Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Cozy Delights

April 2, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! Every time I bake this, it feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through my kitchen is simply divine. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting with leftover pumpkin puree, and now it’s become a staple in my home. The bread itself is incredibly moist, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, while the creamy frosting adds that extra touch of indulgence. Trust me, once you slice into this golden loaf, you’ll be met with a soft, tender crumb and a flavor that’s just bursting with autumn vibes. It’s perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea. You’ve got to try it!

pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting - detail 1

Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s gather everything we need to make this delightful pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! You’ll want to have these ingredients on hand:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This gives the bread structure and that lovely crumb.
1 cup pumpkin puree – The star of the show! It keeps the bread moist and adds that rich pumpkin flavor.
1 cup sugar – For just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices.
1/2 cup vegetable oil – This keeps the bread soft and tender, trust me, it makes a difference!
2 large eggs – These help bind everything together and give the bread a wonderful rise.
1 teaspoon baking soda – This is essential for leavening, making the bread nice and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Just a little extra lift to ensure that perfect texture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds that warm, cozy flavor we all love in pumpkin recipes.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – A pinch of this spice elevates the bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the other flavors; don’t skip this!
4 oz cream cheese – This will make our frosting creamy and rich.
1/4 cup butter – Adds extra richness to the frosting.
2 cups powdered sugar – For that sweet, smooth frosting texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Just a splash to bring all the flavors together in the frosting.

Once you have all these ingredients, you’re ready to create something truly special! Let’s get baking!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s dive into the steps for making this dreamy pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! I promise, it’s easier than you might think, and the end result is absolutely worth every minute spent. Here’s how to do it!

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a loaf that doesn’t rise properly!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, grab your whisk and combine 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re well blended. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the baking soda and spices throughout your bread, which makes for a better flavor and texture!

Combine the Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients! Combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 large eggs. I like to use a hand mixer for this part, but a whisk works too! You’ll want to beat these together until it’s nice and smooth—this helps to fully incorporate the eggs and creates a lovely, silky mixture.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Next up, we’re going to gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour the dry mix into the bowl with your pumpkin mixture. Now, here’s the key: mix just until combined! You don’t want to over-mix, or your bread can become tough. A few lumps are perfectly okay; we’re going for a tender crumb!

Bake the Pumpkin Bread

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, making sure to spread it evenly. Now, it’s time to bake! Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 60 minutes. But don’t forget to do the toothpick test! About 5 minutes before the hour is up, stick a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it’s done! If not, give it a few more minutes.

Cool the Bread

Once your pumpkin bread is baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is super important because it allows the bread to set properly, making it easier to frost later without the frosting melting off.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While your bread is cooling, let’s whip up that luscious cream cheese frosting! In a bowl, beat together 4 oz of cream cheese and 1/4 cup of butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add in 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until you’ve got a fluffy, spreadable frosting. It should be smooth and not too runny—just the right consistency to spread on your bread!

Frost the Pumpkin Bread

When your bread is entirely cool, it’s time to frost! Take a butter knife or an offset spatula and spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the loaf. Don’t be shy with it! The more frosting, the better, in my opinion. You can even sprinkle some nuts on top for an extra crunch if you like!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

This bread is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation! It’s perfect for a cozy fall day or a sweet indulgence any time of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, perfect for busy days!
The moist pumpkin bread is bursting with warm, comforting flavors that scream fall.
The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful richness that takes it to the next level.
It’s a great way to use up leftover pumpkin puree, so no waste!
This bread makes a fantastic gift for friends and family—everyone will rave about it!
It’s versatile; enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert.
The aroma while it bakes will have everyone in your home feeling cozy and craving a slice!

Tips for Success

To make sure your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting turns out absolutely perfect, here are some pro tips I swear by:

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend together smoothly, resulting in a better texture for your bread and frosting.
Don’t over-mix: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no more flour. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that! A few lumps are totally fine.
Check your spices: Fresh spices make a world of difference! If your cinnamon and nutmeg have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them for a more vibrant flavor.
Cool completely: Allow your bread to cool completely before frosting. If it’s even slightly warm, the frosting can melt and slide right off, which is a delicious disaster you want to avoid!
Storage tips: If you’re making this ahead of time, store the unfrosted bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer. Frost it just before serving for that fresh taste!
Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Add in some chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for extra flavor and texture. Just keep an eye on the moisture level if you add too much!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to bake an incredible pumpkin bread that’s sure to impress!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, let’s talk about how to enjoy it to the fullest! This bread is so versatile, it can be paired with a variety of drinks and sides that will enhance your experience.

Freshly Brewed Coffee: There’s just something magical about the combination of pumpkin bread and a hot cup of coffee. The warm, nutty flavors of the coffee balance beautifully with the sweetness of the bread.
Spiced Chai Tea: If you’re in the mood for something cozy, a cup of spiced chai tea complements the warm spices in the bread perfectly. It’s like a hug in a cup!
Apple Cider: For a seasonal touch, serve your pumpkin bread with warm apple cider. The sweet and tangy notes of the cider pair wonderfully with the rich pumpkin flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Want to take it up a notch? Serve a slice of pumpkin bread warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creaminess of the ice cream melting into the bread is pure bliss!
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side elevates your serving, adding a lovely lightness that balances the richness of the frosting.

These pairings will surely make your pumpkin bread experience even more delightful! Enjoy it with friends and family, or savor a slice all to yourself with your favorite drink. You deserve it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you have this scrumptious pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, you might be wondering how to store it to keep it fresh and delicious! Here’s what I do:

Storing Leftovers: Once your bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but trust me, it’s usually gone much faster than that!
Freezing: If you want to save some for later (and I highly recommend it!), you can freeze your pumpkin bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating: If you prefer your pumpkin bread warm, you can easily reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a bit tough! Alternatively, you can place a slice in a toaster oven or standard oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. It warms up beautifully and brings back that fresh-baked taste!

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this delightful treat anytime you crave it! Happy baking!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.