If you’re searching for a cozy, irresistibly moist treat that feels like autumn in every bite, the Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. This luscious pumpkin bread offers a delightful balance of warm spices and sweet pumpkin flavor, all wrapped around a silky, tangy cream cheese filling that surprises and delights with every slice. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a special homemade snack, this recipe combines simple, pantry-friendly ingredients with a touch of autumn magic, creating a comforting loaf that’s perfect any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, quality ingredients is key to making this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe shine. Each item plays an essential role — from enriching the batter with moist pumpkin purée and aromatic spices to crafting a creamy center that takes this bread to the next level.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: Provides smooth moisture and that quintessential fall flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and add tenderness to the crumb.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft without overpowering flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin batter to perfection.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and depth.
- 1/4 cup milk: Enhances the batter’s texture for fluffy slices.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances sweetness.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure.
- 1 tsp baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to give a tender crumb.
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice: Bursts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuse autumnal aroma.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: A classic spice complementing the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient of the filling, creamy and dreamy.
- 1 large egg (for filling): Adds richness and binds the cream cheese filling.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling): Sweetens the cream cheese with a gentle touch.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (for filling): Provides structure so the cream cheese filling holds up beautifully.
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). This is important to ensure even baking right from the start. Next, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and to help the bread release easily once baked.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until everything is smoothly blended and glossy — this mix forms the flavorful base of your bread.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening evenly, ensuring your bread rises perfectly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula or spoon just until everything is combined. Take care not to overmix because a light touch keeps your bread tender and soft.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, one egg, granulated sugar, and all-purpose flour until the filling is silky smooth and creamy. This rich filling will add that signature luscious layer inside your pumpkin bread.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread Layers
Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into your greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Then, carefully dollop the cream cheese filling over this layer and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Finally, pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer, smoothing out the top to create an even loaf.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the assembled loaf for 55 to 65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating your bread is thoroughly cooked but still moist.
Step 8: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to set up, then transfer it to a wire rack for complete cooling. Once cooled, slice and prepare for the delightful first bite of your Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe.
How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar over each slice adds a pretty touch and a hint of sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors. Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a welcome crunch that works wonders with the soft pumpkin and creamy filling.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even creamy hot chocolate for extra indulgence. On the savory side, serving alongside a mild cream cheese spread or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling mini slices into a layered dessert trifle with whipped cream and toasted nuts for a stunning presentation. Or arrange slices on a festive fall brunch platter alongside fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup for a lovely seasonal spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Refrigeration will extend freshness up to a week while preserving that creamy center.
Freezing
This pumpkin bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months, letting you enjoy homemade warmth whenever you want.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s fresh-baked feel, warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This will soften the cream cheese filling and bring out all the cozy, spiced pumpkin goodness.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée instead of homemade?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and provides consistent moisture and flavor that’s ideal for this recipe.
What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This DIY spice mix will give your bread that signature pumpkin pie flavor just as well.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The bread might be slightly denser but still delicious.
How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from leaking?
Make sure the cream cheese is well beaten and the filling is smooth. Spreading the filling evenly and not too thin helps it stay intact during baking.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or chocolate chips can be folded into the pumpkin batter for extra texture and flavor, making the bread even more irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe, you’ll see why it’s such a cherished treat. The beautiful blend of spicy pumpkin and creamy filling is pure comfort, perfect for sharing or savoring by yourself. Give it a go — your cozy fall moments just got a whole lot sweeter.
Print
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a moist, flavor-packed treat featuring a spiced pumpkin batter with a creamy, luscious cream cheese filling. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting sweet loaf with a delightful surprise inside.
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, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg, granulated sugar, and flour together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
- Layer the Batter and Filling: Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spread the cream cheese filling evenly over this first layer, then pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese, smoothing the top carefully.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to set, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened beforehand to achieve a smooth filling mixture.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the bread tender and moist.
- Test for doneness with a toothpick to avoid under or overbaking.
- For an extra festive touch, sprinkle chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter if desired.
