Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful treat perfect for the fall season. It’s moist, flavorful, and has the warm spices you love in pumpkin dishes. The cream cheese frosting adds a rich, creamy touch that takes this bread to the next level. Whether you are baking for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, this recipe will surely please your taste buds.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 ⅓ cups sugar
- 1 ¼ cups canned unsweetened pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (as needed)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ degrees. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice.
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture and stir just until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, add the cream cheese and softened butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until fluffy and combined.
- Pour in the vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of milk. Mix until smooth. If needed, add more milk for a glaze-like consistency.
- Spread the cream cheese frosting on the completely cooled pumpkin bread. Slice and enjoy!
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
You can serve this delicious pumpkin bread as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack. It pairs well with coffee or tea. For an extra special touch, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips into the batter.
How to Store Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
To store leftover pumpkin bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best results, keep the frosting separate until you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture if desired.
- For a healthier version, you can substitute half of the oil with applesauce.
Variation
For a twist, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries to the batter. You can also experiment with different spices, like cardamom, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze pumpkin bread?
Yes, you can freeze pumpkin bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
2. Is it necessary to refrigerate pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting?
While it can be kept at room temperature for a short time, it’s best to refrigerate the bread with cream cheese frosting to keep it fresh.
3. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works great! Just ensure it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bread.