Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

There’s something magical about baking, especially during the cozy fall season. One of my favorite things to whip up is Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread. This recipe has been a staple in my home for years, filling the air with warm spices and sweet aromas that invite everyone to gather around. I can still remember those chilly autumn mornings when I’d get up early, eager to bake a loaf that would fill my kitchen with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. As the bread bakes, the anticipation builds, and soon enough, it’s time to slice into that golden-brown crust, revealing a soft, moist interior, generously swirled with a creamy filling. It’s a recipe that never fails to bring smiles and comfort.

What to Gather for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s talk about the ingredients that will come together to create this delicious Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread. Each component plays a vital role in contributing flavor, texture, and moisture. The combination of spices, sugars, and pumpkin puree creates that irresistible autumnal taste, while the cream cheese filling adds a surprise of creamy richness.

• Cream Cheese (6 ounces, at room temperature) – This is the star of the filling, lending a rich creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spiced pumpkin batter.
• Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup) – Adds sweetness to the bread, balancing perfectly with the spices.
• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup and 1 ¼ cups) – The foundation of the loaf, providing structure and stability.
• Egg (1 large) – Binds the ingredients together, contributing to the bread’s moist texture.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – The main flavor component, making this a quintessential fall dish.
• Brown Sugar (¾ cup) – Adds depth of flavor with its caramel notes, enhancing the overall sweetness.
• Buttermilk (¼ cup) – Keeps the bread incredibly moist while adding a slight tang.
• Cooking Oil (¼ cup) – Ensures the bread remains tender and soft.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (1 tablespoon) – A blend of spices that gives this bread its warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Baking Powder (¾ teaspoon) – The leavening agent that helps the loaf rise.
• Baking Soda (½ teaspoon) – Works alongside the baking powder for a perfect rise.
• Salt (½ teaspoon) – A crucial ingredient that enhances all the flavors.

Preparation Steps for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

Let’s get started on making this delightful Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a fragrant, delicious loaf that will impress everyone!

1. First, move one of your baking racks to the lower third of the oven. Preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is essential to ensure your bread bakes evenly.
2. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with butter to prevent sticking. A 5″x9″ loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
3. Next, let’s make the cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, and the egg. Use an electric beater to mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined!
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, buttermilk, cooking oil, and the egg. Whisk until everything is well incorporated, and you have a smooth mixture.
5. In a separate medium bowl, sift together 1 ¼ cups of flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
6. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the large bowl with the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Pour one-third of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly.
8. Spread half of the cream cheese filling on top of this layer. Then, add another one-third of the batter, followed by the remaining cream cheese filling. Finally, finish with the last layer of the batter.
9. Before baking, sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar (about 1 teaspoon) for a lovely crust. Now, bake the pumpkin bread for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, invert the pan to remove the loaf and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Make It Your Own

Getting creative in the kitchen is part of the fun! Here are some tips to make the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread even more delightful:

• Storage: If you have leftover pumpkin bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It also freezes well!
• Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months!
• Pairing: This bread pairs beautifully with coffee or tea. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a cozy afternoon snack!
• Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture!
• Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup over the top before serving adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spices.

Great Combinations for Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

Wondering how to serve your freshly baked Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread? Here are some great ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve warm slices with whipped cream or a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a decadent breakfast treat.
• Afternoon Snack: Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The spices in the bread complement the warm drinks perfectly.
• Holiday Gatherings: This bread is a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving table, making it a delightful side or dessert.
• Cozy Evenings: Pair with a warm mug of hot cocoa for a chilly autumn night.
• Gifting: Wrap a loaf in festive paper or a decorative tin and gift it to friends or family as a heartfelt gesture.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread is truly a celebration of fall flavors, combining the warmth of spices with a creamy filling that makes every bite wonderful. I encourage you to try this recipe and experience its delightful taste for yourself. Whether for a special occasion or just to enjoy at home, this bread is sure to please!

Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread is a delightful blend of spices, creamy filling, and moist pumpkin goodness. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy snack, this easy-to-make recipe will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Make it tonight and enjoy the warmth of home!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 slices

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 230

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6 ounces Cream Cheese at room temperature
• ⅓ cup Granulated Sugar
• ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup Pumpkin Puree
• ¾ cup Brown Sugar
• ¼ cup Granulated Sugar plus extra to sprinkle on top
• ¼ cup Buttermilk can use regular milk
• ¼ cup Cooking Oil
• 1 large Egg
• 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1 tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
• ½ teaspoon Salt

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. First, move one of your baking racks to the lower third of the oven. Preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit is essential to ensure your bread bakes evenly.
2. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it with butter to prevent sticking. A 5"x9" loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe.
3. Next, let’s make the cream cheese filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream cheese, granulated sugar, flour, and the egg. Use an electric beater to mix until it’s smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well combined!
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, the remaining granulated sugar, buttermilk, cooking oil, and the egg. Whisk until everything is well incorporated, and you have a smooth mixture.
5. In a separate medium bowl, sift together 1 ¼ cups of flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
6. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients to the large bowl with the pumpkin mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. Pour one-third of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly.
8. Spread half of the cream cheese filling on top of this layer. Then, add another one-third of the batter, followed by the remaining cream cheese filling. Finally, finish with the last layer of the batter.
9. Before baking, sprinkle the top with a little extra sugar (about 1 teaspoon) for a lovely crust. Now, bake the pumpkin bread for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then, invert the pan to remove the loaf and let it cool completely on a cooling rack. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Notes

If you have leftover pumpkin bread, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It also freezes well!

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Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.