Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
If you’re looking for a delightful fall treat that brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen, then you’ve found it! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a favorite in my home, and once you take a bite, you’ll see why. With its sweet and spiced pumpkin bread surrounding a creamy cheese filling, this recipe feels like a cozy hug on a plate. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something special or for family gatherings where everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Plus, this bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as dessert. Trust me, once you make this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread, it will become your go-to seasonal recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet and creamy combination of pumpkin and cream cheese!
- Great for Meal Prep: Bake ahead of time and enjoy slices throughout the week or share with friends.
- Perfectly Spiced: The warm spices give this bread that autumn vibe we all crave during the season.
- Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it plain or dress it up with toppings like honey butter or cinnamon-sugar butter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. They come together beautifully to create a moist and flavorful loaf that everyone will love!
For the Pumpkin Bread
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable may be substituted)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; or Greek yogurt may be substituted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional and to taste)
For the Cream Cheese Filling
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese (lite is okay)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Variations
This recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun ways to customize your Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread:
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Mix in Chocolate Chips: For chocoholics out there, adding semi-sweet chocolate chips will make this bread even more decadent!
- Use Different Spices: Experiment with ginger or allspice if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
- Make Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans for cute gifts or individual servings.
How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use floured cooking spray. This step ensures your bread doesn’t stick once it’s baked—no one likes a stuck loaf!
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, combine the first ten ingredients from the list above through ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until smooth. Once combined, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread to stay light and fluffy!
Step 3: Assemble the Batter
Pour about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth it lightly with a spatula so it fills all corners. This layer creates a sturdy base for our creamy filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, whisk together all the cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth. This mixture adds that luscious cheesecake-like texture to our pumpkin bread!
Step 5: Layer It Up!
Evenly pour the cream cheese filling over the batter in your pan. Use your spatula again to smooth the top lightly without disturbing the batter below. Then dollop spoonfuls of the remaining pumpkin batter on top of the filling and gently spread it out—this keeps everything contained as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your creation for about 48 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center. Remember that testing with a toothpick may yield some creamy residue due to the filling—it’s meant to be rich!
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Once done baking, let your pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Allowing it to cool completely helps maintain its structure when slicing into those delicious pieces.
Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread warm from the oven or at room temperature! Each slice is sure to bring joy and smiles all around.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Making the perfect cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread is all about little details that enhance flavor and texture. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your bread turns out wonderfully every time!
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Use room temperature ingredients – Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, creating a cohesive texture that enhances the final product.
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Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined ensures your bread remains fluffy rather than dense. Overmixing can develop gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher loaf.
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Check for doneness carefully – Since the cream cheese filling may not solidify completely, rely on visual cues like a domed top and golden brown color, along with the toothpick test for moist crumbs instead of batter.
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Cool before slicing – Allowing the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes helps it set and makes slicing easier, preventing it from falling apart.
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Experiment with spices – Feel free to add or substitute spices based on your personal preference; nutmeg, ginger, or even a dash of clove can add a delightful twist to your pumpkin bread.
How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
This delicious cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy breakfast treat or serving it at a gathering, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish!
Garnishes
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bread.
- Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and an elegant touch that looks beautiful on the plate.
- Fresh herbs: A sprig of mint or rosemary can add a pop of color and an unexpected flavor contrast that surprises your guests.
Side Dishes
- Fresh fruit salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the pumpkin bread.
- Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a wholesome side that brings creaminess and crunch alongside your sweet bread.
- Warm spiced tea: A comforting cup of chai or spiced herbal tea enhances the cozy flavors of pumpkin while providing warmth on chilly days.
- Cheese platter: Pairing with soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie creates an interesting contrast between savory and sweet flavors, making for an impressive presentation.
Enjoy sharing this warm, inviting dish with family and friends! Each slice of cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread will surely be met with smiles and requests for seconds. Happy baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week. It keeps well in various forms, making it a convenient and delightful treat to have on hand.
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator where it can last up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy reference!
Reheating
- To reheat, simply slice the frozen bread and microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and enjoy it at room temperature or warm it in the oven at 350F for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!
Can I use canned pumpkin for Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin without any added spices.
How do I make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread more moist?
For extra moisture, ensure you don’t overmix your batter and consider adding a bit more sour cream or Greek yogurt. This will enhance its richness!
Can I substitute other ingredients in this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?
Yes! You can replace coconut oil with vegetable oil, and Greek yogurt can be swapped with sour cream if needed. Feel free to get creative with spices too!
How long does Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread last?
When stored properly, this bread stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread as much as I do! It’s a wonderful blend of flavors that captures the essence of fall while being cozy enough to savor any time of year. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family; they’ll love joining in on this delicious experience. Happy baking!
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread. This delightful treat combines a moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a rich cream cheese filling, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. The warm spices and creamy texture create a comforting experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether served plain or topped with honey butter, this bread is sure to impress family and friends alike. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for any occasion, it’s destined to become your go-to autumn recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil (liquid)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- For the cream cheese filling:
- 1 large egg
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the first ten ingredients until smooth. Fold in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt until just combined.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together the cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth and pour over the batter in the pan.
- Dollop remaining pumpkin batter over the filling and spread gently.
- Bake for about 48 minutes or until golden brown on top.
- Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
