Growing up, the scent of freshly baked pumpkin bread with cream cheese was a surefire sign that the holidays were right around the corner. My grandma had this way of making the most moist, flavorful Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese that would fill our entire home with the warmth of fall spices and the cozy comfort of homemade baking. To this day, I can still picture myself eagerly waiting by the oven, my mouth watering as I watched the loaf rise to a perfect golden brown.
As soon as it came out, she’d let it cool just enough so I could sink my teeth into that first delectable slice. The pumpkin flavor was so vibrant, perfectly balanced by the tangy cream cheese swirl. It was heavenly – the kind of treat that makes you want to savor every single bite. Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese was a tradition we all looked forward to, a recipe that brought our family together in the most delicious way.
Table of Contents
Why This Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
I’ve tried countless Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese recipes over the years, but none of them quite capture the magic of my grandma’s version. The secret lies in the perfect blend of spices, the moisture-boosting pumpkin puree, and the creamy tangy cream cheese swirl. This recipe delivers a wonderfully tender, flavorful loaf that’s guaranteed to impress.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin puree – The star of the show, pumpkin puree provides essential moisture and that classic pumpkin flavor we crave.
- Brown sugar – For a deeper, richer sweetness that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Vegetable oil – Helps keep the Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese incredibly moist and tender.
- Eggs – Binding the batter together and adding structure.
- All-purpose flour – The base for our homemade Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese.
- Baking soda and baking powder – Leavening agents that give the bread its perfect rise.
- Spices – A harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger that warms up the pumpkin flavor.
- Cream cheese – Swirled throughout the batter, creating a luscious, tangy contrast.
Step-by-Step Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
This Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese recipe is surprisingly simple to make, coming together in about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a few basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, hand mixer, and a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2- In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
3- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until no pockets of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Spoon half the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then dollop spoonfuls of cream cheese on top. Swirl it gently into the batter using a knife.
6- Finish by topping with the remaining pumpkin bread batter. Bake for 55-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Pro Tips for Success
Be sure not to overmix the batter, as that can lead to a tough, dense texture. Also, keep an eye on the bread towards the end of baking – you don’t want it to overbake and dry out. Let the Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Serving and Storing Your Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
This Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese is the ultimate autumnal treat, perfect for serving alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. It also makes a wonderful dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a heartier meal, try it toasted and topped with a pat of butter or a schmear of cream cheese.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese will stay fresh for up to 5 days stored in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months – just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or oven until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
Creative Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Variations
For a festive twist, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. You could also swap out the cream cheese for a different flavor like maple or cinnamon. During the holiday season, a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top would be a lovely touch.
Making Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. For a lower-carb version, use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of the brown sugar. And for a vegan Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese, replace the eggs with flax or chia “eggs” and the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of making my own?
A: Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to get 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
Q: How do I know when the Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese is done baking?
A: The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You can also gently press on the top – it should spring back lightly when done.
Q: Can I make Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, this Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many people does this Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese recipe serve?
A: This recipe makes one 9×5-inch loaf, which will yield 8-10 slices, depending on how you cut it. It’s a great size for feeding a small gathering or having leftovers for the week.
Q: What if my Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese sinks in the middle?
A: If your bread ever comes out sunken in the center, it’s usually due to overmixing the batter. Next time, be extra gentle when folding in the dry ingredients to avoid developing too much gluten.
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 12
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this easy, mouthwatering Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese. Perfectly moist and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful treat for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
– 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
– 3 eggs
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
3. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. 4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. 6. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. 7. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
8. 8. Spread the cream cheese frosting over the top of the cooled pumpkin bread.
9. 9. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
For best results, use a high-quality canned pumpkin puree. You can also add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Store any leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 55
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese is an absolute must-bake for the fall and holiday seasons. With its perfectly spiced pumpkin flavor and tantalizing cream cheese swirl, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the same joy and comfort that I do every time I take that first warm, heavenly bite. Be sure to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
