Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the kitchen. It’s a scent that instantly transports me back to my grandmother’s cozy farmhouse, where she would spend all day in the kitchen whipping up batch after batch of her famous pumpkin bread with cream cheese. As a little girl, I can still remember the excitement I felt when I’d walk in the door and see the loaf pans lining the counters, the top of each one adorned with a thick layer of rich, tangy cream cheese frosting.
My grandma’s pumpkin bread with cream cheese was the stuff of legends. Everyone in our family would wait eagerly all year for the first autumn chill to hit the air, signaling that it was officially pumpkin bread season. When the day finally arrived, my siblings and I would race to the kitchen, jockeying for position to be the first ones to sample a still-warm slice, the cream cheese melting into the tender, spice-infused crumb. It was heaven on earth.
Now, as an adult, I’ve tried countless pumpkin bread recipes, but none of them have ever quite captured the pure, unadulterated joy of my grandmother’s version. That is, until I stumbled upon this truly exceptional pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe. From the first bite, I knew I had found a new family favorite.
Why This Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
What sets this pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The bread itself is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the generous helping of pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices. But the real showstopper is the cream cheese frosting, which adds a tangy, creamy element that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
The Secret Behind Perfect Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in a few key techniques. First, the pumpkin bread batter is made with both all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour, which gives it a heartier, more satisfying texture. Secondly, the cream cheese frosting is whipped to a light, fluffy consistency, making it the perfect crown for each slice of pumpkin bread. And finally, the bread is baked at a slightly lower temperature for a longer duration, ensuring that it comes out of the oven moist and tender, never dry or crumbly.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
– Granulated sugar: For sweetening the bread.
– Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture.
– Vegetable oil: Keeps the pumpkin bread super moist.
– Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
– All-purpose flour: Provides structure.
– Whole wheat flour: Lends a heartier, more satisfying texture.
– Baking soda and baking powder: Ensure the pumpkin bread rises beautifully.
– Spices: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves brings warmth and autumnal flavor.
– Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
– Cream cheese: The key to the tangy, creamy frosting.
– Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
– Vanilla extract: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting.
Step-by-Step Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
This pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe is a straightforward process that yields consistently delicious results. From start to finish, it takes about an hour and a half to complete, including baking time. You’ll need a few basic tools like a mixing bowl, hand mixer, and a loaf pan to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
3- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6- Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your pumpkin bread with cream cheese turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
– Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely in the pan before attempting to remove it. This helps the structure set and prevents it from falling apart.
– For an extra-moist and flavorful bread, use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned.
– Don’t be tempted to open the oven door frequently during baking, as this can cause the bread to sink in the middle.
– If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil.
– Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest, creamiest frosting.
Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese is the ultimate autumn treat, but it also makes a fantastic year-round dessert or snack. Serve it up with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy, comforting pick-me-up. It’s also delicious alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a festive touch, sprinkle the top with a dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Unfrosted pumpkin bread can be stored at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread, either whole or sliced, for up to 3 months. Simply thaw at room temperature before serving.
The cream cheese frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick stir to smooth it out before spreading it on the cooled pumpkin bread.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
Creative Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are endless ways to put a spin on this classic pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe. Try adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. You could also swirl in a layer of cinnamon-sugar or a ribbon of caramel for a decadent twist.
For a seasonal variation, consider substituting roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash for the pumpkin puree. And during the holidays, you could even add a sprinkle of crushed candy canes or a drizzle of eggnog-flavored frosting.
Making Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe more diet-friendly, you can try a few simple swaps. For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose and whole wheat flours. For a vegan adaptation, replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs” and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the frosting.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the bread and frost, or even leave the frosting off entirely. The pumpkin bread itself is still delicious and satisfying without the cream cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.
Q: How long does the pumpkin bread need to bake?
A: The pumpkin bread should bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as oven temperatures can vary.
Q: Can I make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cream cheese frosting up to 1 week in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Q: How many servings does this pumpkin bread recipe make?
A: This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf of pumpkin bread, which can be sliced into 8-10 servings, depending on how thick you cut the slices.
Q: What should I do if the pumpkin bread sinks in the middle?
A: If your pumpkin bread sinks in the middle, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter or opening the oven door too frequently during baking. Next time, be sure to mix the batter just until combined and resist the urge to peek while it’s in the oven.
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the divine taste of Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese – a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This heavenly bake comes together in just 30 minutes for a delightful fall treat.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugars until light and fluffy. Stir in the pumpkin puree and melted butter until combined.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
5. – In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
6. – Pour half the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop the cream cheese on top and swirl it in with a knife. Top with the remaining pumpkin bread batter.
7. – Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat cream cheese. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe is an absolute must-try for any fan of autumn flavors. With its moist, spice-infused crumb and tangy, creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you serve it for dessert, as a special breakfast, or simply enjoy it as an afternoon snack, this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a true delight.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven and get ready to bake up a batch of this irresistible treat. I promise, one slice simply won’t be enough. Be sure to let me know how it turns out – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
