This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is the perfect treat for fall, combining rich pumpkin flavor with warm spices. It’s not just a delightful dessert but also a wonderful breakfast option or an afternoon snack. With its moist texture and sweet cream cheese glaze, this pumpkin bread is an irresistible addition to your seasonal baking repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply want to indulge yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of spices and pumpkin creates a comforting taste that embodies the essence of fall.
- Moist Texture: This pumpkin bread is incredibly moist, ensuring every bite is soft and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can succeed.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it as breakfast, a dessert, or a sweet snack any time of day.
- Creamy Frosting: The tangy cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the spiced loaf, adding an extra layer of deliciousness.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan (9×5)
- Electric mixer (optional)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without spills.
- Loaf pan: A 9×5 inch pan provides the perfect shape for baking the bread evenly.
Ingredients
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe features a blend of basic pantry staples and seasonal flavors that come together beautifully.
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
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pumpkin bread bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom, and salt.
Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another mixing bowl:
Add canola oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract.
Beat together until smooth using either a whisk or an electric mixer.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture:
Stir gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; lumps are okay.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan:
Spread it evenly in the pan.
Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Loaf
Allow your pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl:
Beat softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy.
Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar gradually while beating until smooth. Adjust consistency with milk if necessary.
Step 8: Frost Your Pumpkin Bread
Once cooled:
Spread cream cheese frosting generously on top of your pumpkin bread.
Now enjoy this delightful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! Perfect for sharing with friends or simply treating yourself!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
For Breakfast
- With Coffee: Pair slices of pumpkin bread with a hot cup of coffee for a perfect start to your day.
- Yogurt Topping: Add a dollop of yogurt on the side for a creamy contrast to the sweet bread.
As a Snack
- Nutty Sprinkle: Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Fruit Slices: Serve alongside fresh fruit like apples or pears for a refreshing balance.
For Dessert
- A La Mode: Serve warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Drizzle whipped cream over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
How to Perfect Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
To ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices can elevate the flavor profile of your pumpkin bread significantly.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurements will guarantee the right texture and taste. Use kitchen scales if possible.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep the bread moist and tender; overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Check Doneness Early: Start checking your bread 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Cool Completely Before Frosting: Ensure the bread is completely cool before adding cream cheese frosting; this prevents melting and sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Pumpkin bread pairs well with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:
- Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea enhance the warm spices in the pumpkin bread.
- Apple Cider: This seasonal drink adds a sweet, tangy contrast that works beautifully with pumpkin flavors.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory balance to the sweet loaf.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce adds brightness and complements the sweetness of the frosting.
- Salad Greens: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette provides freshness that offsets richness.
- Granola Parfait: Layer granola, yogurt, and fruit for a crunchy and creamy side that contrasts nicely with pumpkin bread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold eggs or cream cheese can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create dense bread. Stir until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Not measuring flour correctly: Spoon-and-level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can dry out the bread.
Skipping the spice blend: Each spice adds essential flavor to your pumpkin bread. Don’t skip or substitute spices unless necessary; they are key to achieving that cozy fall taste.
Underbaking or overbaking: Use a toothpick test to check for doneness. Remove the bread when it comes out clean, but be cautious not to overbake, as this will dry it out.
Forgetting about storage: Properly store your pumpkin bread to maintain moisture and flavor. Use airtight containers and consider freezing any leftovers if not consumed within a few days.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- You can freeze for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm wrapped slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through, usually around 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree! Just ensure it’s properly cooked and blended until smooth before adding it to the recipe.
How do I make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup.
What other frostings can I use?
You can experiment with other frostings like chocolate ganache or vanilla buttercream for different flavors if you want variety.
How do I know when my pumpkin bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked!
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Its moist texture combined with sweet cream cheese frosting makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor!
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. This moist, spiced loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful afternoon snack. Its rich pumpkin flavor is complemented by a velvety cream cheese frosting, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe is a must-have in your seasonal baking collection. Simple to prepare and bursting with flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup canola oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1¼ cup canned pumpkin puree
- 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In one bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and spices. In another bowl, mix oil, sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined; pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter; gradually add powdered sugar and adjust with milk as needed.
- Once cooled, frost the bread generously.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
