Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting: 7 Joyful Bites

oktober 6, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, there’s just something so heartwarming about the smell of pumpkin bread baking in the oven, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! The way the spices mingle with the rich pumpkin creates an aroma that instantly makes the whole house feel cozy and inviting. And when you top it off with that creamy, dreamy cream cheese frosting? Wow! It takes this classic treat to a whole new level of indulgence.

pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting - detail 1

Let me tell you, this recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for a fall gathering with friends. I was nervous, but as soon as everyone took that first bite, their faces lit up with joy! It was a hit, and ever since then, I’ve been known as the “pumpkin bread lady” among my circle. I love how it brings people together, whether it’s for a holiday celebration or just a cozy get-together over coffee. Trust me, this pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is not just a dessert; it’s a little slice of happiness that you can share with the ones you love!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. I promise it’s worth every ingredient!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract for frosting

Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable! And don’t hesitate to adjust the spices if you like a little extra warmth or sweetness. Happy baking!

How to Prepare Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making this pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting! I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Preparing the Pumpkin Bread

First things first, we need to mix our dry ingredients. In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This is where the magic begins! The spices will blend beautifully with the pumpkin later on, so be sure to get them well combined.

In another bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. I always get a little excited at this stage because that vibrant orange pumpkin and the sweet aromas are just so inviting! Now, here’s a little tip: when you’re ready to combine the wet and dry ingredients, do it gradually. Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients a little at a time, folding gently. This keeps everything light and fluffy—no one likes a dense loaf!

Baking the Bread

Once your batter is nice and mixed, it’s time to pour it into a greased loaf pan. I usually like to give the pan a good coat of non-stick spray or butter to ensure it comes out easily. Now, slide it into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and let it bake for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don’t rush this part! The smell wafting from the oven will be nearly unbearable, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bread is baking, let’s whip up that delicious cream cheese frosting! In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until they’re light and fluffy. Make sure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature; it makes mixing so much easier and gives a smoother texture. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is perfectly blended. This frosting is rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious!

Frosting the Pumpkin Bread

Once your pumpkin bread has cooled completely (this is super important—no one likes melting frosting!), it’s time to spread that luscious cream cheese frosting all over the top. I like to use a spatula for this, but you can also use a butter knife. Just start from the center and work your way out for an even spread. If you want to get a little fancy, you can create swirls or peaks in the frosting for a beautiful finish! And there you have it—your pumpkin bread is ready to shine!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re all set to make this delightful pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your baking adventure is a smashing success!

Adjust Spices to Your Liking: If you love a particular spice, don’t hesitate to amp it up! A little extra cinnamon or nutmeg can really enhance the flavor. Just remember, start small—you can always add more, but it’s tough to take it out once it’s in!
Check Your Baking Powder and Soda: Make sure your baking powder and soda are fresh! Old leavening agents can lead to a dense loaf. A quick test? Drop a bit of baking soda in vinegar. If it fizzes, it’s good to go!
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bread, and we want that lovely, soft texture!
Cool Completely Before Frosting: This is key! If you frost the bread while it’s still warm, the frosting will melt into a gooey mess. Patience is a virtue here, my friend!
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For both the bread and frosting, using ingredients at room temperature helps everything blend better. This is especially true for your cream cheese and butter for that frosting!
Experiment with Add-Ins: Want to switch things up? Feel free to add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries for an extra special touch. Just fold them in gently at the end!
Store Properly: If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and moist for days!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to baking the perfect pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting that everyone will rave about. Happy baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This pumpkin bread comes together in no time, perfect for those busy days when you want a homemade treat without the fuss!
Delightful Flavors: The combination of warm spices and rich pumpkin creates a cozy flavor profile that’s simply irresistible, especially when paired with creamy frosting.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy fall gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a simple afternoon snack with coffee, this recipe fits right in!
Make Ahead Friendly: You can easily bake this pumpkin bread ahead of time, and it tastes even better the next day! Just frost it when you’re ready to serve.
Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe after just one bite! It’s a guaranteed hit at parties and gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, or even adjust the spices to suit your taste!
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze slices for later enjoyment—perfect for those moments when you need a little sweet pick-me-up!

This pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is not just a recipe; it’s a warm embrace on a plate that brings happiness to every occasion. You’ll find yourself making it again and again!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to keep that delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting fresh and ready to enjoy! You’ll want to savor every last bite, so here’s how to store it properly.

First off, if you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare occurrence), make sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the bread moist and the frosting from getting too soft. It’ll stay tasty for about 4–5 days, but I guarantee it won’t last that long!

If you want to keep your pumpkin bread for even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Just slice the bread into individual pieces, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can pull out just what you need without defrosting the whole loaf. It’s perfect for those days when you need a quick sweet treat! You can freeze the bread for up to 2 months—just remember to label your bag with the date.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. If you want to warm it up a bit, pop it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get too hot! The frosting will soften again, and the bread will be nice and cozy—just like fresh from the oven!

So there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting whenever the craving strikes. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of things! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general idea of what to expect per slice of this delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting:

Calories: 250
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 200mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 20g
Protein: 3g

These tasty slices are a delightful treat, and while they do have some sugar and fat, they also pack in that comforting pumpkin goodness and spices that make every bite worth it! Enjoy responsibly, and remember, it’s all about balance!

FAQ Section

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just roast it, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. It’ll give your bread a lovely fresh flavor!

What if I don’t have vegetable oil?
No problem! You can substitute with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they all work wonderfully!

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s one that’s designed for baking to get the best results.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?
If you want to tone down the sweetness, try adding more cream cheese or a little bit of sour cream for tang. It balances the sweetness beautifully!

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?
Of course! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or even chocolate chips is a great way to customize your pumpkin bread. Just fold them in gently at the end to avoid overmixing.

How do I store the pumpkin bread?
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in slices wrapped in plastic wrap!

Can I make this recipe as muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Just pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 20–25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when a toothpick comes out clean!

What’s the best way to thaw frozen pumpkin bread?
The best way to thaw is to move it from the freezer to the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Just be patient, and it’ll be worth the wait!

Can I make this bread vegan?
Definitely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) and use a plant-based oil for the frosting. It’ll still be delicious!

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Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.