Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

If you’re craving something irresistibly moist, perfectly spiced, and swirled with a luscious layer of cream cheese, this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread will absolutely win you over. From the first slice to the last tender crumb, it’s pure autumnal comfort with a bakery-style flair. Whether you want to bring a little festivity to your morning coffee or you’re sharing slices with friends at brunch, this dreamy loaf packs all the best flavors of fall—plus that creamy surprise inside. Trust me, you’ll want this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread on repeat all season!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the beautiful ingredients that bring this delicious pumpkin bread to life. Each component plays a crucial role in the final flavor, moisture, and that dreamy swirl, creating a loaf that’s way more than the sum of its parts.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy structure needed to hold up the cream cheese swirl and keep the loaf tender.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Gives your bread the perfect rise without making it heavy or dense.
• Salt: A pinch sharpens all the other flavors—never skip it!
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Infuses the bread with the cozy, signature flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Canned Pumpkin Purée: The heart of the loaf for real pumpkin flavor and wonderfully moist texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a subtle caramel note that complements the spices perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar: Lends the ideal balance of sweetness without overwhelming the homemade taste.
• Eggs: Bind everything together while contributing to a rich, tender crumb.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf moist for days and gives it a soft, bakery-style crumb.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the sweetness and intensifies both pumpkin and cream cheese flavors.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Delivers that creamy swirl for a tangy, cheesecake-like surprise in every bite.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it smooth and airy.
• Vanilla for Filling: Just a touch takes the cream cheese swirl to dreamy new heights.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously prepare a 9×5 loaf pan with nonstick spray or parchment. This simple step ensures your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread slides out beautifully when it’s done, with every swirl fully intact.

Step 2: Mix the Pumpkin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, both sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This wet mix is the flavorful, moist heart of your bread and creates the perfect base for the spices and swirl.

Step 3: Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt right into the wet mixture. Fold gently just until combined—this keeps the crumb soft and prevents overmixing, which can make your bread tough.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate small bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth and fluffy. This creamy filling is the star swirl that makes Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread so special!

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half your pumpkin batter into the loaf pan, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top. Gently spoon the rest of the pumpkin batter on top and use a butter knife to lightly swirl the two layers together. Don’t go overboard—the swirl should be simple and pretty, not blended.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Cool the bread in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool fully before slicing for the cleanest, most gorgeous swirl in every slice!

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Garnishes

To really highlight that spectacular swirl, dust the cooled loaf with an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze. A handful of toasted pecans or walnuts over the top add both crunch and a pretty, rustic finish.

Side Dishes

Pair Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread with a mug of hot chai, strong coffee, or even spiced apple cider for maximum cozy vibes. Fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt also make lovely, balancing sides for a special breakfast or brunch table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cubing the bread and stacking the pieces on a platter for a gorgeous brunch board, or cut thick slices and wrap them in parchment for the cutest edible gifts. You can even toast slices under the broiler for a minute (watch closely!) and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for an easy dessert version of pumpkin cheesecake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to stretch it out even longer (or if your kitchen runs warm), pop it in the fridge where it will stay soft and tasty for almost a week.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when that pumpkin bread craving strikes!

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked coziness, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or warm the whole loaf gently in a low oven for about 10 minutes. The cream cheese swirl softens back up, making each bite as dreamy as day one.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade puree is thick and not watery—otherwise your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread could turn out gummy. Sometimes homemade pumpkin is moister than canned, so drain off any excess liquid first.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just check the consistency; sometimes gluten-free batters need a touch more liquid, so keep an eye on the texture as you fold everything together.

What’s the best way to get a perfect swirl?

Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl in a simple, gentle motion—think figure-eight or zig-zag. Avoid overmixing, or you’ll lose those lovely ribbons of creamy filling that make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread so fun.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or a handful of mini chocolate chips can be stirred into the pumpkin batter or sprinkled on top before baking for extra crunch or a chocolatey twist.

Why do I need to let the bread cool before slicing?

It might be tempting to dive right in, but letting your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread cool completely ensures the swirl sets properly, making every slice picture-perfect (and less likely to crumble or smear).

Final Thoughts

Baking up a loaf of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is truly one of those small joys that turns an ordinary day into something special. The blend of spiced pumpkin and creamy swirl is just too good to miss—so tie on your apron and treat yourself (and your people!) to this cozy classic. You’ll love every last crumb!

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