Picture the warm aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen, as a golden loaf bakes to perfection.
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up.
As the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove meld together, they transform simple ingredients into a decadent autumn delight.
Let’s bring this cozy dessert to life and enjoy the delightful transformation from pantry staples to a sweet indulgence.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 cooling rack
- 1 electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (10 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all your ingredients and equipment.
- Mixing and Prepping (15 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and granulated sugar.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Baking (60 minutes)
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cooling (40 minutes)
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely for 30 minutes.
- Frosting Preparation (10 minutes)
- Beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Final Assembly (5 minutes)
- Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
This timeline includes time for reading the recipe, preparing ingredients, baking, cooling, and frosting, ensuring a smooth and efficient cooking experience.
Adjust as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and granulated sugar until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
Serving Tips
- Warm Beverage: Pair the pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy and comforting treat.
- Fruit Compote: Serve with a side of spiced apple or pear compote to enhance the autumn flavors.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra layer of creaminess and indulgence.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds over the frosting for added crunch and visual appeal.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle a little maple syrup on top for a sweet and rich touch that complements the spices in the bread.
Storage
Store pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
This keeps it moist and flavorful for several days.
Allow it to reach room temperature before serving.
Freezing
To freeze pumpkin bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use an airtight container.
Freeze without frosting for up to three months.
Thaw before applying frosting.
Reheating
When reheating pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, use a microwave at low power to prevent the frosting from melting excessively.
Alternatively, enjoy it at room temperature for ideal texture.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall.
The moist and flavorful pumpkin bread, paired with the rich and creamy frosting, creates a delectable treat that’s certain to impress.
Whether enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this pumpkin bread is versatile and delicious.
Remember to let the bread cool completely before frosting to achieve the best texture and presentation.
Storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator guarantees it stays fresh and moist for several days.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic American dessert with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil With Another Type of Oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with an equal amount of canola or coconut oil. Canola oil keeps it neutral, while coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness. Make certain the coconut oil is melted for easy mixing with the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use 1 1/2 cups of gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Verify it contains xanthan gum. This maintains the bread’s texture. Expect a slightly denser loaf but with vibrant pumpkin spice flavors.
What Can I Use as an Egg Substitute in This Recipe?
You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water. These alternatives maintain moisture and provide a subtle sweetness or nutty flavor, enhancing the recipe’s taste.
Can I Add Nuts or Chocolate Chips to the Pumpkin Bread Batter?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them in gently after combining dry and wet ingredients. They’ll add a delightful crunch or sweetness to your bread.
How Do I Make the Frosting Dairy-Free?
You can make the frosting dairy-free by using vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter. Confirm they’re softened for smooth mixing. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy. Expect a slightly tangy, sweet flavor.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Cooling rack
- 1 Electric mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease the loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the bread to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fluffy.
- Once the bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.