Moist, spiced, and crowned with a cloud of tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting, Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is my ultimate fall baking treat. It’s the kind of loaf that fills your kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, promising a slice of cozy comfort in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself during pumpkin season or looking for a dessert to impress at gatherings, this bread delivers gorgeous color, tender crumb, and an irresistible frosting finish. One taste, and you’ll see why I bake this on repeat—there’s just no resisting a generous slice!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is just how humble and straightforward the ingredient list really is—each item works a little magic, bringing out the earthy pumpkin, the dreamy softness, and that perfect balance of sweet and spice. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why it matters.

Pumpkin puree: The heart and soul of this bread, pumpkin puree provides the brilliant orange color and unbeatable moistness. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
All-purpose flour: It gives the bread structure and ensures a soft, tender crumb without being too dense.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and helps the outer crust caramelize to golden perfection.
Brown sugar: Brown sugar deepens the flavor, adding just a hint of molasses richness that pairs so well with pumpkin.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add plenty of moisture, making sure the loaf is anything but dry.
Vegetable oil: Oil keeps the bread extra soft—it’s one of my secret weapons for a moist pumpkin loaf that stays tender for days.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and aroma that makes the pumpkin and spices shine.
Baking powder and baking soda: These two leaveners work together to give the bread its perfect rise and light crumb.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These classic autumn spices create that unmistakable pumpkin spice flavor everyone craves.
Salt: A little salt sharpens the flavors and balances the sweetness every time.
Cream cheese: The creamy base of the frosting; its mild tang is exactly what pumpkin bread needs.
Powdered sugar: Powdery fine and silky, it sweetens the frosting without making it gritty.
Butter: For added richness and a smooth, spreadable frosting texture.
Milk: Just a splash helps loosen the frosting to the perfect consistency for swirling on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Gather Ingredients

Set the stage for baking success by greasing a standard loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper for easy release. Pre-measure all your ingredients and allow anything that needs to be at room temperature—like eggs and cream cheese—to warm up. This little prep step will make your mixing process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is totally smooth, glossy, and beautifully orange. This is where that classic pumpkin bread flavor starts coming together, filling the bowl with cozy scents and color.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first ensures your spices will be evenly distributed, avoiding any surprise bites of spice and guaranteeing even rising.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Pour the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture, gently folding just until everything is combined. Overmixing at this point can lead to a tough loaf, so keep your strokes light—you want everything incorporated, but a few streaks are okay.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Transfer the thick batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into a preheated oven (usually 350°F/175°C) and bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely so the frosting won’t melt.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the pumpkin bread cools, beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, a dash of vanilla, and a splash of milk until you have a thick, silky frosting. The texture should be soft enough to spread but sturdy enough to hold pretty swoops on top.

Step 7: Frost and Finish

Once your loaf is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Use the back of a spoon to create soft swoops and lines for a bakery-style flourish. At this point, your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is ready to impress—slice thick, and serve proudly.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, sprinkle the frosted loaf with a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, some chopped toasted pecans, or even a few pumpkin seeds for an extra seasonal touch. Each garnish offers a boost of color and texture that highlights all the best flavors in your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Side Dishes

This loaf is a delightful treat all on its own, but pairs beautifully with a hot mug of coffee, cozy chai tea, or even hot cocoa on chilly days. If you’re in the mood to go savory, a platter of sliced apples or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side makes for a surprisingly good contrast and added freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

I love to slice the bread into thick rectangles and arrange them on a rustic board, each piece carefully swirled with frosting and dusted with cinnamon. For brunch gatherings, cut the loaf into bite-sized cubes and serve as pumpkin bread “bites” alongside little cups of frosting for dipping—it’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The frosting locks in moisture, so each slice stays perfectly soft and flavorful—just remember to let the loaf come to room temperature before you enjoys seconds, as the frosting tastes best when it’s not too cold.

Freezing

For longer storage, this pumpkin bread freezes beautifully. I recommend slicing the loaf first, then wrapping each piece securely in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. This makes it easy to grab a slice whenever the craving strikes. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature, and it’ll taste freshly baked.

Reheating

If you’d like to take the chill off before serving, microwave each slice on low for 10–15 seconds—just enough to soften the bread without melting the frosting completely. You can also let it warm gently on the counter for 30 minutes; either way, the texture remains delightfully moist and the flavor just as comforting.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade puree gives the bread an even fresher flavor. Just make sure it’s thick, not watery—if your puree seems runny, blot it with paper towels before measuring to avoid a gummy loaf.

What’s the best way to prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

Grease your loaf pan well with butter or baking spray, or line it with parchment paper for effortless removal—if you use parchment, a little overhang makes lifting the loaf out a breeze.

Can I make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just double-check labels on your baking powder and other ingredients to ensure everything is truly gluten-free.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Fold in up to one cup of toasted pecans, walnuts, chocolate chips, or even dried cranberries right before baking to add your own signature twist to the classic Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting.

Should the bread be refrigerated because of the cream cheese frosting?

Yes, since the frosting contains dairy, store the frosted bread in the refrigerator. For the best flavor and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

Baking Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is one of those little kitchen joys that always results in big smiles. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a weekend treat, or just because you need a little extra coziness, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into a loaf that feels truly special. Take a slice, savor every bite, and share it proudly—it’s bound to become one of your favorites too!

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe