Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

The Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe for Fall Magic

Autumn whispers invite cozy moments with this delectable pumpkin cream cheese bread that promises pure comfort.

Crisp leaves and cool breezes inspire seasonal baking adventures.

Warm spices dance through kitchen spaces, creating irresistible aromas.

Creamy swirls of delightful cheese complement rich pumpkin notes perfectly.

Soft, moist textures promise indulgent satisfaction in every delicate slice.

Weekend mornings feel magical when you slice into this heavenly treat.

What Makes Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread So Satisfying

  • Craft Comfort with Ease: Whip up this delightful pumpkin cream cheese bread with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Wow Guests with Stunning Presentation: The beautiful marbled swirl creates an impressive visual effect that looks like it came from a professional bakery, guaranteed to surprise and delight anyone who sees it.
  • Embrace Seasonal Warmth: Packed with cozy pumpkin pie spices and rich cream cheese, this bread captures the essence of autumn's most beloved flavors, bringing instant comfort and nostalgic memories.
  • Versatile Treat for Every Moment: Enjoy as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert – this bread transitions seamlessly between casual and special occasions, making it a go-to recipe for any gathering.

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Soft, powdery base for the bread's structure.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Helpful leavening agents for rise and texture.
  • Salt: Subtle flavor enhancer.
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm, cozy blend of classic autumn spices.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet foundation for rich flavor.
  • Eggs: Binding and moisture provider.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, seasonal vegetable base with rich color.
  • Vegetable Oil: Adds moisture and softness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Delicate, aromatic flavor booster.
Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy dairy ingredient.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
  • Egg: Helps bind the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle warmth and depth.
Baking Preparation:
  • Parchment Paper: Helps easy bread removal.
  • Aluminum Foil: Prevents excessive browning during baking.

Instructions for Baking Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Vessel

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Lovingly coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and line it with parchment paper, letting the edges peek out for easy bread rescue.

Step 2: Craft the Pumpkin Magic Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and blend these dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin pie spice
In a separate large bowl, create a silky smooth combination of:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing until just combined.

Resist the urge to overmix!

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, beat until dreamy:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Step 4: Build Layers of Deliciousness

Pour half the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Dollop the cream cheese filling on top, creating a luscious layer.

Crown with the remaining pumpkin batter.

Step 5: Create Artistic Swirls

Grab a knife or skewer and create a mesmerizing marble effect by gently swirling the batters.

Don’t go too crazy – light touches work best!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

If the top starts to tan too quickly, shield it with aluminum foil.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Let the bread rest in the pan for 15 minutes.

Using the parchment paper handles, transfer to a wire rack.

Allow to cool completely before slicing into heavenly pieces of autumn-inspired bliss.

Pro Tips for Soft and Rich Pumpkin Bread

  • Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
  • Stir batter gently until ingredients are just combined to keep the bread tender and avoid a tough texture.
  • Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to maintain the right consistency and prevent excessive sweetness.
  • Create delicate marbling by making light, gentle figure-eight movements with a knife, avoiding excessive mixing that blends layers completely.
  • Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Cream Cheese Loaf

  • Store leftover pumpkin cream cheese bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness and flavor.
  • Remove from the freezer and let the bread sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Alternatively, warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per slice.
  • Warm slices in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the bread's soft texture and enhance its flavors.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai Latte: Create a cozy autumn experience by serving this pumpkin cream cheese bread alongside a steaming chai latte, where the warming spices of cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger complement the bread's rich pumpkin flavors.
  • Complement with Maple Pecan Butter: Enhance the bread's taste by spreading a dollop of homemade maple pecan butter, which adds a nutty sweetness that perfectly matches the creamy texture and fall-inspired profile of the pumpkin loaf.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Espresso: Elevate the dessert moment with a small shot of salted caramel espresso, whose deep coffee notes and sweet-salty undertones beautifully balance the bread's creamy and spiced characteristics.
  • Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a light, airy cinnamon whipped cream that adds a luxurious and complementary layer of spice, creating a decadent and indulgent dessert experience.

Variations to Change Up Pumpkin Bread Flavors

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and delicious for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream cheese and use plant-based oil instead of regular vegetable oil, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Low-Sugar Version: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the bread's rich flavor profile.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, replace cream cheese with cashew cream, and choose plant-based milk to create a completely animal-product-free version of this seasonal treat.

FAQs

  • Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works perfectly. Make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

  • How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

When mixing dry and wet ingredients, stop as soon as no flour streaks remain. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bread tough and dense instead of soft and tender.

  • What if I don't have pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by combining 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.

  • Can I freeze this pumpkin cream cheese bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe


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4.6 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Warm autumn spices dance through homemade Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, creating a luxurious slice of seasonal comfort. Rich cream cheese swirls complement the moist pumpkin base, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible quick bread.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and prepping a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and parchment paper overhangs.
  2. Combine dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium mixing vessel.
  3. Whisk together sugars, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract in a separate large bowl until achieving a uniform consistency.
  4. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, ensuring minimal stirring to maintain a delicate texture.
  5. Create cream cheese mixture by blending softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, creamy composition.
  6. Transfer half of the pumpkin batter into prepared loaf pan, distributing evenly across the surface.
  7. Carefully spread cream cheese filling as a distinct layer atop the initial pumpkin base.
  8. Delicately cover cream cheese layer with remaining pumpkin batter, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Optional artistic technique involves using a knife to generate subtle marbling effects without overworking the batter.
  10. Position pan in preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for golden coloration and consistent doneness.
  11. Implement aluminum foil protection if top browns excessively during cooking process.
  12. Allow bread to rest within pan for approximately 15 minutes post-baking.
  13. Extract bread using parchment paper handles and transfer to cooling rack for complete temperature reduction.
  14. Slice and serve when bread reaches room temperature for optimal flavor and structural integrity.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense bread texture by gently folding ingredients until just combined.
  • Create gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or coconut flour, maintaining similar moisture levels.
  • Reduce sugar content by substituting half the granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a healthier alternative.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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