Pumpkin bread is a cozy, sweet treat that screams autumn. It's soft, moist, and full of those warm spices we all love. But how do you make it even better? By pairing it with the perfect side!

Here you can find 14 amazing sides that will turn your pumpkin bread into a meal or a decadent snack. From creamy spreads to fresh accompaniments, there's something here for everyone.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with pumpkin bread are apple butter, Greek yogurt, dulce de leche, honey and nut cream cheese, cranberry sauce, spiced walnuts, vanilla ice cream, pumpkin spice latte, Halloween mummy dogs, marshmallow treats, and Halloween sugar cookies.

Now, let's get cooking!

Table of Contents

1. Apple Butter
2. Greek Yogurt
3. Dulce de Leche
4. Honey and Nut Cream Cheese
5. Cranberry Sauce
6. Spiced Walnuts
7. Vanilla Ice Cream
8. Pumpkin Spice Latte
9. Halloween Mummy Dogs
10. Marshmallow Treats
11. Halloween Sugar Cookies
12. Spiced Apple Cider
13. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread
14. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit
What To Serve With Pumpkin Bread

1. Apple Butter

Apple butter on pumpkin bread is like a hug in food form. It's thick, rich, and has a deep apple flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spices in the bread. Spread a generous layer on a warm slice of pumpkin bread for a snack that feels like autumn in every bite. Plus, it's a great way to use up apples if you're into making your own apple butter at home. The combination of these two autumn classics will have you coming back for seconds.

2. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a simple, healthy side that adds a nice tang and creaminess to pumpkin bread. If you're enjoying your pumpkin bread for breakfast or a snack, a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side, or even on top, can make it feel more like a complete meal. You can also mix in some honey or maple syrup with the yogurt for extra sweetness. It’s a fantastic way to add some protein to your treat, making it slightly more filling and nutritious.

3. Dulce de Leche

Dulce de leche is a game-changer for pumpkin bread. This sweet, creamy caramel-like sauce drizzled over the top or spread between slices turns your bread into a luxurious dessert. It complements the spices in the bread beautifully, adding a richness that's hard to beat. Making dulce de leche at home can be a fun project, or you can find it in most grocery stores. Either way, it's a must-try pairing.

4. Honey and Nut Cream Cheese

Mix some cream cheese with honey and chopped nuts, and you've got yourself a spread that's out of this world. The creaminess of the cheese, the sweetness of the honey, and the crunchy texture from the nuts add layers of flavor and texture to your pumpkin bread. It's easy to whip up and makes for an impressive side to serve guests or to enjoy as a treat for yourself.

5. Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce isn't just for Thanksgiving. Its tartness cuts through the sweetness of the pumpkin bread beautifully, adding a refreshing flavor contrast. You can use leftover sauce from a holiday dinner or make a small batch specifically for this purpose. Either homemade or store-bought works well. It's especially good with a bit of orange zest mixed in.

6. Spiced Walnuts

Spiced walnuts are a crunchy, savory, and slightly spicy side that adds an incredible texture contrast to the soft and moist pumpkin bread. To make them, simply toss walnut halves with melted butter, sugar, and your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne for heat.

7. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serving a warm slice of pumpkin bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into an instant dessert. The ice cream melts slightly, soaking into the bread and adding a creamy texture that complements the spices in the bread. It's an incredibly easy way to make your pumpkin bread feel special.

8. Pumpkin Spice Latte

A pumpkin spice latte is the perfect drink to sip alongside your pumpkin bread. This warm, comforting beverage brings out the pumpkin flavor of the bread and adds an extra spice kick. Making one at home allows you to adjust the sweetness and spice levels to your liking. It's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of fall flavors. Enjoying this combo on a chilly morning or as an afternoon pick-me-up is the essence of autumn joy.

9. Halloween Mummy Dogs

For a fun and festive twist, serve your pumpkin bread with Halloween mummy dogs. Wrap hot dogs in strips of crescent roll dough, leaving a gap for the 'eyes.' Bake until golden, then add dots of mustard or ketchup for eyes. This playful dish brings a savory balance to the sweetness of the pumpkin bread, making for an enjoyable Halloween-themed meal or snack. Kids and adults alike will love the creativity and flavor of this pairing.

10. Marshmallow Treats

Marshmallow treats, made by melting marshmallows with butter and mixing in crispy rice cereal, are a sweet, chewy side that kids especially love. They add a fun texture contrast to the soft pumpkin bread. For an extra festive touch, mix in some orange food coloring or pumpkin spice to the marshmallow treats. This combination is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for parties or a family treat.

11. Halloween Sugar Cookies

Decorated Halloween sugar cookies are another sweet side that can be customized to match the season. Use pumpkin, ghost, or bat cutters to shape the cookies, and have fun decorating them with icing and sprinkles. These cookies add a playful element to your pumpkin bread serving, and the act of decorating them can be a fun activity for a fall day. The slight crunch of the cookies contrasts nicely with the moist bread.

12. Spiced Apple Cider

Spiced apple cider is a warm, aromatic drink that complements pumpkin bread beautifully. The spices in the cider, like cinnamon and cloves, echo those in the bread, tying the flavors together. Enjoying a slice of pumpkin bread with a mug of hot cider on a cool day is the perfect way to embrace fall. It's easy to make at home, and you can adjust the sweetness and spices to your taste.

13. Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

Creating a pumpkin cream cheese spread is a fantastic way to double down on pumpkin flavors. Mix cream cheese with canned pumpkin, a bit of sugar, and pumpkin pie spices for a creamy, flavorful spread. This spread adds a rich, tangy element that enhances the pumpkin bread's flavor. It's a simple way to make your snack or dessert even more special.

14. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit

For a lighter side, try chocolate-dipped fruit. Melt chocolate and dip slices of apples, pears, or bananas, then let them cool until the chocolate sets. The fresh fruit offers a refreshing contrast to the dense, spicy bread, while the chocolate adds a sweet touch. This pairing is not only delicious but also adds a touch of elegance to your pumpkin bread serving.