If you’re on the prowl for an irresistibly moist, warmly spiced treat that melts in your mouth, look no further than Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine classic pumpkin bread—tender and plush, brimming with autumnal flavors—topped with a creamy, tangy layer of luscious frosting. It’s the perfect marriage of comfort and indulgence, equally suited for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up with a hot cup of coffee. This recipe has become my go-to every time pumpkin season rolls around, and I promise, one slice will never be enough!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sometimes the most memorable bakes come from staple ingredients you already love—each one here pulls its weight in taste, texture, or gorgeous color. Gather these straightforward essentials and you’re already halfway to baking magic!

Pumpkin puree: For unmistakable pumpkin flavor and incredible moistness; be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
All-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure without making the loaf dense.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses, keeping everything extra moist.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with light, clean sweetness.
Eggs: Offer richness and help the bread rise nicely.
Unsalted butter: Melts right into the batter, amplifying tenderness and flavor.
Baking soda & baking powder: These twin leaveners ensure your bread bakes up tall and fluffy.
Pumpkin pie spice: The aromatic blend infuses every bite with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove.
Salt: A pinch sharpens every flavor and keeps things from tasting flat.
Cream cheese: The star of the frosting—expect a rich, tangy finish that pairs perfectly with sweet spice.
Powdered sugar: Dissolves easily in your frosting, making it dreamily smooth and just sweet enough.
Vanilla extract: Adds a mellow, sweet undertone to both the bread and the frosting.
Milk or cream (optional): A splash can help loosen the frosting to your desired consistency.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot when you’re ready. Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal and blissful clean-up.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. The mixture should be creamy, smooth, and already wafting delicious aromas.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, taking care not to overmix. This keeps your bread tender rather than tough.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The hardest part? Letting your kitchen fill with the scent of autumn while you patiently wait.

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool fully on a wire rack. Trust me, frosting the bread before it’s cool will lead to a melty mess (still delicious, though!).

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla until smooth and fluffy. Add a splash of milk or cream if you prefer a thinner, more spreadable frosting that glides across your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once the bread is completely cool, generously slather the frosting over the top. Slice thick pieces, serve, and prepare for happy sighs and empty plates all around.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

Dress up your bread with a shower of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts, a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds, or even a dash of extra pumpkin pie spice on the frosting. These touches add crunch, pop, and a hint of elegance—just right for the showstopper Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is meant to be.

Side Dishes

This rich, moist loaf is fabulous with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea. For brunch, pair it with sliced fresh fruit or a tart fruit salad to balance the sweetness. If you’re serving it as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a warm slice is absolutely divine.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the loaf thickly and arrange on a platter, with extra frosting on the side for dipping. You can also bake Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting as mini loaves or muffins for grab-and-go treats—perfect for gifting or parties. If you’re feeling fancy, layer thin slices with frosting in glass jars for a pumpkin “trifle” effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting and refrigerate, since the cream cheese frosting is perishable. Well wrapped, it keeps moist and delicious for up to five days—if it lasts that long! Bringing slices to room temperature before serving will restore that dreamy texture.

Freezing

If you’d like to make ahead or stash some for later, bake the bread and freeze it unfrosted, double-wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then frost just before serving. You can also freeze frosted slices individually, but you may lose a bit of the lovely texture in the frosting.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave returns cold Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting to its just-baked softness. About 10–15 seconds per slice works perfectly; you want it soft but not hot enough to melt the frosting. For an extra treat, try toasting a slice gently in a skillet and finishing with an extra dollop of frosting.

FAQs

Can I make this bread without the frosting?

Absolutely! The bread is delicious all on its own, packed with spice and moisture. That said, the cream cheese frosting gives it a bakery-worthy upgrade, so try it at least once if you can.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully as long as you drain any extra liquid. Too much moisture can make the bread soggy, so just pat your puree dry with paper towels if it looks watery.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese fast?

If you forget to leave it out, unwrap the cream cheese and microwave it in short bursts (5–10 seconds at a time) until just soft. Avoid melting it—you want it spreadable, not runny!

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. Watch your time: start checking at the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking, as larger loaves sometimes cook faster or slower depending on your oven.

Does this recipe work as muffins?

Yes! Simply fill lined muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake at the same temperature for 20–25 minutes. Once cool, pipe or spread the frosting on top for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting in adorable, personal-sized portions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in the mood for something cozy, uplifting, and just a little bit decadent, I wholeheartedly suggest giving Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting a spot on your baking list. It’s a seasonal classic for a reason—the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and creamy tang. Grab your loaf pan and let yourself fall in love with this delicious tradition!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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5.1 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a deliciously moist and flavorful fall treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves complement the sweet pumpkin perfectly. Topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting, this bread is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Bread:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup canned pumpkin puree

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla and pumpkin puree.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost: Once the bread has cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting over the top.
Serve: Slice and serve the pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!

Notes

This bread tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American