Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is truly a gem in my recipe collection. It’s not just any pumpkin bread; it features a luscious cream cheese layer that makes every bite feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or simply to enjoy over breakfast, this recipe is sure to impress.

This delightful bread is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet but don’t have much time to spare. Plus, it’s so easy to make that even beginner bakers will feel confident tackling it. I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Delicious: The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates an indulgent flavor that is hard to resist.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up without any fuss.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch or a cozy night in, this bread is perfect for sharing.
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids love the sweet filling and moist texture, making it a hit with everyone!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake this bread ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread uses simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, making it easy to gather everything you need for this delightful treat!

For the 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 (can substitute with canola or vegetable oil)
• 1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; Greek yogurt may also be used)
• 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:

• 4 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese (lite is okay)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in some mini chocolate chips.
• Use different spices: Experiment with cardamom or ginger for an exciting twist on flavor.
• Make muffins instead: Pour the batter into muffin tins for individual servings that are easy to grab on-the-go!

How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your bread bakes evenly right from the start.

Step 2: Make the Bread Batter

In a large bowl, combine all your initial ingredients—pumpkin puree, sugars, coconut oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt. Whisk everything together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; we want our bread tender and moist!

Step 3: Prepare the Pan

Spray your 9×5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray or grease and flour it well. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your beautiful loaf comes out perfectly.

Step 4: Layer the Batter

Turn about two-thirds of your batter into the prepared pan. Smooth out the top gently with a spatula and push it into the corners. This forms the base layer of our delicious bread!

Step 5: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, mix together softened cream cheese with an egg, sugar, and flour. Whisk until smooth—this creamy filling adds such richness!

Step 6: Add Cream Cheese Filling

Evenly pour your cream cheese mixture over the batter in the loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the top gently.

Step 7: Top with Remaining Batter

Carefully spoon the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer. Again, smooth it lightly without disturbing the filling below.

Step 8: Bake It Up!

Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 48 minutes. Look for a golden top that’s domed nicely—insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with moist crumbs (not wet batter), you’re good to go!

Step 9: Cool Down

Allow your glorious creation to cool in its pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Letting it cool completely before slicing ensures clean cuts.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Slice up pieces of this delicious Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread and savor every bite! Consider pairing it with Honey Butter or Cinnamon-Sugar Butter for an extra special treat.

Enjoy baking this lovely bread! I promise it’ll become a favorite in no time!

Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

Creating the perfect Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve a bakery-quality loaf at home!

• Use room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature ensures a smooth batter and filling, which leads to a more even bake and consistent texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently folding your dry ingredients into the wet mixture helps maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so mix until just combined!

• Test with caution: When checking for doneness, remember that the cream cheese filling will keep some moisture. Look for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

• Cool completely before slicing: Allowing your pumpkin bread to cool on a wire rack helps it set properly. Slicing too soon can result in a gooey middle.

• Wrap it up: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), wrap your pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh for days and makes it easy to reheat slices later.

How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread

This delicious pumpkin bread is perfect for any occasion! Whether enjoyed as breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, it’s sure to impress. Here are some delightful ways to serve it.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans provide a lovely crunch and complement the creamy filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Warm apple cider: The cozy flavors of spiced apple cider pair beautifully with the rich pumpkin bread, making for a comforting fall treat.
• Yogurt parfait: A side of Greek yogurt layered with granola and fresh fruit adds some tanginess and balances the sweetness of the bread.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness to your plate and contrasts nicely with the dense texture of the bread.
• Coffee or tea: Serve with your favorite hot beverage for a classic pairing that enhances the warm spices in the pumpkin bread.

Now you’re all set to enjoy this delightful Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread! Happy baking! 🍞🍂

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it easily, ensuring a delightful treat is always on hand.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator, where it will last about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Label the package with the date for easy tracking.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Remove any wrapping and place the bread on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can slice and microwave individual pieces for about 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

What makes Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread so special?

The combination of rich pumpkin flavor and creamy cheese filling creates a delightful contrast that is both moist and flavorful. It’s like enjoying two desserts in one!

Can I use other ingredients instead of sour cream in this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even applesauce for a lighter version. Both alternatives work well without compromising taste.

How long will my Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread last?

When stored properly, this delicious bread lasts about 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator. If frozen, it can keep its flavor for up to three months!

Is this recipe suitable for bake sales or gatherings?

Absolutely! The Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is not only crowd-pleasing but also easy to slice and serve. It makes a wonderful addition to any gathering!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread as much as I do! Its delightful combination of flavors makes it truly special – perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings at home. Enjoy every bite, share with loved ones, and don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste. Happy baking!