Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

Fall is here, and there's no better time to indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin spice. One of the best ways to enjoy this seasonal flavor is through a delicious loaf of cream cheese pumpkin bread. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of cream cheese with the rich flavor of pumpkin to create a moist and flavorful bread that's perfect for snacking, breakfast, or dessert. Whether you're a fan of pumpkin spice or just looking for a new recipe to try, this cream cheese pumpkin bread is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Looking for more sweet recipes? Try my biscoff tiramisu or chocolate truffles.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• The combination of cream cheese and pumpkin creates a moist and flavorful bread that is perfect for snacking or as a dessert.
• The recipe is easy to follow and can be made in under 2 hours, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• This bread is a great way to celebrate the flavors of fall and can be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or tea on a crisp autumn morning.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card. 

• All-Purpose Flour - provides structure and texture to the bread. Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Baking Powder - helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt - enhances the flavor of the bread.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice - provides warm, seasonal flavor to the bread. Substitute with cinnamon or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Pumpkin Puree - gives the bread its signature pumpkin flavor and moist texture.
• Eggs - bind the ingredients together and add richness to the bread. Substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
• Sugar - adds sweetness and caramelizes to give the bread its golden color. Substitute with honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
• Vegetable Oil - adds moisture to the bread. Substitute with melted butter or coconut oil.
• Cream Cheese - adds a rich and tangy flavor to the bread.
• Vanilla Extract - enhances the flavor of the bread. Substitute with almond extract or omit if desired.
• Flour - thickens the cream cheese layer and prevents it from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush or cooking spray
• Oven
• Cooling rack
• Knife or bread slicer

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card. 

To make cream cheese pumpkin bread, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C) and lining a loaf pan with parchment paper, lightly brushed with oil. In a mixing bowl, blend together the cream cheese, egg, sugar, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth, and set it aside.

Next, in another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.

In a separate bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.

Combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pan, spreading it evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Bake the bread for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, slice the cream cheese pumpkin bread into pieces and serve. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert, and pairs well with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of fall with this delicious and easy-to-make cream cheese pumpkin bread recipe.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread - Add a cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet and decadent twist.
• Pecan Streusel Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread - Mix together chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter to create a crumbly topping for the bread before baking.
• Gingerbread Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread - Substitute pumpkin pie spice with gingerbread spice for a warm and festive flavor.
• Apple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread - Add in diced apples to the batter for a fruity and delicious twist.
• Maple Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread - Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a rich and flavorful bread.

Wine Pairing

A good wine pairing for cream cheese pumpkin bread would be a dessert wine such as a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato.

The sweetness of the wine will complement the flavors of the pumpkin and cream cheese in the bread, while the acidity in the wine will help balance out the richness of the cream cheese layer.

Alternatively, a spiced red wine such as a Zinfandel or Syrah can also be a good pairing with the pumpkin pie spice in the recipe.

FAQ's

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well for this recipe. Just make sure to use 100% pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.

Can I use a different type of flour?

For best results, it's recommended to use all-purpose flour. However, you can use other types of flour such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture and taste of the bread may differ slightly.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use other types of oil such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil, but keep in mind that this may affect the flavor and texture of the bread.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bread a day ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It's recommended to slice the bread before storing to prevent it from becoming too moist.

Can I freeze the bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips

• Make sure all the ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will ensure that they mix together easily and result in a smoother batter.
• Use parchment paper to line the loaf pan. This will make it easier to remove the bread from the pan and prevent it from sticking.
• To avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer, make sure the cream cheese is softened before blending it with the other ingredients.
• Do not overmix the batter. Mix until just combined, as overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
• Check the bread for doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This will help it to firm up and prevent it from falling apart.
• If the bread is browning too quickly in the oven, cover it with foil halfway through baking to prevent it from burning.
• Experiment with different spices or additions, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or chocolate chips, to create different variations of the bread.

Looking for more recipes?

Looking for more sweet recipes? Try my biscoff tiramisu or chocolate truffles.

Did You Make this Recipe?

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Recipe Card

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