Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re a fan of pumpkin, you’re in for a treat! This cream cheese-filled pumpkin bread is the perfect mix of warm spices and creamy sweetness. Just imagining that rich, soft texture makes me want to bake it right now!

What makes this bread stand out? The cream cheese filling! It’s the secret that takes this pumpkin bread from good to absolutely amazing. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.

Perfect for fall or any cozy day, this bread is a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get into the recipe and start baking this delicious pumpkin-filled dream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Seasonal Favorite: There’s nothing quite like the flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese together. It’s like autumn in every bite!
• Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re bringing it to a holiday gathering or just baking at home, everyone will love it.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and a bit of time, you can create something that looks and tastes like a bakery treat.
• Moist and Flavorful: The pumpkin keeps the bread moist, while the cream cheese adds a rich and tangy contrast.
• Great for Any Occasion: Perfect as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes

Servings:

This recipe yields one loaf, which serves 8-10 people. Perfect for sharing with family and friends!

Difficulty:

Easy. It’s a simple recipe that anyone can make, even beginners!

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this delicious pumpkin bread, you’ll need the following:

• Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To make the cream cheese filling smooth and creamy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and fold in the ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin puree (or fresh pumpkin puree)

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is creamy and well-combined. Set this mixture aside for later.

2. Make the Pumpkin Bread Batter

In another large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. This will be your dry mixture.

In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, add the pumpkin puree and stir until the batter is smooth and well-combined.

3. Assemble the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.

Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Next, spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter, spreading it out carefully with a spatula to cover the entire surface. Finally, top with the remaining pumpkin bread batter, spreading it evenly to cover the cream cheese filling.

4. Bake the Pumpkin Bread

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. You may need to cover the top with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if it starts to brown too much.

5. Let It Cool

Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bread from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is perfect for any time of the day! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

• For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to your morning.
• As a Snack: Enjoy a piece in the afternoon with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
• As a Dessert: Top with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a sweet treat.
• For a Gathering: Slice it up and serve it at parties, potlucks, or holiday dinners. It’s sure to be a hit!

Storing Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

• Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep it fresh longer, store the bread in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving, or warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Freezing: This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: To keep the bread light and fluffy, be careful not to overmix the pumpkin bread batter. Stir until just combined.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to prevent lumps in the cream cheese filling.
• Check for Doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, make sure to check the bread with a toothpick before the suggested time to ensure it’s cooked all the way through.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Protein	5g
Carbs	42g
Fat	15g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	22g

Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes! You can absolutely use fresh pumpkin puree. Just be sure to cook and purée the pumpkin until smooth. Fresh pumpkin may be a bit wetter than canned, so you might need to adjust the flour slightly if the batter feels too loose.

2. Can I make this bread without the cream cheese filling?

While the cream cheese filling is what makes this pumpkin bread extra special, you can definitely make it without it. The pumpkin bread itself is still delicious on its own, just bake it as a plain pumpkin bread without adding the filling.

3. How do I know when my pumpkin bread is done baking?

To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the bread is done. If it comes out wet, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking every 5 minutes.

4. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the bread?

Absolutely! You can add a half cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter, or even some chocolate chips if you like a little extra sweetness. Just fold them into the batter before adding the cream cheese filling.

5. How should I store this pumpkin bread?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you prefer to keep it for a longer period, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it well before freezing.

6. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Yes, you can! Just divide the batter between mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time. Mini loaves usually take around 30-40 minutes to bake, so be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick.

7. Why is my bread too dry?

If the bread turns out dry, it could be due to overmixing the batter or baking it too long. Be sure to mix the ingredients just until combined and check for doneness earlier to avoid overbaking.

8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this pumpkin bread by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is the perfect combination of fall flavors and creamy indulgence. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or share it with family and friends — they’ll love every bite!