Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Picture this: moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a rich, slightly tangy cream cheese filling swirled right through the middle. If you’re in the mood for more delicious treats, check out this Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake or the creamy Easy Pineapple Fluff Recipe—both are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth! It’s like a pumpkin pie and a cheesecake had a baby, and honestly, I don’t know a better way to describe perfection.

If you love pumpkin, cheesecake, or just want your kitchen to smell like a cozy fall candle, you need to try this recipe. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be baking it all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

• It’s ridiculously moist. No dry, crumbly pumpkin bread here—this one stays soft for days.
• That cream cheese filling? A game-changer. It adds just the right amount of creamy richness.
• It’s EASY to make. No fancy techniques, just simple ingredients and a little mixing.
• Your kitchen will smell AMAZING. Seriously, this is peak fall baking vibes.
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Basically, an excuse to eat cake all day long.

The Perfect Fall Treat for Any Occasion

This pumpkin cream cheese bread isn’t just for casual snacking—it’s a great addition to holiday gatherings, potlucks, and even cozy weekends at home. The warm spices and creamy filling make it feel extra special, and the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make.

What Makes This Recipe Foolproof?

Even if you’re not a pro baker, this recipe is simple and forgiving. There’s no yeast involved, no complicated mixing methods—just straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Just follow the steps and enjoy the delicious results.

How This Recipe Stands Out

Unlike plain pumpkin bread, this version has an indulgent cream cheese layer that takes it up a notch. The balance between the sweet, spiced pumpkin batter and the slightly tangy cream cheese creates the perfect bite every time.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Ingredients

Before we get into the details, let me reassure you—this recipe doesn’t require any hard-to-find ingredients. Everything you need is likely already in your pantry or easy to grab at the store. These simple, everyday ingredients come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each one adds to the rich, spiced flavors and the luscious creaminess that makes this pumpkin cream cheese bread an absolute delight.

For the Cream Cheese Filling

• Cream cheese: The key to a rich, creamy center. Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• All-purpose flour: Helps to slightly thicken the filling, ensuring a smooth consistency.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds structure to the filling.

For the Pumpkin Bread

• Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient! It adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
• Brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the bread ultra-moist.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of additional sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Keeps the bread soft and tender. You can substitute regular milk if needed.
• Cooking oil: Gives the bread a moist texture without making it heavy.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and gives the bread structure.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, ensuring the right consistency.
• Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—this is where the magic happens.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sugar, flour, and egg until smooth. Set it aside while we get the pumpkin bread batter ready.

Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, granulated sugar, buttermilk, oil, and egg until smooth.

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined.

Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s the secret to soft, tender bread!

Step 4: Assemble the Loaf

• Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your loaf pan.
• Spoon the cream cheese filling evenly over the batter.
• Pour the rest of the pumpkin batter on top.
• Use a butter knife to gently swirl the layers together.
• Sprinkle a little extra sugar on top (optional, but so worth it).

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pop the loaf in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Now the hardest part—letting it cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Use room temperature ingredients. It helps everything mix smoothly, especially the cream cheese filling. Cold ingredients won’t blend as well and may cause lumps in the batter, which can affect the overall texture of your bread. Allowing them to come to room temperature ensures an even and smooth mixture, leading to the best possible result.

Don’t overmix the batter. Overworking the flour can make the bread dense instead of soft. Stir just until the ingredients are combined, leaving a few lumps if necessary. Overmixing can activate too much gluten, resulting in a tougher texture rather than the soft, moist bread we’re aiming for.

Let it cool before slicing. Warm bread can be too soft and may fall apart. The cooling process helps it firm up, making it easier to slice neatly. If you cut into it too soon, the cream cheese filling may still be too soft and ooze out rather than staying structured in the center.

Store it properly. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for later. If you want to keep it longer, slice the bread and wrap each piece individually before freezing. This way, you can take out one slice at a time, reheat, and enjoy fresh-tasting pumpkin cream cheese bread whenever you crave it.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

This bread is delicious all on its own, but if you want to really treat yourself, try:

• A slather of butter. Spread a generous amount of butter on a warm slice and let it melt into the soft bread for extra richness.
• A drizzle of maple syrup. This not only enhances the sweetness but also brings out the warm, spiced flavors of the pumpkin.
• A dollop of whipped cream. Light and airy, this adds a dessert-like element to your slice.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. A light dusting on top will give your bread an extra kick of autumn spice.
• A cup of coffee or chai tea. The ultimate cozy combo—nothing pairs better with this bread than a warm, spiced drink on a crisp fall morning.

How to Store and Reheat Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you prefer to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

How to Customize This Recipe

This bread is delicious as-is, but you can easily switch things up by adding mix-ins or toppings. Try folding in chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or walnuts for added texture. If you love a crunchy top, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar over the batter before baking.

What Drinks Pair Well With Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread?

A warm slice of this bread pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. For a more festive option, try serving it with apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall indulgence.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate fall treat, this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is IT. The perfect mix of sweet, spiced, and creamy, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you want to curl up with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and a good book.

Make it for yourself, your family, or that one neighbor who always drops off cookies—either way, you’ll be winning at fall baking. Happy baking! 🎃🍞

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments!