Go Back

Moist Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 300 kcal

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

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-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.