Indulge in this delicious and easy Pumpkin Bread recipe, topped with a creamy and flavorful cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall baking and sharing with friends and family.
As autumn approaches and the crisp air invites cozy gatherings, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your home. This delightful moist pumpkin bread with cream cheese icing is a seasonal favorite and a versatile treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. In this post, we will dive into the world of pumpkin bread, explore its rich flavors, and discuss how to elevate it with a luscious cream cheese icing.
Why Pumpkin Bread is a Fall Favorite
Pumpkin bread has become a staple in many households during the fall season, and for good reason. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of pumpkin creates a comforting flavor profile that resonates with the season. Plus, pumpkin is packed with nutrients, making this bread a deliciously healthy option for breakfast or snacks.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide array of health benefits. It’s not only a delicious addition to your fall baking but also a smart choice for a healthy diet.
- Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants: Pumpkin is packed with Vitamin A, crucial for eye health, immune function, and cell growth. It also contains a good amount of Vitamin C, known for its antioxidant properties that protect your cells from damage.
- Excellent Source of Fiber: The fiber in pumpkin promotes digestive health, regulates bowel movements, and contributes to feelings of fullness, aiding in weight management.
- Low in Calories and Fat: Pumpkin is a relatively low-calorie food and contains minimal fat, making it a guilt-free addition to your meals and snacks.
- Supports Heart Health: The fiber, potassium, and Vitamin C content in pumpkin may contribute to heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Boosts Immunity: The combination of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals in pumpkin strengthens your immune system, helping your body fight off infections and illnesses.
Incorporating pumpkin into your diet, whether through pumpkin bread, soups, or other dishes, is a delicious way to reap these numerous health benefits and enhance your overall well-being.
The Magic of Cream Cheese Icing
Cream cheese icing elevates pumpkin bread to a whole new level. Its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the pumpkin, creating a perfect balance. Whether you’re serving this dish at a holiday party or just as a treat for yourself, the creamy topping is sure to impress.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
Use Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Adding a splash of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile of the icing.
Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of powdered sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient and consistent option that works beautifully in pumpkin bread recipes. Just ensure that you’re using plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Store your pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Yes! There are several substitutes you can use for eggs, such as applesauce, mashed bananas, or a flaxseed meal mixture, which can help bind the ingredients without compromising taste.
Similar Recipes
If you enjoy pumpkin recipes like this, you will enjoy the recipes below:
- Pumpkin Bagels with Spiced Cream Cheese
- Pumpkin Creme Brulee: A Delicious Twist on Classic Custard
- Easy Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Sticky Buns Recipe
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 (from 2 loaves) 1x
Description
This moist and flavorful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Icing is the perfect fall treat. Made with simple ingredients and easy to follow instructions, it’s a must-bake this season!
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 c. vegetable oil
- 1/2 c. olive oil
- 2 c. raw cane sugar or white granulated sugar
- 15 oz. canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie puree)
- 1/2 c. milk
- 1/4 c. water
- 3 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. salt
- 2 tsp. Pumpkin spice
- 1 c. walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 2 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp. Milk
- 2 tbsp. Butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9×5 inch loaf pans, or prepare one 9×5 inch loaf pan and mini loaf pans as desired.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, olive oil, and raw cane sugar until well combined.
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Stir in the pumpkin puree, milk, and water until the mixture is smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, dividing it evenly. If using mini loaf pans, fill them about 2/3 full.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes for standard loaves, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. For mini loaves, check for doneness after about 30 minutes, as baking time will be shorter.
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Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Make the Cream Cheese Icing
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In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
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Beat in the vanilla extract, milk, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the icing is light and fluffy.
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Once the bread has cooled completely, frost the tops with the cream cheese icing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can toast the pumpkin bread slices before adding the cream cheese icing.
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
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