Get ready to embrace the flavors of autumn with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious pumpkin bread recipe featuring a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. It’s the quintessential cozy treat, perfect for fall gatherings, holiday baking, or simply enjoying with a warm cup of coffee on a crisp morning. The best part? This recipe is designed to be a dream for bakers of all skill levels, offering a remarkably simple, one-bowl mixing process that minimizes cleanup without compromising on flavor or texture.

This delightful pumpkin spice bread bakes up beautifully moist every single time, making it an instant favorite. It cleverly utilizes half a can of pumpkin puree (approximately ¾ cup), which is ideal for a single loaf. However, if you find yourself with a full can and a craving for more, simply double the recipe to make two loaves – because let’s be honest, who doesn’t want an extra loaf of homemade pumpkin bread? If you opt for just one loaf, the remaining pumpkin puree won’t go to waste! You can easily transform it into other quick treats like a pumpkin spice mug cake or charming sugar cookies with pumpkins, ensuring every bit of that autumnal goodness is enjoyed.

The secret to achieving such an incredibly moist and tender pumpkin bread lies in a special ingredient: either sour cream OR thick Greek yogurt (even homemade in an Instant Pot!). This addition works wonders, contributing to the bread’s soft crumb and rich texture. While this recipe shares some structural similarities with my popular Sourdough Discard Banana Bread, the distinct flavor profile of pumpkin and its lesser natural sweetness means we use a bit more brown sugar to create that perfect, comforting balance. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a fall tradition waiting to happen in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Adore This Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This pumpkin bread isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’ll want to bake it on repeat throughout the season:

• Irresistible Taste: Imagine a wonderfully buttery, incredibly soft, and perfectly spiced pumpkin bread. Now, picture it generously topped with a velvety, rich, and tangy cream cheese frosting. The brown sugar in the bread doesn’t just sweeten; it infuses a deep, caramel-like complexity that makes every bite truly unforgettable. The blend of warming fall spices creates an aroma that will fill your home with comfort and joy.
• Effortless Ease: We understand that life can be busy, which is why this is a true one-bowl wonder! Forget about multiple mixing bowls and endless cleanup. This recipe is as straightforward as it gets: combine the wet ingredients, then fold in the dry ones right on top, and bake. It’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a quick yet impressive treat.
• Quick & Convenient: From start to finish, this recipe respects your time. You’ll spend less than 10 minutes actively preparing the pumpkin bread batter, making it ideal for those spontaneous baking urges. After a short mixing session, it bakes to perfection in about 40 to 50 minutes. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option that tastes even better the next day, allowing you to prepare for gatherings or simply have a delicious snack ready to enjoy.
• Seasonal Perfection: Nothing quite captures the essence of autumn like the warm, inviting scent and taste of pumpkin spice. This bread is the embodiment of fall, making it a staple for Halloween parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or just a cozy evening treat.

Crafting the perfect pumpkin bread starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

• Pumpkin Puree: This is non-negotiable! Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not canned pumpkin pie filling. Pie filling contains added spices and sweeteners that will drastically alter the flavor and texture of your bread. Trust me on this one; pure pumpkin is key for authentic flavor.
• Brown Sugar: We exclusively use brown sugar in this recipe. Its molasses content not only imparts a deeper, more complex caramel-like flavor but also adds extra moisture, contributing to that desirable soft and tender texture. It’s truly a game-changer!
• Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt: This is our “secret ingredient” for an ultra-moist pumpkin bread. The fat content in sour cream or Greek yogurt adds richness, while their acidity reacts with the baking soda, promoting a light and tender crumb. It also provides a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweet pumpkin and spices.
• Melted Butter: Adds incredible richness and flavor. Melting it ensures it distributes evenly throughout the batter.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and act as a binder, ensuring your bread holds together and rises properly.
• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread. Measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly, to avoid a dense bread.
• Baking Soda: Our leavening agent, which works with the acidic sour cream/yogurt to create a beautiful rise and light texture.
• Salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other flavors in the bread.
• Warming Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger, Allspice/Nutmeg): This blend is what gives pumpkin bread its signature cozy, autumnal flavor. Feel free to adjust the ratios to your personal preference or even add a pinch of cloves for extra warmth.
• Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that brings all the ingredients together beautifully.

See the full recipe card below for precise measurements and quantities.

✏️ Customizations & Delicious Variations

While this pumpkin bread recipe is perfect as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with these delicious substitutions and additions:

• Maple Glaze Alternative: If cream cheese frosting isn’t your preference, consider a simple and delectable glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar. Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf for a different kind of sweet finish. Yum!
• Exciting Add-in Ideas: Elevate your pumpkin bread with these delightful mix-ins:
  • Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor. Fold in about ½ to ¾ cup into the batter.
  • Chocolate: Dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chunks, or even white chocolate chips create pockets of melty goodness.
  • Spicy Kick: Finely chopped crystallized ginger adds a wonderful warmth and chewiness.
  • Dried Fruits: Craisins or golden raisins can add a pleasant tartness and texture.
• Convert to Pumpkin Bread Muffins: This recipe translates beautifully into muffins! Simply divide the batter into a greased or lined 12-cup muffin tin. Bake for approximately 15-17 minutes at 350 ℉, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Frost them with cream cheese frosting once cooled for perfect individual treats!
• Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of texture and sweetness, prepare a simple streusel topping (butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon) and sprinkle it over the batter before baking.
• Spice It Up: Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom to the dry ingredients for an even warmer flavor.

1. Step 1. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl (remember, it’s a one-bowl recipe!), thoroughly whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), vanilla extract, and any optional milk if using. Mix until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined, which should take about 1-2 minutes. Ensure the melted butter isn’t too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.

2. Step 2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Carefully add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, salt, and allspice (or nutmeg) directly on top of the wet mixture in the same bowl. Gently fold and mix these ingredients until a smooth batter forms. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as there are no visible pockets of dry flour remaining. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.

PRO TIP: To truly level up your pumpkin bread and add an incredible depth of nutty, toasted flavor, BROWN the butter first! Simply melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Strain out any solids if desired, then let it cool slightly before incorporating into your wet ingredients. It makes a huge difference!

3. Step 3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the prepared batter into a parchment-lined 9×5 inch bread loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 ℉ (175 °C) for 40-50 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Let the baked bread cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling step prevents the frosting from melting.

4. Step 4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the bread cools, prepare the luscious cream cheese frosting. In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer (or by hand), beat these ingredients together for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is wonderfully smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tiny splash of milk (about ½ teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired spreading consistency.

IMPORTANT TIP: Allowing the pumpkin bread to cool completely to room temperature before frosting it is absolutely essential. If the bread is even slightly warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt, slide right off, and create a messy situation. Patience is key for a beautiful, firm frosting!

5. Step 5. Frost and Serve: Once your pumpkin bread is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little cinnamon or chopped nuts on top. Now it’s ready for slicing and serving! This rich, moist bread with its creamy frosting is best enjoyed with a plate and a fork, much like a decadent cake. Enjoy every scrumptious bite!

📌 Common Baking Questions & Troubleshooting Tips

Even the simplest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are solutions to common issues you might encounter:

• Weeping Frosting: The most common culprit here is applying frosting to bread that hasn’t cooled to room temperature. The warmth from the bread will melt the butter and cream cheese in the frosting, causing it to “weep” or slide off.
  • Solution: Ensure your pumpkin bread is completely cooled before even thinking about frosting it. If your kitchen is particularly warm, try refrigerating the frosting for 15-20 minutes before spreading to firm it up. If the frosting is simply too thin, beat in an additional ¼ to ½ cup of powdered sugar until it reaches a firmer, more spreadable consistency.
• Raw in the Middle: This usually indicates that your oven wasn’t hot enough or the bread didn’t bake for a sufficient amount of time.
  • Solution: Always preheat your oven thoroughly. Consider using an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy, as many ovens can be off by several degrees. Try adding another 5-10 minutes to the baking time. A truly clean toothpick or thin knife inserted into the very center is the best indicator of doneness. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the loaf with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
• Dry or Crumbly Bread: This often happens from overmixing the batter or using too much flour.
  • Solution: When adding dry ingredients, mix only until just combined – as soon as no dry streaks of flour remain. For measuring flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly, which can compact the flour and result in excess.
• Dense Bread: Similar to dryness, overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a dense, tough texture. Insufficient leavening (old baking soda) can also be a cause.
  • Solution: Mix only until the flour is just incorporated. Always check the expiration date on your baking soda to ensure it’s active.

❄️ Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Guidelines

This pumpkin bread is fantastic for making ahead, ensuring you always have a delicious treat on hand. Here’s how to store it properly to maintain its freshness:

Make Ahead (Unfrosted): You can bake the pumpkin bread up to 3 days ahead of time. Store the unfrosted loaf at room temperature in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. For the cream cheese frosting, prepare it and store it separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply spread the chilled frosting on top of the bread and enjoy. This allows for maximum freshness of both components.

Storing Frosted Pumpkin Bread: Because of the cream cheese frosting, the bread must be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 1 week. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freeze (Unfrosted): For longer storage, pumpkin bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before frosting and serving. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped in the same way, for a quick grab-and-go treat.

Freezing Frosting: Cream cheese frosting can sometimes become grainy after freezing and thawing due to the separation of dairy fats. While it’s possible to freeze it in an airtight container for up to a month, you might need to re-whip it with a splash of milk or a tablespoon of powdered sugar after thawing to regain its smooth consistency. For best results, we recommend freezing the bread unfrosted and making a fresh batch of frosting when ready to serve.

It’s generally not recommended to freeze pumpkin bread that’s already frosted. Cream cheese frosting can change in texture after freezing and thawing, often becoming grainy or watery. For the best quality, I’d highly recommend freezing the unfrosted bread separately. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the bread and then make a fresh batch of frosting.

The golden rule is to ensure your pumpkin bread is completely and thoroughly cooled to room temperature before you apply any frosting. Even a slightly warm loaf will cause the cream cheese frosting to melt and slide off. If you live in a warm climate or your kitchen is hot, you can even chill the baked loaf in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after it has cooled down on the counter to ensure it’s firm and cool.

Absolutely! If you have a pumpkin pie spice blend on hand, you can substitute it for the individual cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Generally, 2 to 2½ teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice should work well in this recipe, depending on how strong you like your spice flavor.

Always opt for 100% pure canned pumpkin puree. Do not use pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced, and will yield a different result in terms of flavor and texture. The ingredient list should only say “pumpkin.”

Yes, it’s quite normal for quick breads like pumpkin bread to develop a crack on top. This happens as the loaf rises and the crust sets. It’s not a sign of a baking error and often adds to the rustic charm of homemade bread. The frosting will cover it up beautifully anyway!

Did you try this amazing pumpkin bread recipe? I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please make sure to leave a ⭐️ star rating and a comment below the recipe card. Your feedback is incredibly helpful to me and to other readers who are looking for their next favorite fall bake. Thank you for sharing your experience!

📲 FOLLOW Sara on Social Media! 👋 Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest to see the latest delicious recipes and baking adventures from the kitchen!

Decadent Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Hi, I’m Sara!

Registered Nurse by day, food blogger by weekend. I’m passionate about testing the perfect dips and questing for the ultimate snacks. When I’m not in the kitchen, I love short walks on the beach and long, rejuvenating naps. I’m excited to share my love for food, one delightful bite at a time, and help you discover your next favorite recipe.