Imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pumpkin – this is the magic of homemade pumpkin bread. But we’re taking it a step further! This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s an incredibly moist, perfectly spiced loaf crowned with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting. It’s the quintessential fall bake, ready to transform any moment into a cozy celebration, whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert.
Time & Serving:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 55-65 minutes
Cooling Time (Bread): At least 1 hour
Frosting Prep: 5 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12 slices
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
▢ 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
▢ 1 tsp baking soda
▢ 1/2 tsp salt
▢ 1 tsp ground cinnamon
▢ 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
▢ 1/4 tsp ground ginger
▢ 1/8 tsp ground cloves
▢ 1 cup pumpkin puree
▢ 1/2 cup granulated sugar
▢ 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
▢ 2 large eggs, room temperature
▢ 1/2 cup vegetable oil
▢ 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
▢ 4 oz cream cheese, softened
▢ 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, softened
▢ 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
▢ 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spatula just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the bread tender.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important that the bread is fully cool before you attempt to frost it, otherwise the frosting will melt.
- While the bread is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, beating on low speed until just combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Once the pumpkin bread is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Ideal served sliced as a delightful breakfast treat, an afternoon snack with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as a simple yet elegant dessert to share with loved ones.
Recipe Notes:
- Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. If you have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can substitute about 2 teaspoons of it for the individual spices listed.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs for the bread, and softened cream cheese and butter for the frosting, will result in a smoother batter and creamier frosting.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tougher bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Cooling is Key: The bread must be completely cool before frosting. If it’s even slightly warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and become runny.
- Frosting Consistency: If your frosting seems too thin, add a little more sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a tiny splash of milk or cream (1/2 teaspoon at a time).
- Storage: Store leftover frosted pumpkin bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days due to the cream cheese frosting. It’s delicious chilled or brought to room temperature before serving.
- Optional Add-Ins: For extra texture and flavor, consider folding 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts, or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
This Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. With its perfect balance of warm spices, tender crumb, and velvety, tangy frosting, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the ultimate way to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. Whip up a loaf today and fill your home (and your belly) with pure, spiced happiness!
