Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The Best Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe Ever Made

Autumn’s crisp winds whisper promises of delectable cream cheese filled pumpkin bread that melts hearts instantly.

Seasonal baking becomes an adventure of warmth and comfort.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchens, promising delightful moments of indulgence.

Soft, moist textures and rich flavors create memories worth savoring.

Unexpected swirls of cream cheese transform ordinary bread into something magical.

Baking connects us to cherished traditions and simple pleasures.

You’ll fall in love with every single slice of this irresistible treat.

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

  • Craft a Delightful Dessert: Whip up a show-stopping pumpkin bread that impresses family and friends with its rich, creamy cream cheese center.
  • Embrace Seasonal Comfort: Celebrate autumn's warmth with a moist, spice-packed bread that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Bake with Ease: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing techniques, making it a stress-free baking experience.
  • Versatile Treat: Enjoy as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that suits gatherings, potlucks, or quiet moments at home.

Ingredients Needed for Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient that provides structure and texture to the pumpkin bread.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Cloves: Warm spices that create a classic autumn flavor profile for the pumpkin bread.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich flavor, and a beautiful orange color to the bread.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the bread's flavor.
Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, tangy swirl throughout the pumpkin bread for added creaminess and flavor.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F.

Grab your loaf pan and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray.

Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Ground ginger
  • Ground cloves

Whisk these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk together:
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined.

Don’t overmix – a few small lumps are totally okay.

Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In another bowl, blend:
  • Cream cheese
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Whip until the filling is silky and spreadable.

Step 6: Layer the Batter

Pour half the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Dollop the cream cheese filling in the center, then cover with remaining batter.

Use a knife to create a swirling pattern.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.

Pro Tips for Moist and Flavorful Bread

  • Use gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this pumpkin bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla to create a firmer filling that won't sink into the bread.
  • Toast ground spices like cinnamon and nutmeg briefly in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities.
  • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs to ensure perfect baking.
  • Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 5 days.

Variations to Change Pumpkin Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and flavor for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Pumpkin Loaf: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative for plant-based bakers.
  • Low-Sugar Pumpkin Bread: Substitute granulated and brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet taste.
  • Nut-Enhanced Version: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into batter for added crunch and nutty flavor, creating interesting texture and depth to the classic pumpkin bread.

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Bread

  • Autumn Breakfast Companion: Pair this pumpkin bread with a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee for a cozy morning treat that warms your soul.
  • Elegant Dessert Presentation: Slice the bread into thin pieces, dust with powdered sugar, and serve on a rustic wooden board for an Instagram-worthy dessert spread.
  • Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a festive ribbon, and share with friends and family as a homemade seasonal gift that shows love and care.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Create a beautiful brunch platter by arranging bread slices alongside fresh whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.

Storage Advice for Pumpkin Bread

  • Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent moisture loss and maintain freshness.
  • Slice the bread, place parchment paper between each slice, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Prevents freezer burn and makes individual serving easier.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove desired slices from freezer, let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave on defrost setting for 20-30 seconds until soft and warm.

FAQs

  • Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes, homemade pumpkin puree works perfectly. Just ensure it’s smooth and has similar consistency to canned puree for best results.

  • How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking?

Pour half the batter first, add the cream cheese filling carefully in the middle, then cover with remaining batter. This technique helps keep the filling centered.

  • Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use a 1:1 ratio and ensure the blend contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Irresistible cream cheese filled pumpkin bread merges autumn spices with creamy filling for a delightful seasonal treat. Rich layers complement warm flavors, creating a perfect companion for coffee or afternoon snacks you will savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread Ingredients:

  • 1.75 cups (440 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Sweeteners:

  • 0.5 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup (110 grams) brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a standard loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
  2. Sift together the dry ingredients, ensuring a uniform blend of flour, leavening agents, salt, and warm autumn spices.
  3. Whisk the pumpkin puree with sugars, creating a smooth, rich liquid base that incorporates oil, eggs, and vanilla for depth of flavor.
  4. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender bread texture.
  5. Transfer half the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, creating an even base layer.
  6. Spread the cream cheese filling uniformly across the initial batter layer, ensuring complete coverage.
  7. Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese, using a spatula to seal and distribute evenly.
  8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center that comes out clean.
  9. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent moisture loss.
  10. Slice and serve at room temperature, revealing the luscious cream cheese swirl within the spiced pumpkin bread.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier spreading across the pumpkin bread batter.
  • Swap vegetable oil with applesauce or Greek yogurt to reduce fat content and add extra moisture.
  • Dust a bit of powdered sugar on top after cooling for an elegant, bakery-style presentation.
  • For gluten-free version, replace regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain bread’s soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 213 kcal
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 174 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star