Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

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As the air turns crisp and leaves paint the landscape with hues of gold and red, the kitchen beckons with the promise of autumn delights. Amidst the season’s charm, there’s one recipe that encapsulates the spirit of fall in every bite: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. Picture moist pumpkin bread, kissed by cinnamon and pumpkin spice, crowned with a luscious blanket of cream cheese frosting. It’s an edible ode to cozy sweaters, pumpkin patches, and all things autumn.

Why You’ll Love this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

• Warm and Comforting Flavors: The combination of rich pumpkin, cozy spices, and creamy cream cheese frosting encapsulates the comforting flavors of fall, making every bite a delightful experience.
• Moist and Tender Texture: The pumpkin puree and careful balance of ingredients ensure a moist and tender crumb, resulting in a bread that’s both satisfyingly dense and irresistibly soft.
• Cream Cheese Frosting Bliss: The velvety cream cheese frosting adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that perfectly complements the pumpkin’s natural sweetness. It’s a harmonious pairing that elevates the bread to a dessert-worthy treat.
• Versatile Snacking: Enjoy a slice for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert. Its versatility allows you to savor its goodness any time of day.
• Easy Baking Adventure: The straightforward instructions and simple ingredients mean you don’t need to be a seasoned baker to whip up this impressive treat. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce baking to beginners.
• Fall Aromas in Your Kitchen: As this pumpkin bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spices and pumpkin, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 15oz can pure pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is fluffy and well incorporated.

Tips & Tricks

1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for good-quality pumpkin puree, fresh spices, and real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
2. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so use proper measuring techniques. Use dry measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for wet ingredients.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter, eggs, and dairy to come to room temperature before using. This promotes even mixing and better incorporation.
4. Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough or dense bread.
5. Properly Grease the Pan: Grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes for easy removal.
6. Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to check the center of the bread for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
7. Cool Before Frosting: Make sure the pumpkin bread is completely cooled before applying the cream cheese frosting. Warm bread can cause the frosting to melt.
8. Frosting Consistency: If your cream cheese frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or cream.
9. Even Frosting: When spreading the cream cheese frosting, use a spatula to ensure an even layer across the top of the bread.
10. Allow Time to Set: After frosting, allow the bread to sit for a bit to allow the frosting to set slightly before slicing.
11. Storage: Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If keeping longer, consider refrigerating it.
12. Enhance Flavor: Allow the flavors to meld by covering and storing the pumpkin bread for a day before serving.
13. Experiment with Add-Ins: While the base recipe is delicious, you can customize it with add-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits.
14. Serve and Enjoy: This pumpkin bread is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Slice it up and savor every bite!

Remember, baking is a creative process, so feel free to adapt these tips to suit your preferences. With a little love and attention to detail, your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting will be a delightful autumn treat!

Storage and Serving:

• To maintain freshness, store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, refrigerate it for up to a week.
• Before serving, allow refrigerated pumpkin bread to come to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?

Yes, you can! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe, as pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugars that may affect the outcome.

Can I add raisins, cranberries, or other mix-ins to the bread?

Certainly! Feel free to fold in your favorite mix-ins, such as dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips, to enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this recipe?

Absolutely! Adjust the baking time accordingly. Mini loaves may take around 25-30 minutes, and muffins may take 15-20 minutes, but always use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Allow it to soften slightly before spreading on the cooled pumpkin bread.

More Pumpkin Recipes on the Blog

• Easy Banana Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats
• Healthy Pumpkin Coffee Cake
• Paleo Pumpkin Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting
• Vegan Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies