EmilyFabulous

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Easy Dinner Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Sweet Baked Goods
    • Instant Pot & Air Fryer Recipes
      • Instant Pot Recipes
      • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Homemade Syrups, Condiments, Sauces, etc.
  • Cocktails
    • Gin
    • Vodka
    • Tequila
    • Whiskey/Bourbon
    • Brandy/Pisco
  • Holiday Recipes
    • Christmas Recipes
    • Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Halloween Recipes
    • Patriotic Recipes
    • Valentine's Day Recipes
    • Easter Recipes
    • St. Patrick's Day Recipes
  • Easy Recipes, Cocktail Inspiration, and a little bit of fun!
  • Subscribe
  • Recipe Index
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Appetizers & Salads
  • Recipes
  • Cocktails
  • About Me
  • Subscribe
×
Emily Fabulous » Recipes » Desserts

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Published: Oct 15, 2020 · Modified: Sep 29, 2024 by Emily · This post may contain affiliate links · 22 Comments

Jump to Recipe
pumpkin bread recipe pin.
pumpkin bread recipe pin2.

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is moist, full of flavor and so easy to make! Made with pumpkin puree, applesauce, and a mixture of spices in addition to the cream cheese frosting, everyone will love this treat!

pumpkin bread on a cutting board

Two different Starbucks treats inspire this pumpkin loaf. The Pumpkin loaf and the Gingerbread loaf. I've always thought that the frosting from the gingerbread loaf would be amazing on the pumpkin loaf so I decided to make it myself!

Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Key Ingredients For This Recipe
  • What Kind of Pumpkin to Use for Pumpkin Bread
  • How to Make Pumpkin Bread
  • How to Make the Cream Cheese Icing
  • What Toppings To Put On This Starbucks Copycat Bread
  • Expert Tips for This Recipe
  • My Favorite Tool for Grating Spices
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Pumpkin Bread and Cream Cheese Frosting

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You'll love this pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting because the combination of spiced pumpkin bread and tangy cream cheese frosting creates the perfect balance of fall flavors in every bite. This quick bread always comes out super moist and fluffy and the cream cheese frosting takes it from good to great just like on my Banana Muffins with Cream Cheese Frosting!

sliced pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting and candied ginger

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

dry ingredients for pumpkin bread
  • Pumpkin Puree - The star of this recipe, make sure you use pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pur filling. This will give you more pumpkin flavor and an opportunity to add fall spices to make this bread the best ever.
  • Freshly Ground Nutmeg - While you can use ground nutmeg in a jar, I recommend freshly ground nutmeg for even more punch of flavor. A little goes a long way!
  • Ground Ginger - Additional spice to the bread batter is a must for this fall-inspired bread.
  • Ground Clove - Ground clove adds extra depth of flavor and warmth.
  • Ground Cinnamon - One of the classics in all fall baking, you can't go without ground cinnamon.

*See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.

What Kind of Pumpkin to Use for Pumpkin Bread

You can use canned pumpkin puree from the grocery store or make your own. Check out my recipe Easy Instant Pot Pumpkin Puree and make your own in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

If you purchase a canned pumpkin puree, make sure it's pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling which has added sweetener and spices.

three jars of pumpkin puree made in the instant pot

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

dry ingredients for pumpkin bread.

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° and prep the bread pan. Add the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl. Mix together and set aside.

pumpkin bread batter in a bowl.

Step 2: Place the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in another mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer. Add the pumpkin and apple sauce and beat until combined. Mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula instead of the hand mixer.

pumpkin bread in a pan before baking.

Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes.

baked pumpkin bread on a cooling rack.

Step 4: Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack.

How to Make the Cream Cheese Icing

Place the cream cheese and vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl and beat together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is fully combined and the frosting is nice and smooth.

You can substitute unsalted butter for the vegetable shortening if you would like. I use vegetable shortening because it gives the frosting a firmer texture which works well on bread and is similar to the Starbucks loaves that inspired this recipe.

pumpkin bread slice with a latte

What Toppings To Put On This Starbucks Copycat Bread

I used candied ginger on my pumpkin bread because I love candied ginger and it adds a crunch and spiciness that works nicely with the sweet frosting. It's also just like the Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf.

If you don't have candied ginger, you can make your own. Check out my recipe How to Make Candied Ginger, you will love it! Below are some more ideas for what to put on top of the cream cheese frosting.

  • pumpkin seeds
  • toasted walnuts
  • sprinkles
  • sliced almonds
a slice of pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting

Expert Tips for This Recipe

  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients can make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of your pumpkin bread. Opt for fresh pumpkin puree or high-quality canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling).
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs, butter, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree to come to room temperature before making the batter. This ensures that the ingredients combine smoothly, resulting in a uniform batter.
  • Don't Overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread loaf. Use a spatula to combine the dry and wet ingredients to avoid over-mixing.
  • Bake Until Just Done: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the bread, if it comes out clean, the bread is done. Overbaking will result in a dry bread loaf.
  • Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bread to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting. If the bread is warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.

My Favorite Tool for Grating Spices

My favorite tool for grating fresh nutmeg is this mini grater complete with a little pocket to store your whole nutmeg seed. Not only does it work great, but it's also small so it's easy to store for any recipe that calls for nutmeg!

nutmeg grinder with a nutmeg seed

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe, and it is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin puree. However, ensure you are using pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling which has added spices and sugar.

Can I freeze pumpkin bread?

Yes, you can freeze pumpkin bread for up to 2-3 months without the frosting. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight and then add the frosting before serving.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in the frosting?

Substitutions for cream cheese in the frosting include Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. The consistency and texture will change slightly if you use these substitutions.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flour made for baking in place of regular all-purpose flour. Double-check that your other ingredients, such as baking powder and spices, are also gluten-free.

How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?

Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.

If you get a chance to make this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting, tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me, or leave a review below! You can also follow me on Pinterest and sign up for my e-mail list to receive more fun and delicious recipes in your inbox.

sliced pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting and candied ginger

Pumpkin Bread and Cream Cheese Frosting

This pumpkin bread is moist, full of flavor and so easy to make and the cream cheese frosting makes it even better!
4.97 from 54 votes
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Recipe Saved!
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1 bread loaf
Calories: 335kcal
Author: Emily
Prevent your screen from going dark

Equipment

  • hand mixer (or stand mixer)
  • 2-3 med/large mixing bowls
  • rubber or silicone spatula
  • bread pan 9x5x3
  • parchment paper
  • non-stick spray
  • spice grater

Ingredients

Pumpkin Bread

  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg (or 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ¾ cup applesauce

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (1 package)
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening (OR unsalted butter)
  • 1 cup confectioners powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Ideas (optional)

  • candied ginger
  • pumpkin seeds
  • walnuts

Instructions

Pumpkin Bread

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F and prep the bread pan with parchment paper and/or non-stick spray and flour. I used a 9x5x3 loaf pan.
  • In a mixing bowl add the flour, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, baking powder, and salt and mix together with a whisk or a spoon. Set aside.
  • Place the eggs, sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla in another mixing bowl and beat everything together with a hand mixer. Once combined, add the pumpkin and apple sauce and beat everything together again.
  • Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and combine with a rubber spatula. This will make sure all of the ingredients are mixed together but you don't overmix and your bread be nice and moist.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan, give it a tap on the counter to release bubbles, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick and when it comes out clean, your bread is done. A darker pan will cook faster, my bread only took 50 minutes.
  • Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a wire rack. Once completely cool, you can add the cream cheese icing and any desired toppings.

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • Place the cream cheese and vegetable shortening in a mixing bowl and beat on medium smooth until combined.
  • Add the powdered sugar and vanilla and continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until everything is fully combined and the frosting is nice and smooth.
  • Frost the cooled pumpkin bread using a slanted spatula or rubber spatula. Add toppings if desired and enjoy! Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for 3-4 days.
  • You can freeze pumpkin bread for up to 2-3 months without the frosting. Thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight and then add the frosting before serving.
  • You can use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe, and it is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin puree. However, ensure you are using pumpkin puree and NOT pumpkin pie filling which has added spices and sugar.
  • Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients can make a huge difference in the flavor and texture of your pumpkin bread. Opt for fresh pumpkin puree or high-quality canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs, butter, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree to come to room temperature before making the batter. This ensures that the ingredients combine smoothly, resulting in a uniform batter
  • Don't Overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense bread loaf. Use a spatula to combine the dry and wet ingredients to avoid over-mixing
  • Bake Until Just Done: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the bread, if it comes out clean, the bread is done. Overbaking will result in a dry bread loaf
  • Cool Before Frosting: Allow the bread to cool completely before applying the cream cheese frosting. If the bread is warm, the frosting will melt and become runny.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.3g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 17.2g | Saturated Fat: 7.4g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 237mg | Potassium: 132mg | Fiber: 1.1g | Sugar: 27.7g | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @EmilyFabulous_Blog or tag #emilyfabulous!
QR Code

More Delicious Dessert Recipes

  • guava puree in a jar.
    Guava Puree
  • 23 Easter Dessert Recipes.
    20+ Easy and Fun Easter Desserts
  • 22 dehydrator Recipes.
    22 Dehydrator Recipes
  • 13 Thanksgiving Recipes for Kids.
    13 Thanksgiving Desserts for Kids

Share it!

218 shares
  • Facebook
  • Flipboard

Comments

  1. Sue says

    March 07, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    5 stars
    I've been craving a trip to Starbucks and this pumpkin bread just met that need!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      March 07, 2021 at 9:07 pm

      And you didn't even have to wait in line, LOL. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Holly says

    February 02, 2021 at 11:16 pm

    3 stars
    The loaf has a good flavor, but I came here mainly for the frosting. I have yet to find someone who has perfected the thick, rich frosting that’s on top of the gingerbread loaf at Starbucks. This frosting is more like a typical cream cheese butter cream frosting.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      February 03, 2021 at 1:02 am

      Hi Holly, I'm glad you liked the bread but I was sorry to hear you didn't find what you were looking for in the frosting. Did you use vegetable shortening? I know exactly what texture you are referring to which is what I was trying to imitate. Thanks for trying it out!

      Reply
      • Holly says

        February 06, 2021 at 11:26 pm

        Yes, I did use shortening. I thought maybe that was the key, but alas, it was not. I will keep looking and trying. Thanks!

      • Emily says

        February 07, 2021 at 4:17 am

        Thanks for trying the recipe, Holly. If I come across something that is even closer to the Starbucks version, I will let you know!

  3. Rosario Arecco says

    December 18, 2020 at 8:44 pm

    5 stars
    Perfect with my morning coffee!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      That's exactly what I do too, enjoy!!

      Reply
  4. Audrey says

    December 18, 2020 at 11:38 pm

    5 stars
    Fantastic!! I love pumpkin bread and this one is so good.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 19, 2020 at 1:31 am

      That's so awesome to hear, Audrey!

      Reply
  5. Katie says

    December 18, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    5 stars
    Looks so good. I know my family would love this! Can't wait to try it.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      Thanks, Katie, I know your family is going to enjoy this bread.

      Reply
  6. Noelle Simpson says

    December 18, 2020 at 7:01 pm

    5 stars
    This was delicious, loved it a little warmed up! Thanks for sharing, big hit at my house!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 10:42 pm

      There are not many things better than warm homemade bread! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.

      Reply
  7. April King says

    December 18, 2020 at 6:54 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved everything about this tasty pumpkin bread. The tip on the grate was so helpful.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 10:42 pm

      It's a family favorite in my house as well, I'm so glad you all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  8. sarah johnson says

    December 18, 2020 at 5:39 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved this recipe! It will be my regular go-to pumpkin bread recipe.

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      So great to hear! My family loves it too and I've learned to just make 2 since they disappear so fast!

      Reply
  9. Jess says

    December 18, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    5 stars
    Thanks for your tip on the mini grater for the fresh nutmeg. I love it!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      December 18, 2020 at 5:41 pm

      You are so welcome, Jess, I use that little gadget all the time!!

      Reply
  10. Mihaela says

    November 18, 2020 at 6:56 pm

    5 stars
    I always thought that frosting is a complicated business, but it is clearly not!:) I love how it sounds and that you uploaded pictures with every step of the method; a must try recipe, thanks for sharing it:)

    Reply
    • Emily says

      November 19, 2020 at 1:59 am

      You are welcome, Mihaela! Most frosting is pretty easy to make and you are going to love this recipe!

      Reply
4.97 from 54 votes (44 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




picture of the author and owner of emilyfabulous.com.

Hi, I'm Emily! I'm excited to share my passions, experiments, and fun with you. I love to cook, bake, create recipes, mix cocktails and try new things!

More about me →

emilyfabulous.com has been featured In pinterest, parade, foodgawker, recipe lion, bon appetit, yummly, msn, foodtalk, flipboard, and more.

Spring Cocktails

  • strawberry rhubarb cocktail on a tray.
    Strawberry Rhubarb Cocktail
  • lemon curd cocktail in a coupe glass.
    Lemon Curd Cocktail Recipe
  • blood orange margarita on the rocks.
    Blood Orange Margarita
  • lilac-cocktail
    Lilac Gin Sour

Most Popular

  • poolish-pizza-dough-round
    Poolish Pizza Dough
  • sourdough bread on a cooling rack.
    Dutch Oven Sourdough Bread
  • baked-chile-rellenos
    Baked Chile Rellenos
  • ciabatta rolls on a plate and sliced in half.
    Easy Ciabatta Rolls Recipe
  • stack of pink crumbl copycat cookies
    Crumbl Cookie Copycat Recipe
  • chocolate peanut butter rice krispie treats
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up for emails and updates

Contact

  • About

COPYRIGHT © 2025 EMILY FABULOUS, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.