Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Heavenly Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Fall

Autumn whispers magic through this cream cheese filled pumpkin bread that turns ordinary afternoons into cozy celebrations.

Seasonal baking beckons with warm, inviting aromas wafting through kitchen spaces.

Soft, tender crumbs promise delightful moments of pure comfort.

Delicate swirls of cream cheese create unexpected pockets of creamy richness within each slice.

Warm spices dance alongside sweet pumpkin notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Bakers seeking something special will adore this simple yet elegant treat.

Fall’s most beloved quick bread awaits your eager mixing skills.

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

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  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Deliver a creamy, flavorful dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime stress-free and delicious.

Ingredients Needed For Cream Cheese Filled Bread

For the Bread Base:
  • Flour: A key structural ingredient that provides the foundation for the pumpkin bread.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and beautiful orange color to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures the bread remains tender and moist throughout baking.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and extra moisture to the bread.
For the Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Create a warm, classic autumn spice blend that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
For the Leavening and Seasoning:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the bread rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy filling that contrasts beautifully with the sweet pumpkin bread.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
For the Preparation:
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of both the bread and filling.

How To Prepare Cream Cheese Filled Bread

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the following ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cloves

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, create a smooth mixture by stirring together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are completely incorporated and look silky.

Step 3: Combine Batter

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently and carefully to prevent overmixing.

The batter should look rich and have a beautiful orange-brown color.

Step 4: Create Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, whip up the cream cheese mixture:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Beat until the filling becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Step 5: Layer the Bread

Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. Pour half the pumpkin batter into the pan, spreading it evenly.

Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the first layer, making sure not to mix the layers.

Step 6: Top and Finish Layering

Gently pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer.

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, completely covering the cream cheese filling.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 350F (175C).

Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, avoiding the cream cheese layer.

The toothpick should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Carefully transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely. Slice and enjoy the delightful swirls of pumpkin and cream cheese!

Helpful Tips For Cream Cheese Filled Bread

  • Check cream cheese temperature before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free filling and perfect texture.
  • Avoid overmixing batter to prevent tough, dense bread with less tender crumb.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for better incorporation and consistent mixing.
  • Line loaf pan with parchment paper for easier removal and clean slicing of bread.
  • Test bread doneness carefully by inserting toothpick near center, avoiding cream cheese layer to get accurate moisture reading.

Flavorful Twists For Cream Cheese Filled Bread

  • Chocolate Marble Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread: Swirl melted dark chocolate into the cream cheese filling for a rich, decadent flavor profile that adds depth to the classic pumpkin bread.
  • Nutty Crunch Pumpkin Bread: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the cream cheese and pumpkin batter layers to create a crunchy texture and nutty undertone.
  • Maple Pecan Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup in the cream cheese filling and top the bread with candied pecans for a warm, autumn-inspired version.
  • Spiced Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread: Add extra warming spices like cardamom or allspice to the cream cheese filling for an intensified seasonal flavor experience.

Ideal Pairings For Cream Cheese Filled Bread

  • Autumn Harvest Brunch Delight: Slice the pumpkin bread and serve alongside a warm cup of spiced apple cider. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
  • Dessert Centerpiece: Create an elegant dessert presentation by cutting the bread into thin slices. Arrange on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, candied pecans, and a drizzle of maple glaze. Perfect for impressing guests at a fall gathering.
  • Breakfast Companion: Toast a slice and spread with a thin layer of salted butter or cream cheese. Pair with a strong morning coffee or herbal tea. This makes a delightful morning treat that's both comforting and satisfying.

Proper Storage Advice For Cream Cheese Bread

  • Store the cooled pumpkin bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the bread in the coldest part of the fridge to maintain its freshness and prevent the cream cheese from spoiling.
  • Wrap the completely cooled bread in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and store in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw individual slices at room temperature or briefly warm in the microwave.

FAQs

  • What gives this pumpkin bread its unique texture?

The combination of pumpkin puree, oil, and eggs creates a moist and tender crumb, while carefully mixing the dry and wet ingredients prevents overmixing and maintains a soft texture.

  • Why is it important to layer the cream cheese filling carefully?

Layering prevents the cream cheese from completely mixing with the pumpkin batter, creating a distinct swirled cream cheese center that adds richness and creamy contrast to the bread.

  • Can I use different spices in this recipe?

While the recipe uses a classic pumpkin spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, you can adjust the spices to your taste or swap in pumpkin pie spice for a similar flavor profile.

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Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible cream cheese filled pumpkin bread combines autumn’s warmest spices with rich cream cheese filling. Bakers discover a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors you’ll crave during crisp seasonal moments.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by whisking flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, both white and brown sugars, and vanilla extract, blending until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
  4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
  5. Craft the cream cheese filling by whipping softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
  6. Layer the bread by pouring half the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even distribution across the bottom.
  7. Delicately spread the cream cheese filling over the initial batter layer, taking care not to blend the two mixtures.
  8. Complete the layering by covering the cream cheese with the remaining pumpkin batter, spreading carefully to create a smooth surface.
  9. Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center, which should emerge clean when the bread is fully baked.
  10. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Prevent overmixing the batter to ensure a tender, soft texture by stirring just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and cream cheese for smoother, more even mixing and better incorporation.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Control moisture by draining excess liquid from pumpkin puree using a cheesecloth or fine-mesh strainer, ensuring a perfectly dense bread texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 258 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 170 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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