Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy treat to warm your home and heart this fall, you’ve come to the right place! My Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is not just any pumpkin bread; it has a delightful cream cheese filling that makes every slice feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening with a cup of tea or celebrating with family and friends, this recipe will definitely impress everyone at your table.

This beloved recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend baking. It’s simple enough for novice bakers yet delicious enough to make seasoned pros swoon over its creamy center and spiced flavor. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: The cream cheese filling adds a rich, decadent twist to classic pumpkin bread.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this amazing bread in no time!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This loaf is great for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack.
• Family Favorite: Everyone from kids to adults will love this sweet treat!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients for this recipe—just wholesome staples that are easy to find! Gather these items before you start your baking adventure:

• 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 of salt (optional and to taste)
• 4 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese (lite is okay)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for the filling)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for the filling)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cloves for an extra kick.
• Chocolate Swirl: Add chocolate chips to the batter or create a chocolate cream cheese layer instead.
• Pumpkin Seeds Topping: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top before baking for added texture and visual appeal.

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because it ensures your bread rises beautifully and cooks evenly. While the oven warms up, prepare your loaf pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing it with oil and dusting it with flour.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the first ten ingredients—from the pumpkin puree down to ground nutmeg—and whisk them together until well blended. This mixture forms the base of your delicious pumpkin bread. Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread tender and fluffy!

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth. This creamy blend will create that wonderful surprise in the middle of your bread! A hand mixer can help achieve a silky texture if you prefer.

Step 4: Assemble Your Loaf

Pour about two-thirds of your pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture on top of that layer, smoothing it out gently. Finally, dollop the remaining pumpkin batter on top of the cream cheese layer. Take care when spreading so you don’t disturb the filling below!

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Slide your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 48 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for a golden-brown top that’s domed and firm in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—though remember that with cream cheese inside, it may not always come out perfectly dry.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your beautiful creation cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—it’s hard to resist while it’s still warm! If you’re feeling extra indulgent, consider serving slices with honey butter or cinnamon-sugar butter for an even more delightful treat.

Enjoy every bite of this luscious Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Baking can be a joy, especially when you have a few tricks up your sleeve to ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your egg and cream cheese to room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother texture and preventing lumps.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently folding the ingredients together prevents the bread from becoming tough. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a denser loaf.

• Check for Doneness Carefully: Since the cream cheese filling may not solidify like traditional bread, rely on visual cues—look for a domed, golden top and slight firmness in the center.

• Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely ensures that it sets properly, making it easier to slice and preventing it from falling apart.

• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor! Just keep in mind that this might change the overall baking time slightly.

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

This delightful pumpkin bread is not just tasty but also lends itself beautifully to various serving styles. Here are some creative ideas to present your delicious creation!

Garnishes

• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: A sprinkle of crunchy nuts on top adds texture and a nutty flavor that complements the softness of the bread.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a lovely dairy-free topping, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for added richness.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting brings an elegant touch and enhances presentation without overwhelming sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of pumpkin bread, balancing its sweetness.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fruit for a protein-packed breakfast or snack that pairs well with the moist pumpkin bread.
• Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese beautifully, making it an ideal beverage choice.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: A small pitcher of pure maple syrup on the side allows guests to add their preferred amount of sweetness to each slice.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, your Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is ready to shine at any gathering—or simply as a cozy treat enjoyed at home. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is perfect for meal prep! You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making breakfast or snack time a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the loaf 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

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy access later.
• Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• For individual slices, microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• To reheat the entire loaf, wrap it in aluminum foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350F for about 15-20 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use pumpkin puree from a can for Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time on prep. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin without any added ingredients.

How do I know when my Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is done baking?

Since the cream cheese filling may not set completely, check for a domed top that is golden brown and use the toothpick test. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt in this recipe?

Yes! Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream, providing a similar tanginess while keeping your bread moist and delicious.

Is there an alternative to all-purpose flour?

You can use gluten-free all-purpose flour or a blend of almond flour and coconut flour if you’re looking for gluten-free options. Just note that texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find as much joy in making this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread as I do! It’s truly special with its delightful cream cheese center that pairs beautifully with the warm spices of fall. Enjoy every slice, whether it’s at breakfast or as an afternoon treat. Happy baking, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family!