This pumpkin bread is moist and full of spice, making it the perfect cozy treat. Topped with creamy cheese frosting, it’s like a hug in a slice!
Honestly, the frosting is my favorite part! I could eat it by the spoonful. 😂 Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour gives structure to the bread. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it for whole wheat flour, but keep in mind it may yield a denser bread.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and works great. You can also use homemade puree if you’re feeling adventurous, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid too much moisture.
Oil or Butter: I love using vegetable oil for its neutral flavor, but melted butter can add a wonderful richness. Feel free to replace with a light olive oil for a slightly different taste.
Spices: The spices really bring the pumpkin flavor to life. You can use a store-bought pumpkin pie spice mix instead for convenience. Just adjust the amount to your liking!
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a vegan option, use a plant-based cream cheese to make the frosting. It works surprisingly well!
How Can I Ensure My Bread Is Moist and Fluffy?
To make sure your pumpkin bread comes out moist and fluffy, pay close attention to mixing the batter. Here are a few tips:
- Combine dry and wet ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good—don’t wait for it to come out completely clean.
- Let it cool in the pan first to prevent it from getting soggy on the bottom. Once it’s cool enough to handle, transfer it to a wire rack.
Following these steps will help you get that perfect pumpkin bread texture. Enjoy your baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Pumpkin seeds or roasted pepitas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This pumpkin bread recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 55-65 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow another 15 minutes for cooling in the pan, then let it cool completely before frosting. In total, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish before enjoying your delicious bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, generously grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves). Use a whisk to blend everything together until evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil (or melted butter), eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until everything is well-mixed and smooth.
4. Bring It Together:
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough to combine everything without making the bread dense.
5. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with your spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean when ready.
6. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key—let it cool fully before frosting!
7. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the bread is cooling, prepare the creamy frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a mixing bowl until it’s smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
8. Frost and Garnish:
Once the pumpkin bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top with a spatula. If you like, sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or roasted pepitas on top for an extra crunch and a fun garnish!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your delicious pumpkin bread and serve it fresh! Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. If you have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
That’s it! You now have a delightful, spiced pumpkin bread topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any fall gathering or cozy afternoon snack!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and purée it until smooth. You’ll want to drain excess moisture from it to prevent your bread from becoming soggy.
What Can I Substitute for Eggs in This Recipe?
If you need an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens) for each egg.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Bread?
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well!
