If you’re looking to cozy up your baking repertoire with something irresistibly delicious, this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe is your new best friend. It combines the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a luscious, creamy center that feels like a little slice of autumn heaven in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat, this pumpkin bread delights both visually and on the palate, making it a standout for those crisp, cozy days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe plays a crucial role, from creating that tender, moist crumb to delivering the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The simplicity of these ingredients makes it easy to find everything at your local store, while the careful combination ensures wonderful texture, flavor, and aroma.
- Pumpkin purée: Provides moistness and a naturally sweet, earthy pumpkin flavor.
- Eggs: Help bind the ingredients and add structure for a light, fluffy bread.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender without overwhelming flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances browning for that golden crust.
- Light brown sugar: Contributes a subtle caramel undertone and moisture.
- Milk: Enriches the batter for a soft crumb and smooth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brightens the flavors and complements the pumpkin spices.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread’s structure, balanced for soft yet sturdy slices.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to give lift and lightness.
- Pumpkin pie spice and ground cinnamon: Infuse warm, classic autumn spices for that signature flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Cream cheese (softened): Creates a creamy, tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin bread.
- Additional egg, sugar, and flour for the cream cheese filling: These help create that smooth, rich texture and stabilize the filling during baking.
How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your pumpkin bread will bake evenly and won’t stick, setting you up for a perfect loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. This mix combines moisture and sweetness, creating the lush base that carries all the lovely pumpkin flavors through the bread.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry components bring structure and that signature warm spice aroma, priming the batter for a perfect rise and inviting color.
Step 4: Gently Blend Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your bread tender and soft, making every bite melt-in-your-mouth wonderful.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth and creamy. This luscious filling is the magic that sets this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe apart, adding a tangy, silky surprise inside.
Step 6: Layer the Batter and Filling
Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into your greased loaf pan. Carefully spread the cream cheese filling evenly over this layer. Then pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the filling, smoothing the top to create a beautiful layered effect that bakes up perfectly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step locks in the moisture and flavor, while the golden crust forms a delightful contrast with the creamy filling inside.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into 10-12 generous pieces and indulge in this stunning Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pumpkin bread even more inviting, dust it lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the slices. Toasted pecans or walnuts scattered on top add a lovely crunch that complements the soft, creamy layers inside.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or a frothy latte. For a more substantial pairing, serve alongside a bowl of spiced apple cider or a fresh fruit salad that balances the richness with bright, juicy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thick pieces and serving it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter. For gatherings, cut the loaf into mini squares and arrange on a platter with autumn-themed decorations like cinnamon sticks and fresh cranberries for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days, or up to 4 days if refrigerated, keeping that creamy filling and tender crumb intact.
Freezing
This pumpkin bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months so you can enjoy a homemade treat anytime autumn cravings strike.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, thaw slices at room temperature and warm them gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and melty cream cheese center beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is actually the most convenient choice, offering consistent moisture and flavor that’s ideal for this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free version and use your favorite plant-based milk instead of regular milk. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. The cream cheese filling should be set and the crust golden brown.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this pumpkin bread?
Yes! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter before baking can add delightful texture and flavor dimensions. Just fold them in gently after combining the wet and dry ingredients.
What’s the best way to slice the bread without squishing the cream cheese layer?
Use a serrated bread knife and slice gently with a sawing motion, letting the knife do the work rather than pressing down hard. Chilling the loaf for a while before slicing can also help keep the layers intact.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe is a cozy hug in loaf form, filled with nostalgic flavors and a surprise creamy filling that is sure to become a seasonal favorite. I encourage you to bake a loaf, share it with loved ones, and enjoy the warm smiles it brings — trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this recipe again and again.
Print
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a moist and flavorful autumn treat featuring a rich, spiced pumpkin batter layered with a smooth, sweet cream cheese filling. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this loaf combines warm pumpkin pie spices with a creamy center that adds delight to every bite.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bread Batter
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, 2 eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 egg, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Assemble Layers: Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread the cream cheese filling over this layer. Then pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top and smooth the surface for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, slice into 10-12 pieces and enjoy your delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Check the bread at 55 minutes and then every 5 minutes to prevent over-baking.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to keep the cream cheese filling intact.
