Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
If you are craving a cozy, moist treat that packs the flavors of fall into every bite, you will absolutely adore this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread. Soft, tender, and bursting with the warm essence of pumpkin and cinnamon, this bread is a perfect companion for crisp autumn mornings or afternoon tea. The subtle sweetness balanced with a luscious cream cheese swirl makes Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread not only a delight to eat but a heartfelt baking memory to create. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for those chilly days when you want comfort wrapped in a slice of bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is all about the harmony of simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From spicing up the batter to giving it that beautiful pumpkin hue and that moist texture, every ingredient is essential for this recipe’s success.
- All-purpose flour (1.5 cups): Provides the structure that makes the bread tender but sturdy enough to slice.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Acts as a gentle leavening agent, helping the bread rise just right without becoming cake-like.
- Salt (0.5 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient, delivering moisture, beautiful color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
- Vegetable oil (0.5 cup): Keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender with a light crumb.
- Sugar (1.5 cups): Sweetens the bread while also contributing to a golden crust.
- Ground cinnamon (0.5 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warm spice to make every bite feel like a hug.
How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your 9×5 inch loaf pan is essential to ensure your bread comes out easily without sticking, giving you those perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This mix brings the right texture and rising power to your bread, helping it bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This step builds the rich flavor base of your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread and ensures the sweetness and spice marry perfectly with the pumpkin.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together
Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bread tender and moist without it becoming dense.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and give it a little shake to settle it flat. Place it in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling that your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread has baked through perfectly.
Step 6: Cooling Time
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step prevents the bread from becoming soggy and helps it hold its shape for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey enhances the visual appeal and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the pumpkin and cinnamon perfectly. You can also serve slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
Enjoy your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread alongside a warm cup of chai tea, coffee, or even a creamy hot chocolate. For a heartier brunch, pair it with scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to brighten the plate and balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread into thick pieces and toasting them lightly before spreading with cream cheese or nut butter. You can also cube the bread and layer it into a bread pudding or use it as a sweet base for a fall-inspired French toast bake that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge is a good option but be aware it might dry out a bit there.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread can last up to 3 months—perfect for making ahead for holiday gift-giving or busy weeks when you want a quick slice of comfort.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread back to life, warm it in a toaster oven or regular oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the texture and releases those wonderful pumpkin aromas that make this bread so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just cook and puree fresh pumpkin until smooth, and use it in the same quantity as canned pumpkin puree. Fresh pumpkin can add a slightly lighter, fresher flavor to the bread.
Is it possible to substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Keep in mind this may make the bread a bit denser but wonderfully buttery and moist.
How do I know when the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is done?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. The bread should also have a golden brown top and pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips fold in nicely to add texture and extra flavor, making your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread even more decadent and fun.
Is this bread suitable for freezing and then thawing?
Yes, it freezes very well. Just thaw it at room temperature before reheating gently to enjoy as if freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about baking and sharing a loaf of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread with loved ones. Its tender crumb, cozy flavors, and simple ingredients come together to create a treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—you’ll quickly discover just how rewarding and delicious homemade pumpkin bread can be!
Print
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and moist Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, perfect for fall baking. This spiced pumpkin loaf combines rich pumpkin puree with a hint of cinnamon, creating a flavorful and tender bread ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir all ingredients together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, gently stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly to the edges for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then remove it from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or homemade fresh pumpkin puree for a more natural flavor.
- Ensure proper mixing by sifting flour and evenly blending spices for consistent taste.
- Do not overbake to keep the bread moist and tender.
- Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to the batter for additional texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin bread, pumpkin cream cheese bread, fall recipes, spiced bread, easy pumpkin bread
