This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is an easy quick bread full of the flavor of pumpkin and all the traditional pumpkin pie spices. The cream cheese frosting is the ideal tangy and cream complement to this delicious bread.
Preheat oven to 350ºF/180ºC degrees F. Brush a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with olive oil and line with non stick parchment paper.
Use a whisk or fork to combine the sugars, oil eggs, and pumpkin puree in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and use a rubber spatula to combine. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
Scrape the batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Allow the loaves cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Then remove from the pan and allow to cool completely.
When cold, spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. If you prefer more firm frosting, refrigerate to set the frosting before serving.
Serve pumpkin bread with cheese cheese frosting in thick slices.
Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together on high speed using a handheld or stand mixer.
Slowly add the powdered sugar beating until the frosting lightens and becomes fluffy.
Mix in the ground cinnamon and 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk to make a spreadable frosting.
If the frosting is too thin, add a little powdered sugar. If the frosting is too thick, thin with a drop or two of milk.
Notes
Use regular or light flavored olive oil. Or substitute with neutral oil like sunflower.
Replace oil with melted butter if you prefer.
Don't use pumpkin pie filling.
Make your own pumpkin puree by roasting a sweet pumpkin then process until smooth.
Pumpkin pie spice can be used instead of individual spices.
Tips for Success
Use scales for accuracy.
If you don't have scales, take care when measuring especially flour. Stir flour to loosen then spoon into the measuring cup and level off without packing the flour.
Don't over mix the batter. Stir until just combined.
The cream cheese frosting thickness can be adjust by adding more or less milk. If you've add too much milk, beat in a couple tablespoons of powdered sugar to thicken the frosting.