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pumpkin bread topped with pecans and cream cheese frosting.
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The Easiest Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bread is pure fall comfort. A few simple ingredients and an easy method give you a soft, spiced loaf finished with creamy tangy frosting. It’s the kind of cozy treat that practically calls for a chilly day and a hot mug of coffee.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 slices
Calories: 585kcal
Author: Kate

Ingredients

  • 1 box spice cake mix
  • ⅓ cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • ½ cup pecans optional

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. Stir until just combined.
  • Fold pecans into the batter with a spatula if using.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • While the bread cools, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Add in the vanilla extract, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until creamy.
  • Once the bread is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top. Slice and serve.

Notes

Variations to Try
  • Turn the recipe into muffins or cupcakes, and bake for 18 to 20 minutes
  • Bake as mini loaves for gifts, about 25 to 30 minutes
  • Add chocolate chips or cranberries to the batter 
Baking Tips 
  • Let the bread cool completely before frosting or it will melt. 
  • If frosting splits, beat in a spoonful of powdered sugar to bring it back together.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for smooth frosting.
Storage Tips 
  • Store in the fridge for up to 5 days
  • When you're ready to eat allow the bread to rest at room temp for 20 minutes to soften the frosting
  • Freeze unfrosted bread for up to 2 months

Nutrition

Calories: 585kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 533mg | Potassium: 351mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 7578IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 4mg