Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is my go-to recipe when I want to fill my home with the warm scents of cinnamon and pumpkin. It has that delightful twist of cream cheese in the middle, making it feel like a special dessert, yet it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight.

This recipe is perfect for all occasions! Whether you’re whipping it up for a family gathering or simply enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this bread is sure to please. Trust me; once you’ve tasted it, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you’ll find this recipe is a breeze.
• Family Favorite: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese makes it irresistible for both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Sharing: This loaf serves ten slices, making it ideal for gatherings or holiday brunches.
• Make Ahead: It stores well, so you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The spices combined with the creamy filling create a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread:

For the Bread

• 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

One of the best parts about this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is how flexible it can be! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking!
• Spice It Up: Want more flavor? Try adding a pinch of ginger or cloves alongside your spices for an extra kick.
• Go Chocolatey: For chocolate lovers, mix in some chocolate chips into the batter or cream cheese filling.
• Fruit Twist: Swap out some pumpkin puree with applesauce for a lighter version with fruity undertones.

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly from top to bottom. While your oven heats up, prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring it.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine all the first ten ingredients—from pumpkin puree to ground nutmeg—and whisk them together until they blend beautifully. Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Remember not to overmix; we want that perfect tender texture!

Step 3: Layer the Batter

Pour about two-thirds of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top and push it gently into the corners. This will create an even base for our cream cheese filling!

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, gather your cream cheese filling ingredients. Whisk them together until smooth—this mixture will add that lovely creamy dimension to our bread! Once blended, pour this filling over your batter layer in the pan.

Step 5: Top With Remaining Batter

Carefully spoon the remaining pumpkin batter on top of your filling. Aim to smooth it out gently without disturbing that delicious cream cheese layer underneath.

Step 6: Bake It Up!

Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 48 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when it’s golden brown on top and domed nicely—plus when a toothpick inserted comes out clean—you know it’s ready! Just remember that due to the cream cheese filling, it might seem less solid than other breads.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy!

Once baked, let your bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Allowing it to cool completely before slicing helps maintain its structure. And if you want to elevate this treat even further, serve slices with honey butter or vanilla browned butter glaze!

I can’t wait for you to try this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! It’s bound to become a favorite at your home just like it has at mine. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you want to elevate your baking game and ensure perfect results, these tips will help you make the best cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread ever!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature allows them to blend more smoothly into the batter. This ensures a consistent texture throughout your bread.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet ones helps maintain a light, airy texture. Overmixing can lead to denser bread that lacks that delightful fluffy quality.

• Check for doneness carefully: Since the cream cheese filling remains soft, use a toothpick test wisely. Look for a domed top and golden color as indicators that it’s baked through, rather than relying solely on the toothpick method.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing the bread to cool fully on a wire rack prevents it from becoming gummy when you cut into it. This step is crucial for getting clean, beautiful slices.

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Serving this delightful pumpkin bread is all about presentation and pairing! Here are some ideas to enhance your experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch that complements the creamy filling.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of this dairy-free whipped topping adds a light and fluffy texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• Pumpkin seeds: A sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds adds both visual appeal and a nutty flavor to each slice.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries brings freshness and brightness to balance the richness of the pumpkin bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and seasonal fruits creates a delightful contrast in textures that pairs beautifully with the moist bread.
• Spiced chai tea: The warm spices from chai complement the flavors in your pumpkin bread perfectly, making for a cozy pairing during fall evenings.
• Honey glazed carrots: These sweet and savory veggies offer a colorful side that enhances your meal while keeping it wholesome.

Enjoying your cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread can be as creative as you want it to be! Whether served at brunch or as an afternoon snack, these tips and serving suggestions will surely impress everyone at your table. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep your delicious baked treat fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the bread cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the bread before freezing so you can take out individual pieces as needed.

Reheating

• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the wrapped bread in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual slices on low power for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other types of squash instead of pumpkin?

Absolutely! You can substitute pumpkin puree with butternut squash or any other pureed winter squash. Just make sure it’s smooth and sweet!

What makes this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread so special?

This recipe combines the warm flavors of fall with a creamy, rich filling that gives each slice a delightful cheesecake-like experience. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for sharing!

How should I adjust baking time if I double the recipe?

If you decide to double the recipe, you may need to bake it longer. Use two loaf pans and start checking them around the original baking time, adding extra time as necessary—about 5-10 additional minutes should suffice.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes! You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition without sacrificing too much texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! It’s not just a treat; it’s a cozy reminder of fall that you can share with loved ones. Each bite is filled with warmth and sweetness that’s simply irresistible. Enjoy making (and eating!) this delightful bread—don’t forget to save a slice or two for later!