Name: Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (at room temperature); 4 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 cup canned pumpkin puree; 4 ounces cream cheese; 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans (optional garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 51 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, irresistibly flavorful treat that embodies autumn in every bite, then you’re going to love this Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. It’s a perfect balance of warm spices, moist pumpkin bread, and that luscious cream cheese frosting that adds just the right touch of sweetness and tang. Whether you’re serving this for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite for chilly days and festive gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A slice of pumpkin cake sits on a white plate, showing two layers: the top layer is a moist orange-brown cake with a spongy texture, and the middle layer is thick white cream studded with pecan pieces, some cream and pecans spilling slightly over the edge. A copper spoon with cake and cream rests next to the slice, with crumbs scattered around the plate. The background shows blurred white plates with similar cake slices on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture, spice blend, and creamy frosting that make this Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe so unforgettable. From the fragrant spices to the moist pumpkin and smooth cream cheese, every component adds a layer of deliciousness.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the bread its structure and tender crumb.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic pumpkin spice flavor.
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a subtle zing and depth to the spice mix.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Enhances the overall aromatic profile.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way to add richness and complexity.
3/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for perfect lift.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the spices.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature): Provides moisture and richness to the batter.
4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature): Incorporated into the batter for extra moistness and tang.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while keeping it light.
1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brightens flavors and rounds out the sweetness beautifully.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to richness.
1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that lends moisture, color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
4 ounces cream cheese: For the frosting, creamy and smooth.
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar: Sweetens the frosting and gives it that silky texture.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the frosting’s flavor without overpowering.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spicy note to the frosting.
1/4 cup toasted chopped pecans: Optional garnish for a nutty crunch on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly coat a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray. This little prep step ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these ingredients now helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the bread, giving every bite that perfect pumpkin spice flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Cream Cheese, and Sugars

Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it traps air, making your bread tender and soft. Then beat in the vanilla extract for added warmth.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, beating each in fully before adding the next. This gradual process ensures the mixture stays well emulsified, contributing to a smooth batter and consistent texture.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Pumpkin

With your mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and pumpkin puree in three parts, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix just until everything is combined—overmixing can make your bread dense, and we want it perfectly moist with a tender crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a tester inserted in the center comes out clean. After baking, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the bread cools, beat the cream cheese in a clean bowl on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Slowly add the confectioners’ sugar with the mixer on low to avoid a sugar cloud, then add vanilla extract and cinnamon. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and creamy — absolutely perfect for spreading.

Step 8: Frost and Garnish

Once the bread is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top using a small offset spatula. Sprinkle toasted chopped pecans over the frosting, if desired, for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

A loaf of pumpkin bread is shown sliced on a piece of brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface. The bread has two main layers: the bottom layer is a thick, moist pumpkin bread with a rich brown color and a slightly rough texture with small air holes visible, and the top layer is a thick, creamy white frosting spread evenly across the loaf. The frosting is topped with scattered pieces of pecans, adding texture and a warm brown color contrast. The overall appearance is homey and inviting, with a close-up view focusing on the end slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Aside from the toasted pecans, you can get creative with toppings. A dusting of ground cinnamon or a few whole pecans add a beautiful finishing touch and hint at the flavors inside. Even a drizzle of maple syrup can make this bread feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin spice bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai latte, or even a fresh cup of apple cider. For a fuller breakfast spread, serve alongside scrambled eggs or fresh fruit to balance the rich, sweet flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and serving it with a pat of butter alongside a dollop of whipped cream for dessert style. You might also cut it into cubes and serve as part of a brunch buffet, letting guests scoop frosting and toppings as they please. It’s versatile enough to fit any occasion or time of day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your slice, wrap any leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled, and this keeps your bread moist and flavorful for up to 4 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted pumpkin spice bread (wrapped well in plastic and foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving to maintain that fresh-baked texture.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them lightly to revive that soft, freshly baked feel. If frozen with frosting, warm carefully to avoid melting the cream cheese too much.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and puree the pumpkin first until smooth. Homemade pumpkin puree tends to be a bit more watery, so you might want to strain any excess liquid for best results.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to mimic the texture that gluten provides.

Can I skip the cream cheese in the batter and only use it for frosting?

You can, but the cream cheese in the batter adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor and texture. Omitting it might result in a slightly drier loaf.

How spicy is this pumpkin spice bread?

The spices are balanced and not overpowering—just the right amount to give you that warm, comforting spice flavor without any heat. You can always adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to suit your taste.

What’s the best way to toast pecans for garnish?

Simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pecans, and toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. This intensifies their nuttiness and adds a delightful crunch to your bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like a slice of homemade Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe to brighten your day and bring that cozy feeling right into your kitchen. This recipe is a delicious way to welcome the flavors of fall or any time you want a comforting, sweet treat. Trust me, once you give it a try, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites worth sharing again and again.