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Easy Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

This cozy and simple pumpkin bread topped with cream cheese frosting is perfect for fall baking and is sure to impress with its tender texture and rich flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pumpkin bread
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree Use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil Keeps the loaf tender
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Adds a touch of caramel depth
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature for a smooth batter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Boosts pumpkin flavor
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level to prevent packing
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder Ensure freshness
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure freshness
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice Cozy and classic flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Add extra for warmth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances flavor
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Full fat for best texture
  • 2 cups powdered sugar For a lump-free frosting
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream Adjust for thickness

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy release.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt.
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, checking for doneness at 50 minutes with a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs.
  2. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. For the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and milk until creamy and spreadable.
  2. Spread the frosting over the fully cooled bread and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Make sure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for best results. You can freeze the unfrosted loaf tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.