Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that fills your home with the scent of autumn, you’ve come to the right place! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a delightful combination of rich pumpkin flavor and creamy cheesecake goodness. It’s perfect for those crisp fall mornings, family gatherings, or even as a sweet snack while you curl up with a good book. I promise this recipe will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen!

What makes this bread truly special is its moist texture and the surprise of cream cheese filling in every slice. It’s an irresistible way to celebrate the season!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this delicious batter ready to bake in no time.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves this sweet treat, making it great for breakfast or dessert.
• Make ahead: You can prepare this bread in advance and enjoy it throughout the week—if it lasts that long!
• Versatile serving options: Whether plain or topped with honey butter, there’s no wrong way to enjoy it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. This recipe features classic fall flavors that come together beautifully!

For the Bread Batter

• 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 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 wonderfully flexible! Here are some tasty variations you can try:

• Add nuts or chocolate chips: Fold in some chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips for an extra layer of flavor.
• Infuse spices: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist.
• Make mini loaves: Divide the batter into smaller loaf pans for adorable mini treats perfect for gifting.
• Substitute sweeteners: Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugars for a different sweetness profile.

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures an even bake. Spray one 9×5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray, or grease and flour it well. Set it aside while we prepare our batter.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the first ten ingredients through ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed. Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread to stay tender and fluffy!

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Pan

Pour about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top lightly with a spatula so it bakes evenly.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, add all your cream cheese filling ingredients—this includes one large egg, softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined. This creamy mixture will add that wow factor!

Step 5: Layer It Up

Evenly pour your cream cheese filling over the batter in the pan. Spread it gently to cover as much surface area as possible without disturbing the bread batter below.

Step 6: Top It Off

Now take the remaining pumpkin bread batter and carefully spoon it on top of the cream cheese filling. Smooth it out lightly again so you don’t disturb that luscious layer underneath.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 48 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is domed and golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—keep in mind that because of the cream cheese filling, this test can be tricky!

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial—it allows flavors to settle and makes slicing easier.

With these steps complete, you’re ready to slice into your deliciously warm Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Making this delightful pumpkin bread is a breeze with just a few helpful tips to ensure your loaf comes out perfect every time!

• Use fresh pumpkin puree: Using pure pumpkin puree instead of canned can greatly enhance the flavor and moisture of your bread.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together helps create a tender crumb, preventing the bread from becoming tough.

• Check doneness carefully: Since the cream cheese layer remains soft, use a toothpick to test for doneness but look for a firm top and golden edges to guide you.

• Cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely on a wire rack prevents it from becoming gummy, giving you nice clean slices.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference; adding ginger or clove can give your bread an extra kick of flavor!

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Here are some wonderful ideas for serving it up that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts or pecans: Adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.

• A dusting of powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving gives it an elegant touch that elevates its appearance and adds a hint of sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple cider: The comforting flavors of spiced apple cider pair beautifully with this pumpkin bread, making it a perfect fall treat.

• Creamy yogurt or whipped topping: A dollop of yogurt or non-dairy whipped topping creates a creamy contrast that enhances each slice’s richness.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad brightens up the plate, adding vibrant colors and balancing the sweetness of the pumpkin bread perfectly.

• Herbal tea or coffee: Pairing your pumpkin bread with a soothing cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee provides warmth and complements its flavors beautifully.

Enjoy sharing this scrumptious Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread with loved ones as you gather around for cozy conversations this fall season!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, or even freeze it for a quick fall treat when you’re craving something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the bread before freezing for easier access later.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature.
• For a warm treat, place slices in a toaster oven or microwave until heated through (about 15-20 seconds in the microwave).
• Enjoy your delicious pumpkin bread warm!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread.

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and saves you time during preparation. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without added spices.

How do I make my Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like cranberries. Experiment with various spices to find your perfect combination!

What should I serve with Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?

This bread pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also serve it alongside honey butter or cinnamon-sugar butter for extra indulgence.

Can I substitute any ingredients in this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread recipe?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and feel free to swap coconut oil for other oils like canola or vegetable oil based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread a try! It’s such a delightful recipe that combines the cozy flavors of fall with a creamy surprise inside. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!