Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Filling

This pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling is like a cozy hug in every bite. Imagine a soft, moist pumpkin loaf infused with warm fall spices and layered with a luscious, creamy cheesecake center. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee on a crisp autumn morning or serving it as a dessert for a holiday gathering, this pumpkin bread is guaranteed to be a hit.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Fall Flavors

The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice gives this bread a warm, aromatic taste that makes it the perfect autumn treat.

Moist and Tender Texture

This bread stays soft for days thanks to the perfect balance of oil, eggs, and pumpkin puree. The cream cheese filling adds a rich, velvety contrast to the fluffy pumpkin layers.

Easy to Make

No fancy equipment needed. Just mix, layer, and bake for a foolproof homemade pumpkin bread that looks as good as it tastes.

Perfect for Breakfast or Dessert

This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with coffee in the morning or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s a versatile recipe that works for any time of day.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Pumpkin Bread

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Non-stick cooking spray

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Possible Substitutions

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical twist
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper caramelized flavor
• Replace pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you don’t have it on hand
• Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 325°F and grease a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• In a separate large bowl, beat the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and sugar until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix.
• In another bowl, prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the cream cheese, sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour 1 ½ cups of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan.
• Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, then top with the remaining pumpkin batter.
• Bake for 85 minutes. Tent with foil during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.

• Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Use room temperature ingredients for the cream cheese filling to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture.
• Do not overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
• Layer the batter carefully to get a clean cream cheese swirl in the middle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overbaking can dry out the bread. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the bread—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s done.
• Skipping the foil tenting can lead to an overly dark crust. Cover the bread loosely with foil in the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Using low-fat cream cheese can affect the texture of the filling. Always go for full-fat cream cheese for the best results.

Time-Saving Tips

• Prep the batter and cream cheese filling a day ahead and store them in the fridge until ready to bake.
• Use canned pumpkin puree instead of fresh pumpkin to save time.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra decadence.
• Enjoy alongside a hot cup of spiced chai or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall treat.

Presentation Ideas

• Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful, bakery-style look.
• Slice into thick pieces and serve on a wooden cutting board for a rustic presentation.

Beverage Pairings

• Pairs beautifully with a cappuccino or a vanilla latte.
• For a festive touch, serve with a warm spiced cider or mulled wine.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

• Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes. Make sure to puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth and drain excess liquid to prevent the batter from being too wet.

How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?

Use thicker cream cheese filling by ensuring the cream cheese is well-beaten and not too runny. Also, avoid overmixing the pumpkin batter.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, while chocolate chips make this even more indulgent.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and replace oil with coconut oil.

Flavor Twists

• Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for a chocolate-pumpkin combo.
• Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

• Top with a brown sugar streusel for a crunchy, coffee-cake-style topping.
• Drizzle with maple glaze for an extra festive touch.

More Recipes to Try

If you love this pumpkin bread, you’ll enjoy these delicious breakfast and brunch recipes:

• Heart-Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – A fun and simple twist on a classic comfort food.
• Classic French Toast – A quick and easy breakfast staple in just 20 minutes.
• French Omelette with Fines Herbes – A light and fluffy omelet perfect for any breakfast table.

Looking for more inspiration? Follow along on Pinterest for even more delicious recipes: Cooking with Callie on Pinterest

Try this pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling, and let me know in the comments how it turned out. Happy baking!

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