Pumpkin bread with cream cheese

By Adeline

Published on July 20, 2025

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your kitchen. This amazing pumpkin bread with cream cheese is truly a dream. It offers a perfect blend of moist texture and rich, autumnal spice.

I often bake this loaf on a quiet Saturday morning. It’s also perfect for a cozy afternoon treat with a cup of tea. Everyone just raves about the creamy frosting, too.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart! It’s so forgiving. The flavor is just amazing. Plus, it comes together quickly. It is perfect for busy weeknights, too. Everyone loves the moist pumpkin bread with cream cheese. It truly impresses guests. It is comforting on a chilly day. What’s not to love?

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is half the fun! Each one plays a vital role in creating that perfect, cozy slice. It really is a simple list for big flavor impact.

All-purpose flour: This forms the lovely structure of our bread.
Granulated and dark brown sugar: These sweeten our loaf. They also add moisture and a richer, molasses-y depth.
Pumpkin pie spice: This warming blend gives our bread its comforting aroma and taste. It’s truly the soul of the dish!
Baking powder: This helps our bread rise beautifully and become wonderfully light.
Fine sea salt: A little salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Salted butter (room temperature): It adds richness and helps create that tender crumb. Room temperature is key!
Large eggs (room temperature): Eggs bind everything together. They add moisture and structure, too.
Pumpkin puree: This is our star ingredient! It brings natural sweetness and that incredible moisture. Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, though.
Cream cheese (softened): This is the base for our dreamy frosting. It makes it so decadent.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the frosting. It also makes it smooth and delightful.
Vanilla bean paste: It adds such a lovely, deep vanilla flavor to the icing. It’s a game-changer!
Milk: Just a touch thins the frosting to a perfect, drizzly consistency.

Substitutions and Tips

Feeling adventurous? You can use unsalted butter if that’s what you have. Just add a pinch more salt to the dry ingredients. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, you can easily make your own. Just mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. For a dairy-free frosting, try a plant-based cream cheese. You can grab all the exact measurements in the recipe card below. It makes things so easy!

How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Baking this pumpkin bread is surprisingly simple. Each step builds on the last for a perfect loaf. Just follow along, and you’ll have delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese in no time!

Preparing Your Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven. Set it to 350°F (177°C) if it’s a convection oven. If not, use 325°F (163°C) for conventional. Then, grab your 9×5 inch loaf pan. Grease it really well. Line it with parchment paper, too. This stops sticking and makes removal easy.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s mix the dry stuff. Get a big mixing bowl. You can use a stand mixer, too. Whisk together the flour, sugars, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they are all evenly mixed. This creates a balanced flavor.

Incorporating Butter

Add your room temperature butter. Use an electric mixer with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed for two or three minutes. You want small, pea-sized chunks to form. Then, turn the mixer to high. Beat for one minute. The mixture should look like a paste now. It will be nice and smooth.

Adding Eggs and Pumpkin Puree

Next, add the eggs. Do this one at a time. Beat on medium speed after each egg. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in. I always scrape the bowl’s sides. Don’t forget the bottom, either! Then, add the pumpkin puree. Beat just until it’s combined. Don’t overmix at this stage.

Baking the Loaf

Pour your batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 55 to 60 minutes. The bread is done when it springs back. Just gently press the tallest part. Let it cool in the pan for 15 to 30 minutes. Then, take it out. Let it cool completely on a wire rack. This helps it set perfectly.

Making the Cream Cheese Icing

Now, for the best part: the cream cheese icing! Briefly microwave the cream cheese. Just 10 to 15 seconds will do it. You just want to soften it a bit. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste. Start with only half the milk, about one tablespoon. Whisk it until it’s completely smooth. If it’s too thick, add the second tablespoon. You want a smooth, spreadable consistency for your pumpkin bread with cream cheese.

Frosting Your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Once your pumpkin loaf is completely cool, it’s time to frost it. Spread the creamy icing generously on top. Let it drizzle artfully over the sides. This adds a lovely visual touch. Now, get ready to enjoy your delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese!

How to Store Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Once you’ve enjoyed your first slice, proper storage is key. You want to keep your delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese fresh. I always keep mine in an airtight container. If it’s a bit humid, I pop it in the fridge. This really helps the cream cheese frosting stay firm. It will keep well in the fridge for about 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying. This ensures every bite is just as delightful.

Tips for Success

Always use room temperature ingredients. This makes mixing so much easier.
Don’t overmix your batter; a light hand keeps the bread tender.
Measure your flour correctly, spooned and leveled.
Cool the loaf completely before frosting. This prevents melting!
Scrape down your bowl often when mixing. This ensures everything combines perfectly.
Adjust milk in frosting for desired thickness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Loaf pan: A standard 9×5 inch pan works best.
Mixing bowls: You will need at least two, one for dry, one for wet.
Electric mixer: A hand mixer also works wonders here.
Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
Parchment paper: Makes for easy cleanup and release.
Wire rack: Essential for proper cooling, avoiding soggy bottoms.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy alongside a hot cup of coffee.
A glass of cold milk is perfect with it, too.
It’s a delightful addition to any brunch spread.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pumpkin bread with cream cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the pumpkin bread a day or two in advance. Store it uncovered at room temperature. Then, make the cream cheese icing just before serving. This ensures the freshest taste and texture.

What if my cream cheese icing is too thin or too thick?

No worries! If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, just a quarter teaspoon at a time. Whisk well after each addition until you get the perfect consistency for your pumpkin bread with cream cheese.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you can! Just make sure your fresh pumpkin is cooked and pureed. It should have a similar smooth consistency to canned. Allow it to cool thoroughly before adding it to the batter. This will ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly.

How long does pumpkin bread with cream cheese last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator in an airtight container, your delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese will last for about 5 days. The cream cheese frosting needs that chill to stay fresh. It usually doesn’t last that long in my house, though!

Conclusion

Baking this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is more than just making a dessert. It’s about bringing warmth to your home. It’s creating a delightful moment. I truly hope you fall in love with this recipe. It truly is a comforting treat. The aroma alone fills your kitchen with joy. Sharing it with loved ones makes it even better. Enjoy every single, perfect bite. It brings so much happiness. This pumpkin bread with cream cheese will certainly become a family favorite. Happy baking!