Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread combines the cozy flavors of autumn—pumpkin, warm spices, and rich cream cheese—into one indulgent loaf. With an easy layering method and a creamy center, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive snack.

Pumpkin Cream Bread with Cream Cheese

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pumpkin Bread

Vegetable oil
Granulated sugar
Light brown sugar
Pure pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
Egg
Vanilla extract
All‑purpose flour
Pumpkin pie spice
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt

Cream Cheese Filling

Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
Granulated sugar
All‑purpose flour
Vanilla extract
Egg

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease a 9×5‑inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, pumpkin puree, egg, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix.
Pour about two-thirds of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth.
Spread this cream cheese filling evenly over the pumpkin batter layer.
Top with the remaining pumpkin batter, smoothing the surface.
Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes (or until a toothpick comes out clean or with just moist crumbs).
Cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes, then remove from pan and let cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Yield: About 8 to 10 slices (1 loaf)
Prep Time: Approximately 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 to 50 minutes
Total Time: Around 1 hour (plus cooling time)

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Mix in chocolate chips or swirl in caramel for extra decadence.
Sprinkle a cinnamon‑sugar crumb topping before baking for added crunch.
Turn into muffins by dividing the batter into muffin tins; reduce baking time accordingly.

Storage/Reheating

Store slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the cooled loaf tightly and store for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven to restore warmth and softness.

FAQs

1. What kind of pumpkin should I use?

Use pure pumpkin puree (such as Libby’s), not pumpkin pie filling, so you can control the spice level.

2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just roast and puree it before using, ensuring the moisture level matches canned puree.

3. How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from sinking?

Use the layer method: pumpkin batter, cream cheese filling, then more pumpkin batter. This helps hold the cream cheese in place.

4. Can I make this into muffins or mini loaves?

Absolutely. Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin or mini loaf pans; reduce bake time and check doneness early.

5. How can I make the batter moist and not dense?

Avoid overmixing. Mix until just combined, no flour streaks for the lightest texture.

6. Can I use whole wheat or gluten‑free flour?

Yes; whole wheat will make it denser, while gluten‑free blends need proper binding, test and adjust as needed.

7. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

Place wrapped cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 5 minutes to bring it to room temperature.

8. How do I know when it’s baked through?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter.

9. Can I add a topping?

Yes, cinnamon‑sugar, a streusel crumb, or even a simple powdered sugar glaze would all be delicious additions.

10. Does it taste better after resting?

Yes! Letting it rest for a few hours or overnight enhances the flavors and allows the cream cheese filling to set.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Cream Bread with Cream Cheese is a delightful fall favorite moist, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy in the middle. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a cozy treat everyone will love. Perfect for sharing or savoring with a warm beverage.