Indulge in the warm, cozy flavors of fall with this irresistibly moist pumpkin bread topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or an afternoon coffee companion, this recipe blends the comforting spice of pumpkin with the tangy sweetness of a rich, creamy topping.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Incredibly Moist – Thanks to pumpkin puree and just the right balance of fat and sugar.
- Spiced to Perfection – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring autumn straight to your kitchen.
- Show-Stopping Frosting – Velvety cream cheese frosting that’s sweet, tangy, and absolutely addictive.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, snack, dessert, or gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Make the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Add pumpkin puree and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just blended—do not overmix.
4. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the Frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth and fluffy.
6. Frost & Serve
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled pumpkin bread. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Don’t Skip Cooling – Frosting a warm loaf will make the icing melt.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients – This ensures a smooth batter and lump-free frosting.
- Double the Recipe – This bread freezes beautifully (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.
Storage
Store pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For best flavor, bring slices to room temperature before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
The moisture from pumpkin puree combined with oil keeps the crumb tender, while warm spices create that nostalgic fall flavor. The cream cheese frosting takes it from everyday loaf to bakery-level indulgence.
More Pumpkin Recipes to Try
- Pumpkin Streusel Bread – Crunchy topping meets soft, spiced loaf.
- Pumpkin Pie Bars – A shortcut to pumpkin pie goodness.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins – Swirls of cream cheese in every bite.
This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting isn’t just dessert—it’s fall, wrapped in a slice. Bake it for your next cozy gathering, and watch it disappear.