Welcome to your new favorite fall treat: Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! This moist, sweet bread pairs perfectly with a rich, velvety frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, this recipe is simple and rewarding. With easy ingredients and clear steps, you’ll be slicing into a warm loaf that fills your kitchen with cozy scents. Let’s dive into the delightful world of pumpkin bread!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ¼ teaspoon salt
To start, gather your dry ingredients. The all-purpose flour provides the base for your bread. Baking soda and baking powder help it rise. Ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger add warmth and flavor. Salt enhances all the tastes to make it sing.
Wet Ingredients
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Next, you’ll need the wet ingredients. Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. Granulated sugar sweetens it just right. Pumpkin puree gives it that lovely fall flavor. Eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla extract adds depth.
Optional Add-Ins
– ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
If you want some crunch, add in chopped walnuts or pecans. They pair well with the pumpkin flavor and add a nice texture.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Now, let’s talk about the cream cheese frosting. You’ll need softened cream cheese and unsalted butter for a smooth base. Powdered sugar sweetens it up, while vanilla extract gives it a rich taste. Milk helps you get the perfect spreadable consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Loaf Pan
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the bread bake evenly. Next, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or oil. This prevents the bread from sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well. This blend gives your bread its warm spice flavor.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Now, in a large bowl, mix ½ cup of vegetable oil with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until smooth. Next, add 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 3 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat this mixture well until it looks creamy and combined.
Creating the Batter
Slowly add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mix. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the batter has a few lumps. If you want, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans at this point. This adds a nice crunch.
Baking the Pumpkin Bread
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the bread cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat 4 oz of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup of softened butter until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of powdered sugar, mixing as you go. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. If your frosting is too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Applying Frosting and Serving
Once the pumpkin bread has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting generously on top. Slice the bread and serve, enjoying this delightful treat.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Texture
To make your pumpkin bread moist, avoid overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can make the bread tough. So, keep it light and fluffy.
Adjusting Sweetness
Balancing sugar levels is key for great taste. If you want less sweetness, cut back on the sugar by ¼ cup. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Just remember to adjust the wet ingredients to keep the right texture.
Flavor Enhancements
To amp up the flavor, add other spices. Consider using allspice or cloves for a warm kick. You can also mix in a splash of orange zest or almond extract for unique notes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with flavors that you love!
Variations
Vegan Pumpkin Bread
To make a vegan version of pumpkin bread, you can easily swap some ingredients. Replace the eggs with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for each egg. Use 1/2 cup of coconut oil or any neutral oil instead of vegetable oil. You can also use almond, soy, or oat milk in place of regular milk in the frosting. For the cream cheese frosting, try using vegan cream cheese. You’ll still get that rich flavor and moist texture everyone loves.
Gluten-Free Option
If you want a gluten-free pumpkin bread, you can use a blend of gluten-free flours. Almond flour or coconut flour works well. You can also use a store-bought gluten-free flour mix. To help the bread hold together, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds mixed with water for each egg in the recipe. This will help bind the ingredients without gluten.
Flavor Combinations
You can get creative with flavors in your pumpkin bread. Adding chocolate chips gives it a sweet twist. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a rich taste. If you prefer dried fruits, try adding raisins or cranberries. They add a nice chewiness and a burst of sweetness. You can even mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. These additions make the bread even more delightful!
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, let it cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the bread moist and tasty. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. Just remember, the bread may get a bit dry.
Long-Term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or wrap it in aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. Pumpkin bread can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
How to Reheat
To reheat your pumpkin bread, slice it first. Place the slices on a microwave-safe plate. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. If you want it warm and moist, cover the plate with a damp paper towel. For a crispier texture, you can toast the slices in a toaster or oven. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your bread like it’s fresh from the oven!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Fresh pumpkin gives a vibrant flavor. Canned pumpkin is often more convenient. It also has a smooth texture and consistent taste. If you use fresh, cook and puree it first. This ensures your bread stays moist.
How can I tell when the pumpkin bread is done?
Look at the top of the bread. It should be golden brown. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. The edges will also pull away from the pan slightly. A slight spring back when you touch it is a good sign.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can! Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas. Each substitute works well in this recipe. You can also use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes before using.
What can I serve with pumpkin bread?
You can serve this bread warm or cold. Spread some butter or additional cream cheese frosting on top. It also pairs well with coffee or tea. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. Slices go well with walnuts or pecans on the side.
This blog post covered how to make the best pumpkin bread. We talked about the key ingredients, mixing steps, and tips to perfect your loaf. I shared ideas for variations, like vegan options, and how to store your bread. Remember to avoid overmixing for a moist texture. Now you’re ready to bake delicious pumpkin bread at home. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and share your results with friends. This recipe can bring joy to any meal. Happy baking!
