Autumn has arrived, and with it, the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice! There's nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a warm slice of pumpkin bread, especially when topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, offering a delicious and easy way to celebrate the season. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece – it's one of the best recipes you'll find for a quick and healthy dessert!
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Pumpkin Bread:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Thorough mixing prevents lumps in your bread.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
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Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so be gentle!
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from getting soggy.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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Beat the Cream Cheese & Butter: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer makes this step incredibly easy.
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Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
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Frost: Once the bread is completely cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfectly baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans, walnuts, or other nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some chocolate chips for a delicious twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 15-20g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting is a fantastic addition to any fall gathering, or a delightful treat to enjoy on a chilly evening. It's easy to make, incredibly delicious, and a surefire way to bring a warm, comforting feeling to your day. Enjoy!