Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat perfect for fall. The pumpkin bread is spiced with warm autumn flavors and features a rich cream cheese filling in the center, making it ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of pumpkin spice and sweet cream cheese offers a delightful balance of flavors.
• Moist and tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or as a gift.
• Easy to make and keeps well for a few days.
• It fills your home with a wonderful aroma while baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• All-purpose flour
• Pumpkin puree
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.
3. In another large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
5. In a separate bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter.
8. Top with the remaining pumpkin bread batter and smooth the surface.
9. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields about 8-10 slices of pumpkin bread.
• Preparation time: 20 minutes
• Baking time: 55-65 minutes
• Total time: Approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes

Variations

• Add nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Spice it up: Increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick of flavor.
• Chocolate lovers: Add chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter for a fun twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular all-purpose flour.
• Low-sugar option: Reduce the sugar content by substituting a portion with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Wrap the bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: This bread freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it at room temperature.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

To avoid sinking, make sure the pumpkin bread batter is thick and the cream cheese mixture is smooth. Spread the cream cheese layer evenly and cover it well with the remaining batter.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin puree. Make sure it is well-drained and similar in texture to canned puree.

Can I make this bread without the cream cheese filling?

Absolutely! You can omit the cream cheese filling and just make a classic pumpkin bread. The bread will still be delicious and moist.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake two loaves at once. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, low-fat cream cheese works, but full-fat cream cheese will give a richer flavor and creamier texture.

What can I substitute for pumpkin pie spice?

You can make your own by mixing cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts, or adjust according to your taste.

Is this bread suitable for freezing?

Yes, this pumpkin bread freezes very well. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic and foil for best results.

How long will this pumpkin bread stay fresh?

It will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, 5 days in the fridge, and 3 months in the freezer.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, you can make muffins by dividing the batter into muffin tins. Reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes, depending on your oven.

Conclusion

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is the perfect fall treat, combining the cozy flavors of spiced pumpkin bread with a creamy, decadent filling. It’s an easy and versatile recipe that you can enjoy as breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just to enjoy the season, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a favorite!

Print