Name: teaspoon vanilla extract A pinch of salt Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487680H13M51S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ 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; 1 cup pure pumpkin puree; 2 large eggs; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; A pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 13 reviews

When the leaves turn golden and the cravings for something sweet and spiced kick in, nothing hits the spot quite like pumpkin bread with cream cheese frosting. This cozy, nostalgic loaf combines a moist pumpkin crumb with the dreamiest layer of tangy cream cheese, and thanks to the subtle warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, each slice tastes like a celebration of autumn itself. Whether you’re prepping for a festive brunch or just want a comforting snack, this recipe for pumpkin bread uses teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt to dial up the flavors and balance all that sweetness perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple—each one adds its own magic, from golden pumpkin for moisture and color, to a teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt for that signature depth and balance. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll be working with:

All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure that helps the loaf rise tall and slice cleanly.
Baking soda & baking powder: Both work together to give your bread lift and a tender crumb.
Salt: Just a half teaspoon in the bread, plus a pinch for the frosting, is essential to highlight all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: This trio brings a warm, fragrant spice profile that makes pumpkin sing.
Pumpkin puree: The star of the show for moistness and rich seasonal flavor—use pure puree, not pumpkin pie filling!
Eggs: Bind everything together and help the loaf stay light but rich.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and brings out the pumpkin’s natural flavor while keeping the bread soft.
Vegetable oil (or melted butter): Oil makes the loaf extra moist, while butter gives it extra flavor—choose your favorite.
Teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a layer of comforting depth that rounds out the sweetness so beautifully.
Cream cheese: For that tangy, creamy frosting that pairs perfectly with spiced pumpkin bread.
Unsalted butter: Creates a super smooth, fluffy frosting when blended with cream cheese.
Powdered sugar: Delivers the classic sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth texture for the icing on the loaf.
Teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt: This duo in the frosting is the unsung hero—seriously, never skip them!

How to Make teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×5-inch loaf pan with parchment or give it a generous coating of butter or nonstick spray. Prepping your pan well ensures your beautifully spiced pumpkin bread will slide out with ease—no sticking, just perfect slices every time.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This not only evenly distributes the spices—giving you rich flavor in every bite—but also helps keep your bread extra tender by breaking up any clumps. That little teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt later on is going to enhance all these earthy aromas!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and a full teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt. This combo gives your loaf indulgent moisture and sets the stage for a subtly sweet pumpkin flavor with all the best fall spices.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add your dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just combined—overmixing is the enemy of a tender crumb, so fold everything together gently. The batter should be thick but pourable. Pour it into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Now comes the hardest part: waiting patiently as your kitchen fills up with pumpkin-spice aromas!

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Place the loaf in the center of the oven and bake for 60–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before you even think about frosting—otherwise, your luscious frosting may just slide right off! Trust me, the wait is worth it.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat together your softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until silky smooth and light. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until fluffy, then stir in the teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt. This classic frosting is creamy, tangy, and the perfect sweet contrast to the cozy spiced loaf beneath.

Step 7: Frost, Slice, and Enjoy

Once the pumpkin bread is completely cool, spread that gorgeous cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Slice thick or thin, pour yourself something warm, and savor every bite—each one more autumnal than the last, thanks to our beloved teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt flavor combo.

How to Serve teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

Garnishes

To make your pumpkin bread even more inviting, try sprinkling the frosted loaf with a dusting of ground cinnamon or nutmeg, or scatter on a handful of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. If you’re feeling decadent, a few pumpkin seeds look beautiful and give a fantastic texture—plus, they make it clear this loaf is all about the flavors we love, especially that essential teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt base.

Side Dishes

Pair a slice of this pumpkin bread with a steaming mug of spiced chai or apple cider for the ultimate fall snack. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a dollop of Greek yogurt. The creamy frosting and spiced crumbs are a perfect match for anything warming and a little bit tangy, with the teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt essence in the bread and frosting tying it all together.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it party-worthy by slicing the bread into small rectangles for finger food, or go mini by baking the batter in muffin tins. For a rustic vibe, serve on a wooden cutting board, garnished with cinnamon sticks and a dusting of powdered sugar. You can even swirl a little extra teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt into the frosting before spreading for dramatic effect!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover frosted pumpkin bread in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream cheese frosting keeps perfectly for up to four days, and the bread stays delightfully moist, especially with that magical teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt working its charm. If possible, wait until the loaf is cool before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap unfrosted pumpkin bread slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them into a zip-top bag for up to three months. You can also freeze the frosting separately in a small container. Thaw both in the fridge overnight and spread your teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt frosting once fully defrosted for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

If you love your pumpkin bread slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. If it’s already frosted, just be careful not to overheat or the frosting might melt. For an extra treat, toast plain slices and spread with a bit more teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt cream cheese frosting, letting it melt into the bread. Pure autumn magic!

FAQs

Can I make this pumpkin bread gluten free?

Absolutely! Try swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend; just make sure to check your baking powder and baking soda are gluten free as well. The loaf will still be wonderfully moist and flavorful, especially thanks to the teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt in both bread and frosting.

How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done baking?

Once the top is a deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just moist crumbs (no goopy batter), your bread is ready. Don’t forget to let it cool—a warm loaf will quickly melt your cream cheese frosting, which features the signature teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt for maximum flavor.

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, just be sure to drain off any excess moisture, as homemade puree can be more watery than canned. The rich spices and the complexity from the teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt will shine no matter which puree you use!

Is there a dairy-free option for the frosting?

Definitely! Use your favorite dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter; the result is still a creamy, luscious frosting that highlights the teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt flavors beautifully.

What can I do if my cream cheese frosting is too soft?

Chilling it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes should help it firm up. If it’s still too loose, add a little more powdered sugar. The teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt will keep the flavor balanced, even with the extra sugar!

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of cozy fall bakes and unforgettable flavors, this pumpkin bread with luscious cream cheese frosting is calling your name! Give it a whirl—you’ll love how every bite, thanks to a teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt, wraps you up in comfort and warmth. Happy baking!