Introduction
Get ready to bask in the cozy embrace of autumn with our Moist Pumpkin Bread topped with Cream Cheese Frosting! This delightful recipe blends the warm flavors of pumpkin spice with a creamy, dreamy frosting that will transport your kitchen into a fall paradise. Perfect for families, gatherings, or even a personal treat, this pumpkin bread will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let’s get that fall spirit crackling!
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk all the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The smell is already pumpkin-spiced heaven, right?
3. In another bowl, beat that softened butter with the sugar until it’s as fluffy as a pumpkin patch cloud. Mix in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin and vanilla until well blended.
4. Gradually add in the dry mix to the wet mix and stir until just combined. We’re almost there, hang tight!
5. Pour that autumn magic into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spoon. Pop it into the oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience, friends, it will be worth it!
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for a bit, then move it to a wire rack. While it’s cooling, let’s whip up the frosting.
7. For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar, and mix until you have a frosting so good it’ll make you dance.
8. Once your bread is cool, slather on that frosting. It’s like a cozy sweater for your pumpkin bread!
Get ready to embrace autumn with every bite! 🍂✨
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until well blended.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Bread
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a bit, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
Step 8: Frost the Bread
Once the bread is completely cool, slather on the cream cheese frosting.
Notes
Storage
Store the pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread can be served as a delicious breakfast, a cozy snack, or dessert. Enjoy it with a warm mug of cider or your favorite fall beverage.
Variation Ideas
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Cook techniques
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Properly whisking together your dry ingredients helps ensure an even distribution of the baking soda and spices, which is crucial for the bread’s texture and flavor.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Beating the softened butter with sugar until fluffy incorporates air into the mixture, leading to a lighter, more tender loaf.
Adding Eggs
Adding eggs one at a time allows for better emulsification and ensures that the mixture remains stable, leading to a perfect rise in the pumpkin bread.
Mixing Techniques
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough texture.
Baking Time and Temperature
Baking at 350°F for approximately 60 minutes allows for an even cook throughout and helps achieve that golden-brown crust while keeping the interior moist.
Cooling and Frosting
Letting the bread cool before frosting is important; it prevents the cream cheese frosting from melting and sliding off, allowing it to set beautifully atop the bread.
FAQ
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient option for this recipe.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese in the frosting?
You can use mascarpone cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter frosting.
How should I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for a week.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unwrapped bread, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with pumpkin bread?
Pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat.
Conclusion
Embrace the flavors of fall with this delightful recipe for Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting. Each slice is a perfect blend of spices and creaminess, making it a must-bake for your autumn celebrations. Enjoy every cozy bite!
