Name: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten free flour, 284g/10oz); 2 teaspoons baking powder (9.6g); ½ teaspoon baking soda (3g); ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (2.8g); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (2.3g); 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice (5g); 1 cup pumpkin puree (244g); 1 cup brown sugar (200g) or coconut sugar, cane sugar, or other granulated sugar; ⅓ cup oil (80g, melted); ½ cup + 2 tablespoons vegan milk (150mL); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2.7 ounces vegan cream cheese (room temperature, 75.67g); 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons vegan butter sticks; ⅓ teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla paste; 1 pinch sea salt; 1 to 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar, sifted (120g for 1 cup, 160g for 1 ⅓ cups); 2 tablespoons + 1 teaspoon cornstarch, sifted (10.67g)

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

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If you’re craving the sweet, comforting flavors of fall in every bite, then you absolutely have to try this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a luscious loaf bursting with warm spices and moist pumpkin goodness, perfectly topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just want a slice of autumn magic anytime, this recipe captures all the best parts of pumpkin everything in one unforgettable treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view shows several small white bowls and clear glass containers neatly arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different baking ingredients. There is a large white bowl filled with white all-purpose or gluten-free flour, a small white bowl with fine sea salt, and another white bowl holding a light yellow oil. Nearby, a small silver container is filled with bright orange pumpkin puree. A white bowl contains white powdered sugar, and next to it, a white container with creamy white vegan cream cheese. Other items include a glass with a beige vegan milk, a white bowl with golden brown sugar, a small white bowl with light yellow vegan butter sticks, and a white bowl with a mix of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice in brown tones. Additionally, there are small containers with white baking soda, white cornstarch, and white baking powder. A tiny white round bowl contains dark brown vanilla extract. Everything is neatly placed, creating a clean, organized look with soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe uses wonderfully simple ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, flavor, and color. From the tender crumb of the bread to the creamy frosting on top, every component is essential.

All-purpose flour (2 ⅓ cups): Provides the structure and soft crumb; you can also use gluten-free flour if needed.
Baking powder (2 tsp) and baking soda (½ tsp): These leavening agents help your bread rise perfectly fluffy and light.
Fine sea salt (½ tsp): Balances all the sweet and spicy flavors.
Cinnamon (1 tsp) and pumpkin pie spice (2 tsp): Bring that classic pumpkin-spice aroma and cozy warmth.
Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star of the show, giving the bread its moist texture and beautiful orange hue.
Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds natural sweetness and a slight caramel depth; can substitute with coconut or cane sugar.
Oil (⅓ cup, melted): Keeps the bread tender and moist with a lovely richness.
Vegan milk (½ cup + 2 tbsp): Ensures the batter is perfectly balanced and dairy-free friendly.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp + ⅓ tsp): Elevates the sweet, warm flavors throughout both the bread and frosting.
Vegan cream cheese (2.7 oz): The base for a dreamy, smooth cream cheese frosting.
Vegan butter sticks (2 tbsp + 2 tsp): Adds richness and helps create that fluffy frosting texture.
Powdered sugar (1–1 ⅓ cups, sifted): Sweetens and thickens the frosting to perfection.
Cornstarch (2 tbsp + 1 tsp, sifted): Keeps the frosting stable and silky smooth.
A pinch of sea salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness in the frosting.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Greasing and lining a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper is key – this simple step ensures your pumpkin bread releases effortlessly once baked.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. This ensures there won’t be any lumps and that all the spices are evenly distributed, which is crucial for that consistent warm flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Using a stand mixer or a whisk, blend the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and melted oil until partially combined. Adding the vegan milk and vanilla extract next helps create a smooth batter base that will transform into moist bread.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture one cup at a time. Mix on medium to low speed and scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly to ensure everything is combined without overworking the batter. A thick consistency here is exactly what you want!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the pumpkin bread cool completely before frosting to get those perfect slices without any mess.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a clean bowl, beat the vegan cream cheese and butter sticks together until smooth and fully incorporated. Add the vanilla and the pinch of salt. Slowly sift in the powdered sugar and cornstarch, mixing continuously until you reach your desired frosting thickness. For best results, chill the frosting in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight—it thickens up beautifully for spreading.

Step 7: Frost and Enjoy

Once your pumpkin bread is completely cooled, spread the luscious cream cheese frosting generously on top. Slice up, serve, and prepare yourself for compliments — this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is truly irresistible.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A metal bread pan lined with white parchment paper holds two layers of orange-brown batter that look thick and smooth, with swirled textures on the top layer. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface that adds a clean and bright background to the scene. The batter fills most of the pan, showing a soft and creamy consistency ready for baking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of crushed pecans, a dash of cinnamon, or even a few pumpkin seeds on top of the frosting for an extra layer of texture and visual appeal. These simple touches make your pumpkin bread look even more inviting and festive.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy latte. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt to brighten the flavors and keep things balanced on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress? Turn your pumpkin bread slices into delightful mini sandwiches by spreading extra cream cheese frosting between two slices. Or cut the loaf into cubes, skewer them, and serve as fun little pumpkin bread bites at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled and frosted, store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Beyond that, refrigerating helps preserve freshness for up to a week without drying it out.

Freezing

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the unfrosted loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge, then add the frosting fresh for best results.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven at low heat. This revives the soft crumb and slightly melts the frosting, delivering that fresh-baked feeling all over again.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and makes this recipe very convenient, just be sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which is sweetened.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this version uses vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, and plant-based milk, making it entirely plant-friendly without compromising on flavor.

Can I substitute the pumpkin pie spice?

Definitely. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger will do the trick and create that familiar autumnal flavor.

How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is done baking.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Yes! The cream cheese frosting actually tastes better after chilling overnight, as it thickens and the flavors meld. Just bring it to room temperature before spreading for easier application.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is one of those heartwarming treats that never fails to bring joy and cozy vibes whenever it’s on the table. It’s easy to make, beautifully spiced, and topped with frosting that feels like a hug in every bite. I truly hope you give it a try soon and make it part of your seasonal favorites—you’re going to love every slice!

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