We've explored Pumpkin Bread Filling Ideas, so what next? Here's how you can get creative with your presentation of your pumpkin bread creations with these 15+ delectable icing, frosting, and topping variations that will transform your favorite pumpkin bread recipe from ordinary to extraordinary.
NOTE: this list only covers Icing, Frosting & Topping Variations for pumpkin bread. If you're looking for pumpkin bread add in ideas, go to PART 1 for Pumpkin Bread Filling Ideas
ICING & FROSTING VARIATIONS
**I've linked some of these ingredients to amazon.com to give you an idea of what they are, but you should also be able to find them in your local grocery store (usually, the natural & organic food section). They are also affiliate links, which means that I earn a commission as an Amazon Associate if you decide to purchase the items. The price will be the same for you, link or no link 🙂
1. Cream Cheese Frosting
The velvety smoothness of cream cheese frosting is a match made in heaven for pumpkin bread. The tangy notes of the cream cheese beautifully balance the rich and earthy flavors of the pumpkin. Here's a vegan cream cheese frosting recipe that I use for my carrot pumpkin bread recipe, below!
2-Ingredient Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting
See Recipe2. Spiced Glaze
Whether you're savoring a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with loved ones during a festive gathering, this Cardamom Glaze lends a touch of sophistication to your pumpkin bread experience. Cardamom has a unique blend of sweet, spicy, and citrusy flavors that will bring a touch of warmth and a burst of citrusy delight to your pumpkin bread.
Simple Cardamom Glaze
See Recipe3. Caramel
Drizzle a luxurious layer of caramel of choice over your pumpkin bread for a sweet and indulgent treat. There are some vegan options available, too, like this vegan caramel brand made with coconut milk.
Keto Caramel Drizzle / Glaze for Banana Bread, Cinnamon Rolls, Cookies and More!
See Recipe4. Maple Syrup
Save yourself the effort of preparing a glaze and just go with maple syrup! A classic drizzle of pure maple syrup adds a touch of elegance and sweetness to your pumpkin bread.
4. Simple Maple Glaze
Enhance the natural sweetness of your pumpkin bread with a simple yet irresistible maple glaze. The secret to the ultra strong maple flavor is the addition of maple extract.
Simple Maple Glaze (for glazing pumpkin bread, donuts, cinnamon rolls or cookies)
See Recipe5. Lemon Glaze
Craving a burst of citrusy goodness? Try pairing this Simple Lemon Glaze recipe with your favorite pumpkin bread recipe. It’s not just a glaze, it's an experience! It'll give your pumpkin breads a vibrant twist that leaves an unforgettable zesty aftertaste.
Simple Lemon Glaze using Lemon Juice
See Recipe6. Chocolate Frosting
Sounds crazy, but you can actually use a mixture of pumpkin puree, peanut butter powder and cocoa powder to make a healthier, low carb frosting! Feel free to use a generous amount to top your chocolate flavored pumpkin breads. Recipe below!
Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Frosting
See Recipe7. Greek Yogurt Frosting
Want to give your pumpkin bread an irresistibly sweet touch without the calories? This Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt Frosting is made from a high protein, low fat Greek yogurt that's still rich, creamy, and devoid of butter or powdered sugar! Plus, the delightful specks of vanilla bean paste will add an endearing charm to your pumpkin breads.
Vanilla Bean Greek Yogurt Frosting Recipe
See Recipe8. Sweetened Condensed Milk (or Coconut Milk)
Adding a drizzle of sweetened condensed coconut milk to your pumpkin bread will infuse it with a rich, creamy, and tropical sweetness that you can enjoy for any season, not just in the fall.
9. Nutella Frosting
Surprise! You don't need butter or powdered sugar to make a delicious Nutella frosting. Just grab some PB2 almond butter powder, Nutella and Almond Milk for a deliciously creamy frosting that'll take your treats to the next level. Bonus: it's high in protein too!
High Protein Nutella Frosting Recipe
See Recipe10. Walnut Butter Glaze
This glossy, buttery rich glaze, when drizzled over your favorite treats, can augment the taste to unforgettable levels. You can use it for cinnamon rolls, banana bread, scones, and muffins, but I pair it with my zucchini pumpkin bread below.
Simple Walnut Butter Glaze
See Recipe11. Melted Chocolate
Nothing says "treat yourself" quite like warm pumpkin bread with a generous drizzle of melted chocolate on top – and for good reason! If you're looking for a delicious way to elevate your pumpkin bread, the combination of fluffy bread and sweet, melted chocolate is hard to beat.
To melt chocolate, place chocolate chips of your choice (white, dark, milk) in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between every interval, until the chips are melted.
12. Cream Cheese Glaze
Looking for that perfect glaze for your pumpkin bread? It's about time you met our Low Fat Laughing Cow Cream Cheese Glaze. It's so simple to make & packed with flavor, even though it's low fat. It's just the twist your treats need.
Laughing Cow Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
See Recipe13. Orange Glaze
Combining confectioners' sugar with orange marmalade transforms this ordinary pumpkin bread glaze into an incredibly refreshing burst of citrus-infused sweetness. It's perfect when paired with this cranberry pumpkin bread
Simple Orange Glaze with Orange Marmalade
See Recipe15. Nut or Seed Butters
It might sound odd, but trust me—this idea will change your mind about what pumpkin bread "glaze" is all about. Topping pumpkin bread with nut butter or seed butter not only adds an extra layer of flavor to the classic favorite, but also gives a boost of protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. Below, I used tahini.
BAKED TOPPING VARIATIONS
16. Streusel or Crumble Topping
It’s hard to deny the irresistible combination of pumpkin bread and a crunchy streusel topping. The crunchy layer of streusel adds a delightful texture to the soft, sweet pumpkin bread, and provides a delicious treat that is sure to put a smile on your face.
Simple Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
See RecipeSimple Cocoa Streusel Recipe
See Recipe17. Fresh or Dried Fruit
While many people traditionally opt for glazes and frostings, adding fresh or dried fruits can really bring a unique and tasty spin to this classic recipe. Not only are these toppings a great way to add additional flavors and textures, they are also rich in essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs.
18. Chocolate Chips
Who doesn't love the combination of chocolate and pumpkin? If you crave an easy, go-to topping idea that won't leave you unsatisfied, try adding chocolate chips to your favorite pumpkin bread recipe.
19. Nuts and Seeds
Topping your pumpkin bread with nuts and seeds is an easy way to add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your favorite baked goods. With the right combination, not only will you be rewarded with a delicious final product, but you’ll also be benefiting from the healthy fats, proteins, and minerals that these toppings provide.
20. Cinnamon Sugar
Looking for some crunch? Topping the pumpkin bread with a simple combination of cinnamon and sugar creates the perfect contrasting crunch and delivers an irresistibly sweet flavor. To make: combine ½ cup of sugar with 2 tsp of cinnamon powder. Generously sprinkle on top of your pumpkin bread before baking.
From cream cheese frosting to a sweet and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, this ultimate list of pumpkin bread ideas for Part 2 provides a variety of delicious icing, frosting and topping variations to give your pumpkin bread a flavor boost. Hoping this list brings you and your family some excitement in the kitchen and try new pumpkin bread variations this fall season.
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