Pumpkin Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting: Easy

Pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is the epitome of fall baking. The warm spices, tender crumb, and decadent frosting make it impossible to resist.

As the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than baking this delicious treat at home. This easy pumpkin bread recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

What sets this pumpkin bread apart is the cream cheese frosting. It’s smooth, rich, and perfectly complements the spiced pumpkin flavor.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this homemade bread is sure to impress. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for beginner bakers.

By using ingredients like canned pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice, you can create a moist and flavorful loaf.

And when you top it with the creamy frosting, it turns this simple bread into a delightful dessert. If you’re looking for a festive and friendly way to embrace fall, this recipe is your answer.

Key Takeaways

• This is an easy and delicious homemade pumpkin bread recipe.
• The cream cheese frosting adds a decadent touch to the spiced pumpkin flavor.
• Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients Overview

Before starting on the pumpkin bread recipe with cream cheese frosting, it’s important to measure and prep all ingredients properly. This ensures the best outcome for your delicious bread with that irresistible frosting.

Measuring Ingredients

Measuring ingredients correctly is key.

For accurate measurements, I always use proper tools. For dry ingredients like flour and sugar, I use measuring cups and level off the top with a knife.

When measuring liquids such as milk, oil, or cream, I use a liquid measuring cup and check at eye level.

The right balance of pumpkin puree, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt is crucial.

For the cream cheese frosting, precise amounts of cream cheese, unsalted butter, and powdered sugar ensure a smooth, rich texture.

Prepping Ingredients For Use

Prepping makes assembly easier and faster.

First, I ensure the oven is preheated to 350°F and prepare the loaf pan. I like to line it with parchment paper and grease it lightly with nonstick spray or oil.

In separate bowls, I whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and spices like cinnamon.

For the wet ingredients, I beat eggs with white sugar and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. I then add pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and a splash of vanilla.

For the frosting, I let cream cheese and unsalted butter come to room temperature before beating them until creamy.

Then, I gradually add powdered sugar and a bit of heavy cream for the perfect consistency.

By prepping everything beforehand, assembly becomes smooth and stress-free.

Baking Process

The baking process for pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting requires attention to detail to ensure a moist and flavorful loaf. From mixing the ingredients to tips for achieving a perfect texture, following precise steps is essential.

Preparation of the Batter

First, I gather all the necessary ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the dry mix.

I whisk these together in a large bowl to distribute the spices evenly.

In a separate bowl, I blend the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, oil, and water to create a smooth mixture.

Once mixed, I make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the wet mixture in.

With a gentle hand, I fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the quick bread tough instead of having a moist crumb.

Then, I preheat my oven to 350°F and prepare my loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.

Tips for a Perfect Loaf

To achieve a perfect loaf, precise baking times are crucial.

I bake the pumpkin bread for about 60-70 minutes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

For a moist texture, avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause temperature fluctuations.

Allow the cooked loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cutting the bread while warm can result in crumbling, so patience is key.

When making cupcakes or a pumpkin muffin variation, adjust the cook time to about 20-25 minutes.

Adding a good amount of pumpkin pie spice or warm spices enhances the fall treat flavor.

The balance of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves should be just right to not overpower but perfectly complement the pumpkin.

Decorating and Serving

When it comes to serving pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, presentation matters. This section discusses how to apply the cream cheese frosting and some tips for making your loaf look appealing when served.

Applying the Frosting

First, let the pumpkin bread cool completely on a cooling rack to avoid melting the cream cheese frosting.

Once cooled, use a spatula to spread a generous layer of the frosting evenly over the top.

To ensure a smooth and even surface, start from the center and work your way outward.

For a more decorative look, use a piping bag with a star tip to apply the frosting in swirls or other patterns.

This not only adds visual appeal but also provides a delightful texture contrast.

If you want, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor and decoration.

If you’re serving the pumpkin bread at a gathering, slice it into even pieces for easy serving.

You can also add a streusel topping before baking for an extra crunch, which pairs wonderfully with the soft and moist pumpkin bread.

Whether it’s a fall favorite dessert or a treat for a special occasion, these small touches make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Making pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is a fun experience. Here, I address common questions related to the recipe and its variations.

What are the steps to make cream cheese frosting for pumpkin bread?

To make cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Gradually add powdered sugar and continue to beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Spread over cooled pumpkin bread for a delicious finish.

How can I make a healthier version of pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting?

To make a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Substitute some or all of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

For the frosting, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut down on powdered sugar.

Is there a pumpkin bread recipe that includes cinnamon in the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, you can add ground cinnamon to your cream cheese frosting to give it an extra layer of flavor.

Just mix a teaspoon or two of cinnamon into the frosting along with the powdered sugar. This adds a warm, spicy note that complements the pumpkin bread well.

What’s the easiest way to prepare icing for pumpkin bread?

The easiest way to prepare icing is to use an electric mixer.

Beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This method ensures your icing is lump-free and creamy.

Can nuts be added to pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the pumpkin bread batter. This adds a nice crunch and extra flavor to your bread. Just fold the nuts into the batter before baking.

How does adding Philadelphia cream cheese alter the flavor of pumpkin bread frosting?

Using Philadelphia cream cheese in your frosting gives it a rich and tangy flavor.

This cream cheese has a distinct taste that enhances the sweetness of the frosting and pairs perfectly with the spiced pumpkin bread.