The Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe You’ll Ever Bake

Pumpkin cream cheese bread converts ordinary baking into a luxurious autumn experience that tantalizes taste buds with rich, warm flavors.

Seasonal spices and creamy textures merge beautifully in this delightful recipe, creating a mouthwatering treat that feels like a culinary embrace.

Soft, moist crumbs intermingle with velvety cream cheese swirls, promising an indulgent bite that speaks to comfort and nostalgia.

Sweet pumpkin notes dance with subtle spices, delivering a complex flavor profile that elevates traditional quick bread.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this approachable recipe, which requires minimal specialized techniques and delivers maximum satisfaction.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine to produce something extraordinary, turning an everyday kitchen moment into a memorable celebration.

You’ll find this bread becomes an instant favorite, perfect for sharing with friends and family during cool, crisp days.

Ways to Switch Up the Flavor or Add Crunch

• Nutty Pumpkin Swirl: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cream cheese layer for a crunchy texture and rich, earthy flavor.
• Spiced Maple Infusion: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup and increase pumpkin pie spice for a deeper, warmer autumn profile.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Fusion: Fold dark chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter for a decadent, sweet contrast against the creamy filling.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Alternative: Substitute regular flour with almond or coconut flour, ensuring a light and moist gluten-free version of the bread.

Why Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Is Perfect for Fall

• Capture Seasonal Comfort: Enjoy a warm, cozy slice of autumn packed with rich pumpkin flavors that instantly transport you to crisp fall afternoons with loved ones.
• Indulge in Creamy Contrast: Experience the delightful texture combination of smooth cream cheese swirled through moist, spiced pumpkin bread, creating a luxurious and decadent treat that melts in your mouth.
• Effortless Baking Delight: Whip up this incredibly simple recipe with basic pantry ingredients, requiring minimal effort but delivering maximum flavor and impressive results that will wow family and friends.
• Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare this versatile bread in advance, store it easily at room temperature, and enjoy a delicious breakfast, snack, or dessert that stays fresh for several days, making it ideal for busy households and spontaneous gatherings.

What You’ll Need for This Swirled Pumpkin Loaf

• Pumpkin Puree: Smooth, velvety base that adds rich autumnal flavor and moisture to the bread.
• Egg, Egg: Binding agent that provides structure and helps ingredients stick together.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender, moist texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a soft, tender crumb and helps prevent dryness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.

• All-Purpose Flour: Classic baking staple that provides structure to the bread.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps retain moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: Classic blend that brings warm, autumnal flavor to the bread.

• Cream Cheese: Softened, rich ingredient that creates a creamy, decadent swirl.
• Flour: Helps stabilize the cream cheese filling and prevent excess moisture.

How to Bake Pumpkin Bread with a Cream Cheese Layer

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab your 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Pumpkin Magic

• Pumpkin puree
• Egg
• Brown sugar
• Oil
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything until it looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Blend Dry Ingredients

• Pumpkin pie spice
• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Mix until just combined- no need to go crazy with stirring!

Step 4: Create First Layer

Pour about two-thirds of the pumpkin mixture into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly like a cozy blanket.

Step 5: Whip Up Cream Cheese Delight

• Egg
• Softened cream cheese
• Granulated sugar
• Flour

Whisk until silky smooth.

Step 6: Layer The Cream Cheese

Gently pour the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin layer. Use a spatula to spread it carefully.

Step 7: Top It Off

Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top. Smooth it out like you’re creating a delicious landscape.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check with a toothpick- it should come out mostly clean.

Step 9: Cool And Relax

Let the bread hang out in the pan for 15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely.

Tips for Moist Texture and Creamy Filling

• Measure Precisely: Use exact measurements for ingredients to ensure the perfect texture and balance of flavors in your pumpkin cream cheese bread.
• Softening Cream Cheese: Allow cream cheese to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to create a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into the batter, stopping just when combined to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Swirl Technique: Use a knife to create gentle swirls between the pumpkin and cream cheese layers for a beautiful marbled effect.
• Cooling Matters: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to help it set and prevent crumbling, ensuring clean, perfect slices every time.

How to Store Pumpkin Bread and Reheat Without Drying

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pumpkin cream cheese bread in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Slice bread into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or toast in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and warmed through. Enjoy the bread's soft texture and rich pumpkin flavor.

Drinks and Dishes That Pair with Pumpkin Bread

• Brew Cozy Chai Latte: A warm, spiced chai tea perfectly complements the pumpkin and cream cheese flavors, enhancing the bread's autumnal warmth with its cardamom and cinnamon notes.
• Pair Creamy Vanilla Scoop: A classic vanilla ice cream adds a cool, smooth contrast to the dense, spiced bread, creating a delightful temperature and texture balance.
• Serve with Maple Pecan Coffee: A rich, nutty coffee with subtle maple undertones brings out the bread's depth, making each bite more luxurious and satisfying.
• Enjoy Cinnamon Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade cinnamon-infused whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence, echoing the bread's warm spice profile.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Pumpkin cream cheese bread blends autumn’s warmth with rich, creamy textures. Spiced batter swirled with tangy cream cheese creates a delightful seasonal treat you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup oil (vegetable or canola)
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

Cream Cheese Filling Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C), preparing a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a luscious pumpkin base by whisking together velvety pumpkin puree, a farm-fresh egg, rich brown sugar, fragrant oil, creamy sour cream, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Gently incorporate the warm pumpkin pie spice, all-purpose flour, leavening agents, and a pinch of salt into the liquid mixture, stirring delicately to maintain a light texture without overmixing.
4. Distribute approximately two-thirds of the pumpkin batter into the prepared pan, ensuring an even, gentle spread across the bottom.
5. In a separate bowl, blend softened cream cheese, a whisked egg, granulated sugar, and a touch of flour until the filling transforms into a silky, luxurious mixture.
6. Carefully cascade the cream cheese filling over the initial pumpkin layer, using a spatula to create a delicate, even distribution.
7. Tenderly pour the remaining pumpkin batter atop the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface to create a harmonious final appearance.
8. Slide the pan into the preheated oven, allowing the bread to bake for 45-50 minutes until a inserted toothpick emerges with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Allow the freshly baked bread to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack, permitting it to cool completely and set its delectable structure.

Notes

• Elevate your autumn baking with this luscious pumpkin cream cheese bread that combines warm spices and creamy filling.
• Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth, luxurious texture throughout the filling.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Layer the batters gently to create beautiful marbled swirls of pumpkin and cream cheese.
• Cool bread completely before slicing to help set the structure and prevent crumbling.
• Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg