Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting Recipe

If you adore all things pumpkin and crave a comforting treat that fits your gluten free lifestyle, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting. This loaf is a warm hug of autumn spices and tender pumpkin goodness wrapped up in a perfectly moist bread, topped with a luscious, subtly spiced frosting that takes every bite to a cozy new level. It’s a must-try for pumpkin lovers and anyone seeking a flavorful, gluten free baked delight that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet carefully chosen ingredients is the first step toward baking this irresistible loaf. Each element plays a vital role in creating the perfect moistness, rich flavor, and heavenly spice balance in this Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting.

• Gluten Free Flour Blend: The sturdy base for the bread, I love using King Arthur’s Measure for Measure for reliable texture and rise.
• Xanthan gum: Essential for binding and giving structure when your flour blend doesn’t include it.
• Light brown sugar: Adds natural sweetness and a deep molasses flavor that complements pumpkin perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without weighing down the bread.
• Gluten Free baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the acidic lemon juice to give lift and tenderness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the mix, making the spices shine.
• Ground cinnamon: Classic fall warmth that infuses every bite.
• Pumpkin spice blend: The star of the show that adds that iconic seasonal aroma and flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: Provides moistness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin taste. Make sure to use pure pumpkin, not pie filling.
• Large eggs: Bind the bread and add richness for a perfect crumb.
• Sunflower seed oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Milk or dairy-free alternative: Adds creaminess and balances the batter’s texture.
• Vanilla extract: Brings out the pumpkin and spice notes beautifully.
• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar: Adds a slight tang that activates the baking soda for the perfect rise.
• Butter (for frosting): Melted salty butter enriches the pumpkin spice glaze with a creamy, indulgent finish.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and ensures a silky texture.
• Hot water: Used to thin the glaze to just the right consistency for spreading or drizzling.

How to Make Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×4 or 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper—this makes removing your loaf a breeze once it’s baked and cooled. A little preparation goes a long way toward that perfect presentation.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten free flour blend, xanthan gum, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and the pumpkin spice blend. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed so every slice bursts with flavor and rises beautifully.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sunflower seed oil, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well blended. This wet mixture brings moisture and richness, melding perfectly with the spices for the classic pumpkin bread taste we all love.

Step 4: Mix Wet into Dry

Pour your wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients. Stir gently until combined but don’t overmix — it’s perfectly okay if the batter has a few small lumps. Overworking the batter can lead to a dense loaf, and we want light and tender every time.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Cover the pan loosely with tin foil to keep the loaf moist. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for about 45 minutes. Use a toothpick to test doneness — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Frost

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes so it sets nicely. Then transfer it to a wire rack, removing the parchment paper. While cooling, whip up your pumpkin spice frosting by blending melted butter, powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, vanilla, and hot water until smooth and spreadable. Once the bread is completely cool, don’t be shy—slather it generously with that dreamy glaze.

How to Serve Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting

Garnishes

Elevate your bread’s look and flavor by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the frosting. A dusting of extra pumpkin spice or a few pumpkin seeds can also add a festive touch that’s as charming as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a bold herbal tea to balance the sweetness. For a more substantial spread, serve alongside creamy whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and stack pieces with cream cheese between for a quick, elegant pumpkin sandwich. Or cut into cubes and serve with a small dipping bowl of leftover pumpkin spice frosting—it’s a fun way to share this classic in bite-sized form at brunch or holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your gluten free pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature. Storing it properly prevents the bread from drying out and preserves the luscious texture you baked with such care.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this treat later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices well in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently at room temperature for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste anytime.

Reheating

To refresh your slices, pop them into a toaster oven or microwave for 20-30 seconds. This brings back warmth and that cozy aroma we associate with the best gluten free pumpkin bread with pumpkin spice frosting. Add a little extra frosting if you like for a decadent pick-me-up.

FAQs

Can I substitute the gluten free flour blend with almond flour?

Almond flour has a very different texture and moisture content compared to a gluten free blend, so it’s not recommended as a 1-to-1 substitute for this recipe. Using almond flour alone may result in a denser, more crumbly bread that won’t rise the same way.

Is the pumpkin spice frosting necessary?

The frosting adds a delicious finishing touch, balancing the earthiness of the pumpkin bread with sweet, spiced creaminess. You could enjoy the bread plain or with butter, but the pumpkin spice frosting is what makes this recipe truly special and memorable.

What do I do if I don’t have xanthan gum?

If your gluten free flour blend already contains xanthan gum, you can skip adding extra. Otherwise, it’s important to include it for structure since gluten is absent. Omitting it might make the bread too crumbly or cause it to fall apart more easily.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

You sure can! Just roast and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, then measure out the same volume called for in the recipe. Fresh pumpkin may have a slightly different moisture level, so keep an eye on the batter consistency and adjust liquid if needed.

How long should I let the bread cool before frosting?

Make sure the pumpkin bread is completely cool before adding the frosting. If it’s still warm, the frosting will melt and become runny. A good rule is to wait at least an hour after removing from the rack, or even longer if you have the patience!

Final Thoughts

This Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread with Pumpkin Spice Frosting isn’t just a recipe, it’s a celebration of all the cozy, comforting flavors we crave during pumpkin season and beyond. I can’t recommend it enough for your next family gathering, holiday breakfast, or whenever you want to treat yourself to homemade happiness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pumpkin indulgence!

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