Few baked treats capture the cozy essence of fall quite like Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice — a warm hug in the form of a loaf.

Pumpkin bread is a true classic — a timeless treat that brings together the wholesome flavor of pumpkin purée and the aromatic magic of spices. This version elevates the traditional loaf with a luscious glaze that makes it feel bakery-worthy yet simple enough to make at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this pumpkin bread because it’s everything you want in a fall dessert — fragrant, moist, and deeply satisfying. The texture is soft but not dense, the spice blend is perfectly balanced, and the cream cheese glaze adds a luxurious finishing touch.

Every bite reminds me of cozy evenings, golden leaves, and the comforting feeling of home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is a must-try because:

• It’s incredibly easy to make — perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike.
• It’s ultra-moist and stays fresh for days.
• The spice balance is warm but not overpowering.
• The cream cheese glaze takes it from delicious to divine.
• It’s perfect for any occasion — holidays, brunch, or gifting.

If you love fall flavors, this bread will become your go-to recipe every pumpkin season.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling + Glazing Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories: ~310 kcal per slice (with glaze)
• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk or buttermilk

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1–2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large mixing bowl, combine pumpkin purée, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and milk.
• Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
• Stir gently using a spatula or whisk until just combined — do not overmix.
• Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Smooth the top and tap gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool Completely

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

• In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
• Add powdered sugar and vanilla, then mix until smooth.
• Add milk gradually until you reach a pourable glaze consistency.

Step 8: Glaze the Bread

• Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over the top.
• Allow it to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

• Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
• Slice and enjoy as is, or pair with:
  • A cup of hot coffee or chai tea
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence
• For brunch, serve alongside fruit salad or whipped cream.

Recipe Tips

• Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling (which has added sugar and spices).
• Don’t overmix — it can make the bread dense.
• Cool completely before glazing, or the frosting will melt.
• Spice level can be adjusted — add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
• For an extra moist loaf, replace 2 tablespoons of oil with Greek yogurt or applesauce.

Variations

1. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
2. Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
3. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread: Instead of glaze, swirl a cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.
4. Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
5. Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based milk and cream cheese.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 7 days.
• Freezer:
  • Without glaze: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • With glaze: Freeze slices individually, wrapped and sealed.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk and spatula
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Electric mixer (optional for glaze)
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use canned pumpkin purée?
Yes, canned pumpkin works perfectly and is actually preferred for consistent texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Bake in a lined muffin tin for 20–25 minutes.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — reduce by up to ¼ cup without affecting texture much.

Q4: My pumpkin bread cracked on top. Is that normal?
Yes! A cracked top is a sign that it rose beautifully and baked evenly.

Q5: Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze makes it extra special.

Conclusion

This Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze is pure comfort baked into a loaf. With its warm spices, tender crumb, and creamy glaze, it’s the perfect way to celebrate fall — or any time you crave something cozy and delicious.

Every slice melts in your mouth, balancing sweetness, spice, and tang in perfect harmony. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or yourself, this pumpkin bread is a guaranteed hit that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart happy.