Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious treat to enjoy this fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a family favorite in my home. It combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spices with a creamy, dreamy filling that makes every bite feel like a hug. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this bread is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to make yet delivers such an impressive taste. Whether you serve it at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even dessert, it’s bound to earn rave reviews!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful bread in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet pumpkin and creamy filling.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe yields enough for 10 servings, making it great for gatherings or potlucks.
• Make ahead convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Deliciously festive flavors: The warm spices and creamy richness are perfect for fall celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread uses simple, wholesome items that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Pumpkin 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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in chocolate chips: For a sweet twist, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter.
• Use different spices: Experiment with your favorite spices like ginger or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
• Make it mini: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans for adorable individual servings!

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan so that our delicious bread comes out easily after baking.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine the first ten ingredients through ground nutmeg. Whisk them together until well mixed. Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt until just combined—remember not to overmix! This step ensures your bread stays fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Pour about two-thirds of your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula and make sure it fills all corners of the pan evenly.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, mix together all the cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth. You can use either a whisk or a hand mixer for this step. Spreading this luscious filling over your batter will create that dreamy layer we’re after!

Step 5: Assemble and Finish Baking

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin bread batter in the pan. Then gently top with remaining batter without disturbing the cream cheese layer too much. Bake for around 48 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Letting it cool completely will make slicing easier!

Optionally, serve slices with Honey Butter or Cinnamon-Sugar Butter for an extra special treat!

Now you’re ready to enjoy this amazing Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Making the perfect Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is all about the little details! Here are some handy tips to ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time.

• Choose the Right Pumpkin Puree: Using 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) will give you the best flavor and texture. It ensures that your bread isn’t overly sweet or spiced, allowing the cream cheese to shine through.

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your cream cheese, egg, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, resulting in a creamier filling that bakes evenly.

• Monitor Baking Time Closely: Since the cream cheese filling can make it tricky to determine doneness, keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning while allowing the center to finish cooking.

• Let It Cool Properly: Allowing your bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack ensures that it retains moisture and makes slicing easier without falling apart.

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

This deliciously moist pumpkin bread is perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, there are many ways to elevate your serving experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top of your pumpkin bread for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the richness of the cream cheese.
• Cinnamon Dusting: Lightly dusting powdered sugar mixed with cinnamon over slices gives an inviting look and enhances that cozy fall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Hot Tea or Coffee: A warm cup of tea or coffee pairs perfectly with pumpkin bread, enhancing its flavors and making for a comforting experience.
• Fresh Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, a fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the pumpkin bread beautifully.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a delightful contrast in textures while adding a tangy flavor that works well with the sweetness.
• Cheese Platter: A small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses can create an interesting savory-sweet contrast to your sweet pumpkin bread.

Enjoy creating memorable moments around this delightful Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! Each slice is sure to bring warmth and joy to all who taste it.

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 or freeze it for those cozy fall days when you want a slice of something delicious.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the bread before freezing so you can enjoy individual pieces without thawing the whole loaf.

Reheating

• To reheat slices, simply place them in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until warmed through.
• For a whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and wrap it in aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common ones that might help you out!

Can I use other types of flour for this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends if needed. Keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.

How long does Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread last?

When stored properly, this delightful bread lasts about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing it!

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

This bread pairs beautifully with honey butter, cinnamon-sugar butter, or a drizzle of vanilla browned butter glaze. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water), use plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace coconut oil with another vegetable oil.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread as much as I do! It’s such a comforting treat that brings the essence of fall right into your kitchen. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as an afternoon snack, each slice is sure to bring joy. Happy baking!