If you’re searching for the ultimate autumn treat, look no further than this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. Imagine the glorious aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen, a tender crumb bursting with pumpkin flavor, and a cool, creamy cloud of cream cheese frosting on top. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to bake on repeat all season long—it’s nostalgic, deeply satisfying, and an instant crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy breakfast or a show-stopping dessert.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe are beautifully straightforward, each one essential in building the lovely flavors and textures that make this loaf so memorable. High-quality pumpkin, bold spices, and that classic cream cheese finish come together for a perfect bite every time.

All purpose flour: Provides sturdy structure while keeping the bread light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Gives the loaf its lift, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon: Adds sweet warmth and intensifies that classic pumpkin spice aroma.
Ground ginger: A little zing that pairs perfectly with pumpkin for depth of flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a touch of nutty sweetness for a comforting, homey vibe.
Ground cloves: Brings boldness and spiciness to the blend—don’t skip it!
Ground cardamom: Slightly citrusy and floral, it brightens up the spice profile.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and drawing out all those wonderful flavors.
Canola oil: Keeps the loaf ultra-moist and tender, even days after baking.
Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with the soft crumb.
Light brown sugar: Deepens the flavor and enhances the moistness thanks to its molasses content.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and help with rise—room temperature is best for even mixing.
Canned pumpkin puree: The star of the show—make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!
Vanilla extract: Adds that subtle, sweet background that ties everything together.
Cream cheese: For the frosting; you want it soft for easy blending and luxurious smoothness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness to the frosting without overpowering the cream cheese flavor.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that silky texture.
Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting—go for the glaze you love.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 F (170 C). This ensures even baking from the get-go. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure there’s a bit of overhang on the long sides to help lift the bread out easily once it’s baked and cooled. A little prep here saves you from sticky disasters later.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, all your spices (that lovely mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom), plus salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices, promising every single bite is full of flavor and perfectly risen.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Grab another big bowl and combine the canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until well combined and velvety smooth—no lumps left behind. The mixture should look glossy and deeply orange—so inviting!

Step 4: Combine for the Perfect Batter

Now, gently fold the dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Whisk just until everything is fully combined and you have a rich, thick batter—overmixing will toughen the bread, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour. It should look like a cross between a cake and quick bread batter—dreamy!

Step 5: Pour, Swirl, and Prepare to Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. For that gorgeous split top you see in bakeries, run the tip of a butter or paring knife straight down the center of the batter—this creates a lovely crack as it bakes, giving your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe a classic look.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Begin checking at 55: insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s perfect! The scent alone will tell you when it’s close—warm, spicy, pure fall magic.

Step 7: Cooling Matters

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes—just enough for it to set. Use those handy parchment wings to lift it out onto a wire rack, then let it cool completely to room temperature. This helps the texture set and ensures your frosting won’t melt.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

To make that crave-worthy topping, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a bowl until fluffy and fully combined. Add vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and 1 tsp of milk, then beat until smooth and luscious. If you prefer a more pourable glaze, add more milk little by little.

Step 9: Frost, Slice, Enjoy!

Once your loaf is totally cool, slather or drizzle the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice thickly and savor your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe—absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, a dusting of cinnamon, or even some sparkling coarse sugar gives your bread a bit of crunch and added eye appeal. A little extra zest of orange or a few dried cranberries also make it pop at the table—so festive!

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a hot, frothy chai latte, your favorite coffee, or even a tall glass of cold milk for pure comfort. For brunch, a bowl of fresh berries or an autumn fruit salad pairs perfectly with slices of this pumpkin bread.

Creative Ways to Present

This loaf makes a stunning centerpiece on a rustic wooden board. For gatherings, cut into small squares and arrange on a tiered cake stand. Mini loaves or muffins using this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe also make delightful, giftable treats for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. The frosting likes to stay cool, and the bread remains moist and flavorful for up to 4 days. If stacking slices, separate with parchment to keep them neat.

Freezing

This bread freezes like a dream! For best results, slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw slices in the fridge or at room temperature when ready to enjoy. Wait to frost until after thawing for the prettiest presentation, or freeze frosted slices if you don’t mind a slightly softer topping.

Reheating

If you love your pumpkin bread slightly warm, pop an unfrosted slice into the microwave for 10-15 seconds or gently toast it. For frosted slices, let them come to room temperature or enjoy straight from the fridge—the flavors are even more pronounced when cool!

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Absolutely! Just make sure your puree is thick and not watery to ensure your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe bakes up perfectly without becoming soggy.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes. Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for all purpose flour. The recipe still produces a moist, delicious loaf that everyone can enjoy.

How sweet is this pumpkin bread?

This recipe strikes a lovely balance: it’s gently sweet from both sugars and the cream cheese frosting adds a tangy, velvety finish without overpowering the pumpkin and spice flavors.

What other spices can I try?

Feel free to experiment! Allspice is a great addition, and a touch of black pepper or even five spice gives a fun twist to the classic Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. They’re perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts or snacks with all the flavor and charm of the loaf version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy and irresistible, this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe belongs on your must-bake list. It fills your home with warmth and brings a special sweetness to any autumn day. Don’t wait for a holiday—treat yourself and your family to a batch soon!