Spiced Pumpkin Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting

Welcome to the ultimate autumn indulgence: the most incredibly moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting! This isn’t just any pumpkin bread; it’s a fall masterpiece, perfectly spiced, unbelievably soft, and crowned with two layers of pure bliss: a delightful pumpkin pie streusel for that irresistible crunch and a silky, pourable cream cheese glaze that melts into every slice. Get ready to embrace the flavors of the season with this surprisingly simple yet utterly spectacular bake. It’s truly the perfect treat to usher in crisp fall days and cozy gatherings.

For many, the first hint of autumn, often marked by September 1st, signals the official start of “pumpkin season.” And when that season arrives, there’s one baking tradition that simply cannot be missed: crafting a deeply flavorful pumpkin bread. This particular recipe captures the very essence of fall, transforming a humble loaf into a celebration of seasonal spices and rich, creamy textures.

Our pumpkin bread recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor and moisture. It generously features a whole can of authentic pumpkin puree, ensuring a vibrant pumpkin taste that isn’t overwhelmed but beautifully complemented by a robust blend of warming spices. To elevate the experience, we introduce a pumpkin pie streusel topping, adding a fantastic textural contrast with its buttery, crumbly goodness. And for the grand finale, a decadent cream cheese frosting is lovingly poured over the warm bread, creating a luscious finish that ties all the delightful elements together.

Searching for more ways to celebrate pumpkin season? Explore these other delightful pumpkin-inspired recipes: Swirled No Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pumpkin S’mores Cookies, and Halloween Pumpkin Ghost Cupcakes. Each offers a unique way to enjoy the beloved flavors of fall!

Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t just another pumpkin bread recipe; it’s a carefully crafted delight designed to bring you the best of fall baking with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Here’s what makes this particular pumpkin bread truly exceptional:

• Unrivaled Moisture and Texture: We’ve perfected the balance to create a pumpkin bread that is incredibly moist, tender, and soft. The generous amount of pumpkin puree contributes significantly to its luxurious crumb, making every bite melt in your mouth. This isn’t a dry, crumbly loaf; it’s a deeply satisfying, wonderfully moist experience that will convert even the most skeptical of pumpkin bread connoisseurs. It’s the ideal treat for any pumpkin lover seeking that perfect soft, cake-like consistency.
• Irresistible Pumpkin Spice Streusel: The addition of a homemade pumpkin spice streusel topping is a game-changer. This buttery, crumbly layer, infused with extra pumpkin pie spice, provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft bread. As it bakes, the streusel crisps up beautifully, adding a satisfying crunch and an extra layer of warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire loaf.
• Decadent Pourable Cream Cheese Frosting: Forget stiff, difficult-to-spread frosting. Our cream cheese frosting is specifically designed to be pourable, creating a glossy, rich glaze that cascades over the warm pumpkin bread. The slight warmth of the bread allows the frosting to gently melt and seep into the crevices, infusing every bite with tangy sweetness and a smooth, creamy finish. This makes for an impressive presentation and an even more delicious taste.
• Effortlessly Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance and complex flavor profile, this pumpkin bread is surprisingly simple to make. The pumpkin bread batter and the streusel topping come together without the need for a stand or electric mixer, requiring just a bowl and a whisk or fork. The only part that benefits from a hand mixer is the cream cheese glaze, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even on a busy weeknight.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Pumpkin Bread

While the full list of ingredients with precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below, here are some crucial notes and tips on key ingredients to ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly:

• Brown Sugar: We recommend using light brown sugar for both the streusel and the bread batter. Its subtle molasses notes add a deeper, richer flavor and contribute to the bread’s moistness and tenderness. Ensure it’s firmly packed when measuring for accuracy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This essential spice blend brings all the signature fall flavors to life. You can easily find high-quality pumpkin pie spice at any local grocery store. If you prefer, you can also make your own by combining ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter plays a dual role in this recipe. For the streusel and the pumpkin bread batter, you’ll need melted butter, which helps create that tender crumb. It’s important to cool the melted butter slightly before incorporating it into the wet ingredients for the bread, so it doesn’t cook the eggs. For the luscious cream cheese frosting, ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature. This means pulling it out of the refrigerator at least two hours before you plan to bake, allowing it to soften evenly for a smooth, lump-free frosting.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of our show! It’s crucial to use a whole 15-ounce can of 100% pure pumpkin puree. We highly recommend brands like Libby’s for consistent quality. Absolutely vital: double-check that you are using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of your bread significantly.
• Large Eggs: Eggs contribute to the structure, richness, and moisture of the bread. For optimal results, ensure your large eggs are at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify more easily with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more evenly baked product. Like butter, pull them out of the fridge about two hours before you start baking.
• Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the ultimate creamy, tangy frosting, always opt for full-fat block cream cheese. Avoid whipped or low-fat versions, as they can result in a thinner, less stable frosting with a less desirable texture. Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature, just like the butter, to achieve a perfectly smooth and spreadable consistency without lumps.
• Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is key for a smooth frosting. It is essential to sift the powdered sugar before adding it to your frosting mixture. This step prevents any lumps or grittiness, ensuring a silky-smooth glaze that is a dream to pour and enjoy.
• Milk: Any type of milk will work for this recipe – whole, 2%, or even a dairy-free alternative if you’re making substitutions. The milk helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency for our cream cheese glaze.

Smart Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as written, here are some ideas if you need to make adjustments or want to experiment with different flavors:

• Dairy-Free Options: This recipe can be adapted for dairy-free diets. Simply substitute your favorite plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) for regular milk. For the butter, use a high-quality dairy-free butter stick (not margarine). For the cream cheese, select a plain dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Ensure all products are unsweetened for best results, as the recipe accounts for the sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Exploration: While this recipe has not been formally tested with gluten-free flours, many readers have success with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (one that contains xanthan gum). If you decide to try a gluten-free version, please share your results! Small adjustments to liquid might be necessary depending on the brand of flour used.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Perfect Pumpkin Loaf

Follow these detailed instructions to create your incredibly moist pumpkin bread with streusel and cream cheese frosting. You’ll be pleased to know that neither the bread nor the streusel requires an electric mixer, simplifying the process significantly. A hand mixer will be helpful for the glaze to achieve optimal smoothness. For this recipe, you will need a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly spraying it with baking nonstick spray. For easy removal, line the bottom and two longer sides of the pan with a strip of parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Spray the parchment paper again lightly. This ensures your beautiful loaf lifts out effortlessly once baked.

STEP 1: Craft the Pumpkin Spice Streusel
In a small mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice using a fork. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and continue mixing with the fork until the ingredients are well combined and form moist, coarse crumbs. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Once formed, place the bowl of streusel in the refrigerator to chill and firm up. This prevents it from melting too quickly during baking and helps create that desirable crunch. You’ll leave it there while you prepare the main bread batter.

STEP 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients for the Bread
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by sifting your all-purpose flour. Sifting ensures a light, airy texture for your bread and prevents lumps. To the sifted flour, add the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and the remaining pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are uniformly combined. Set this bowl aside for a moment.

STEP 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate, larger mixing bowl, combine the cooled melted unsalted butter (ensure it has cooled to room temperature to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely), white granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, pumpkin puree, pure vanilla extract, and room temperature large eggs. Use a whisk to vigorously mix these wet ingredients together until they are smooth, well-emulsified, and uniformly colored. This step is crucial for incorporating air and ensuring a consistent texture in your final bread.

STEP 4: Gently Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, carefully add the dry flour mixture from Step 2 into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Switch from a whisk to a rubber spatula. Gently fold the ingredients together, mixing only until they are just combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough and dense pumpkin bread.

STEP 5: Fill the Pan and Add Streusel
Pour the prepared pumpkin bread batter evenly into your greased and parchment-lined loaf pan. Retrieve the chilled streusel from the refrigerator. Use your fingertips to crumble the streusel evenly over the entire surface of the batter in the loaf pan. Ensure a generous and even layer – don’t be shy, use it all! This topping will create a beautiful, crunchy crust.

STEP 6: Bake to Perfection
Carefully place the loaf pan into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so always rely on the toothpick test. The bread is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the hot pan for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the loaf to firm up slightly before you attempt to remove it, preventing it from breaking. After resting, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the bread out of the pan and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. It’s essential for the bread to be fully cool before frosting to prevent the glaze from simply melting off.

STEP 7: Prepare the Silky Cream Cheese Frosting
In a small mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and fluffy. This usually takes 1-2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined and smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, slowly add the milk, a tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition, until you achieve a pourable consistency. The goal is a glaze that flows smoothly but is still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once the bread is completely cool, place the wire cooling rack over a cookie sheet (to catch any drips) and pour the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top of the bread. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert Baking Tips for Flawless Pumpkin Bread

Achieving bakery-quality pumpkin bread at home is entirely possible with a few professional tricks up your sleeve. These expert tips will help ensure your loaf is consistently moist, perfectly baked, and beautifully presented:

• Master the Art of Measuring Flour: Precision in flour measurement is paramount for baked goods. Avoid scooping your measuring cup directly into the flour bag, as this can compact the flour, leading to an excess amount. Instead, gently spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with the back of a knife or a straight edge. For the most accurate results, consider using a kitchen scale to measure flour by weight (typically 1 cup of all-purpose flour weighs around 120-125 grams). Over-measured flour can lead to a dry, dense, and crumbly pumpkin bread, which is the exact opposite of what we’re aiming for!
• Ensure Effortless Loaf Removal: To prevent your beautiful pumpkin bread from sticking to the pan, take a couple of preventative measures. First, generously spray the inside of your loaf pan with a high-quality baking nonstick spray. Then, line the bottom and two longer sides of the pan with a strip of parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang. This parchment “sling” acts as handles, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire baked loaf out of the pan once it has cooled slightly. A second light spray over the parchment can also add an extra layer of protection.
• Resist the Urge to Overmix the Batter: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them only until they are just incorporated and no dry streaks of flour are visible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, chewy, and less tender pumpkin bread. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly fine; in fact, they often indicate you haven’t overmixed!
• The Smart Way to Frost: When it’s time to apply that glorious pourable cream cheese frosting, place your cooled pumpkin bread (still on the wire cooling rack) over a large cookie sheet or a piece of parchment paper. This simple trick catches any excess frosting that drips off the sides, keeping your countertop clean and making cleanup a breeze. It also ensures an even coating without having to fuss with spreading.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For both the pumpkin bread and especially the cream cheese frosting, using room temperature ingredients like butter, cream cheese, and eggs is critical. They emulsify much more smoothly, creating a uniform batter and a lump-free, silky frosting. Cold ingredients can lead to a curdled-looking batter or a lumpy frosting that won’t pour properly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread

Here are answers to some common questions you might have while baking this delicious pumpkin bread:

Can this pumpkin bread recipe be made in different pan sizes?

Absolutely! This versatile pumpkin bread batter can be adapted to various pan sizes. For square pans, you can use an 8×8-inch or a 9×9-inch square pan. The baking time will likely be shorter, so keep a close eye on it and test for doneness with a toothpick starting around 30-40 minutes.

Can I transform this recipe into pumpkin muffins?

Yes, you can easily turn this pumpkin bread into delightful muffins! The recipe yields approximately 12 to 18 standard-sized muffins, depending on how full you fill your muffin liners. Bake the muffins in a preheated oven (still 350°F / 175°C) for a shorter duration, typically around 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. You can top them with the streusel or just a dollop of the cream cheese frosting after they cool.

Can I add chocolate chips to the pumpkin bread batter?

For all the chocolate lovers out there, yes, you absolutely can! Chocolate and pumpkin are a surprisingly delicious combination. We recommend folding in about 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or dark) into the batter during Step 4, just before pouring it into the loaf pan. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and texture.

Delicious Recipe Variations to Explore

Looking to put your own spin on this pumpkin bread? Here are a couple of simple variations to customize your bake:

• Simplify with No Streusel Topping: If you’re short on time or prefer a simpler finish, you can easily omit the streusel topping. The pumpkin bread is delicious on its own with just the cream cheese frosting. This variation will save you a few minutes of prep time without sacrificing much flavor.
• Add a Nutty Crunch: For those who enjoy a bit of nutty texture, feel free to fold in about ½ to ¾ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the pumpkin bread batter during Step 4, when you combine the wet and dry ingredients. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and a complementary earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.

Recommended Special Tools for Easy Baking

While this recipe is straightforward, having a few key tools can make the baking process even smoother and more enjoyable:

• Parchment Paper: Using parchment paper is a game-changer for easy cleanup and loaf removal. We highly recommend premade sheets of parchment paper rather than rolls, as they lay flat and are incredibly convenient, making baking a lot less messy.
• Baking Spray with Flour: To ensure your bread never sticks, a nonstick baking spray that contains flour is your best friend. This specialized nonstick spray creates an extra layer of protection, guaranteeing a clean release every time.
• Offset Spatula: While optional, a small offset spatula is incredibly useful. It allows for effortless and even spreading of frostings, glazes, or fillings, making your finished product look polished and professional.
• 9×5-inch Loaf Pan: A good quality, standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is essential for this recipe. It ensures the correct shape and optimal baking time for a perfect loaf.

Storing and Freezing Your Pumpkin Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping your delicious pumpkin bread fresh and enjoyable for longer.

Storage Instructions

Due to the cream cheese frosting, this pumpkin bread must be stored in the refrigerator. Place any leftover slices or the entire loaf (if not yet cut) in an airtight container. When stored correctly in the fridge, your pumpkin bread will remain fresh and moist for up to 5 days. We recommend bringing individual slices to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and soften the frosting.

Freezing Instructions

If you wish to enjoy this delightful treat beyond a few days, it freezes beautifully! For best results, allow the baked and frosted pumpkin bread to cool completely. You can then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Alternatively, you can freeze the entire loaf (unfrosted or frosted, with the frosting well set) by wrapping it securely in multiple layers of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Frozen pumpkin bread can be stored for up to 30 days. To thaw, simply remove the desired number of slices or the entire loaf from the freezer and let it come to room temperature on the countertop. If frosted, transfer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

More Seasonal Recipes to Savor This Fall

The autumn season offers a bounty of flavors perfect for baking. Don’t miss out on these other fantastic fall-inspired recipes that promise warmth and comfort.

Must-Try Pumpkin Recipes

If you can’t get enough of pumpkin, be sure to add these delightful creations to your baking list:

• Pumpkin Pie Cookie Bars: All the flavors of pumpkin pie in a convenient, shareable bar.
• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Muffins: Moist pumpkin muffins with a luscious cream cheese swirl.
• Chocolate Stuffed Pumpkin Cupcakes: A delightful surprise of chocolate hidden inside pumpkin cupcakes.
• Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake: A rich and creamy cheesecake with a double dose of pumpkin goodness.
• Pumpkin Spice Cinnamon Rolls: Fluffy cinnamon rolls infused with pumpkin spice, perfect for breakfast.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Stephanie Rutherford

This pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is a super moist pumpkin bread full of tons of cinnamon flavor. It is topped with a pumpkin spice streusel and cream cheese frosting.

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 9 slices

Ingredients

Pumpkin Spice Streusel

• 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed light or dark
• 1 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 cup Unsalted butter, melted

Pumpkin Bread

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 3 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3/4 cup White granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Brown sugar, packed light or dark
• 1 can Pumpkin puree, 15oz can
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 2 Large eggs, room temperature

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 2 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 TBSP Unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 cup Milk

Instructions

Pumpkin Spice Streusel

1. In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and pumpkin spice together with a fork. Pour in the melted butter and mix together until combined. Place in the fridge until ready to use.

Pumpkin Bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9X5-inch loaf pan with baking nonstick spray. Line the bottom and 2 sides of the pan with parchment paper. Spray again.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter (make sure it is cooled to room temperature before using), sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vanilla, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a whisk to mix until just combined.
4. Pour the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the batter.
5. Bake for 55-65 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Let the bread sit in the hot pan for 10 minutes. Then, grab the parchment paper to take it out of the pan and cool on a cooling rack. Cool completely before pouring cream cheese frosting on top.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a small bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla on high speed until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low until combined. Pour in the milk and mix. It should be a pourable consistency.
3. Place the cooling rack over a cookie sheet and pour the glaze on top.

Notes

Flour: Make sure flour is spooned and leveled or use a kitchen scale. Compacted flour can dry out the bread.

High altitude baking: Add an extra 2 TBSP of flour.

Pull out dairy ingredients 2 hours before baking.

Calories: 513kcal, Carbohydrates: 86g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 21g, Saturated Fat: 13g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 5g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 417mg, Potassium: 208mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 49g, Vitamin A: 7999IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 3mg