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender loaf.
Brown sugar: Brings in a slight molasses undertone and extra moisture.
Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
Canned pumpkin puree: The real star for moistness and deep pumpkin flavor (use 100% puree, not pumpkin pie filling).
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb incredibly soft and prevents dryness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend the batter smoothly.
Vanilla extract: Enhances both the bread and the frosting with a cozy aroma.
Cream cheese (softened): Essential for the lusciously tangy frosting.
Unsalted butter (softened): Whips into the cream cheese for an ultra-smooth, fluffy frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to spreadable perfection.
Pinch of salt (for frosting): Balances out the sweetness for that bakery-style taste.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting the best, even bake. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, making sure every corner is coated, so you can effortlessly lift out your loaf later on. It pays to do this step before mixing—no scrambling to prep once your batter is ready to go!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step is key; incorporating the spices and leavening agents ensures every bite of pumpkin bread is perfectly seasoned and rises beautifully without any clumpy spices.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and glossy—this is where your bread starts to get its rich, moist foundation. Go for a batter with no streaks and all ingredients well blended.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix; a few lumps are okay! Over-stirring can make the loaf tough, and you want that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. Now is also the perfect time to fold in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts if you like a little crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells heavenly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—trust me, your patience will be rewarded when it’s time to frost.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until totally creamy and lump-free. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then mix until smooth and spreadable. This frosting is everything: tangy, sweet, lush, and the best complement to the spiced bread below.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once your bread is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Use a spatula to create swoops or swirls—or go for a minimalist smooth finish if you prefer. Now slice and serve! With the rich topping and pumpkin spice aroma, Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is bound to steal the show.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For extra flair, sprinkle the frosted loaf with chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of ground cinnamon, or even a scatter of pumpkin seeds. These little touches add texture, color, and a hint of rustic charm that makes every slice of Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting feel bakery-special.

Side Dishes

This loaf pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of chai tea, a pumpkin spice latte, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for a cozy brunch or afternoon treat that feels indulgent and comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into bite-sized cubes and threading onto skewers for a dessert platter, or stack single slices with parchment for a picnic. For a festive touch, drizzle each slice with maple syrup or a light caramel sauce when serving. Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting also makes a thoughtful edible gift, wrapped in parchment and tied with twine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The frosting keeps the bread moist, and it will taste delicious for up to 5 days—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze unfrosted bread tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. For frosted bread, freeze slices on a tray until firm, then individually wrap and transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love your pumpkin bread slightly warm, reheat an individual slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. For a just-baked feel, you can also pop slices (unfrosted) in a low oven for a few minutes before adding extra frosting if desired!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure your homemade pumpkin puree is well-drained and smooth. Canned pumpkin is more consistent in texture and moisture, but homemade works beautifully if you prepare it ahead.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

If you’re missing a spice or two, don’t worry—the bread will still be delicious. You can substitute with a premade pumpkin pie spice blend if needed, using an equivalent total amount for the spices.

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

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just check that it contains xanthan gum or another binder for best results.

How do I prevent the frosting from melting?

Always cool your pumpkin bread completely before adding the cream cheese frosting. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the frosted loaf in the refrigerator to help set and stabilize the topping.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You can easily double the recipe and bake in two separate loaf pans. If baking in one larger pan or a sheet pan, watch the bake time closely and test doneness with a toothpick in several spots.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a recipe—it’s an invitation to celebrate everything cozy and delicious about fall. Whether you bake it for a gathering or a quiet moment with coffee, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Grab your apron and enjoy every sweet, spiced bite!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Bread topped with a luscious Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for a seasonal treat or a festive dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
½ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix sugars, eggs, pumpkin, oil, milk, and vanilla.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Frost: Cool bread, then frost with cream cheese frosting.