If you are searching for a truly special pumpkin treat, the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe is a must-try that offers the perfect balance of moist, warmly spiced pumpkin goodness combined with the rich, tangy cream cheese swirl that turns this bread into a cozy, irresistible favorite. Whether you’re welcoming the crisp air of fall or aiming to impress guests during the holidays, this pumpkin bread feels like a warm hug in every slice and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe is delightfully straightforward, with each component playing a vital role in flavor, texture, and that signature swirled look. These simple pantry staples come together to create something truly unforgettable.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender and structured bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides the perfect rise and lightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and spices.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic fall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle spice that deepens the aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing to balance the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A hint of earthiness for complexity.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve a tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich molasses note.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to texture.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée: The star ingredient that brings flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Compliments both pumpkin and cream cheese layers.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: For the luscious, tangy cream cheese filling.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (cream cheese filling): Sweetens the cream cheese layer perfectly.
- 1 large egg (cream cheese filling): Helps create a smooth, rich filling.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (cream cheese filling): Adds depth and harmony to the swirl.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your bread won’t stick and will bake evenly, helping you get that perfect golden crust on your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Combining the spices with the flour first not only distributes their flavors evenly throughout but also helps your bread develop that signature warm aroma we all adore at first bite.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This wet mix provides moisture and richness, making your bread incredibly tender and deeply flavorful.
Step 4: Bring Dry and Wet Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to be slightly lumpy to keep the bread tender and soft in texture. Overworking can lead to tough bread, and nobody wants that with such a cozy treat.
Step 5: Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This layer is what makes the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe truly special—it brings a tangy richness that contrasts beautifully with the warmly spiced pumpkin.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared loaf pan, then spoon the cream cheese mixture over it. Finally, top with the remaining pumpkin batter. For that signature swirl effect, gently run a knife through the top layers in a figure-eight or swirling motion, but don’t overdo it or the layers will blend too much.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake your loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil halfway through baking to avoid over-darkening. When done, allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of maple glaze over your cooled pumpkin bread instantly elevates it to dessert status. You might even sprinkle some toasted pecans on top right before serving for an added crunch that contrasts deliciously with the soft bread.
Side Dishes
Pair slices of this pumpkin bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea to really enhance the cozy experience. For a more substantial snack or light breakfast, serve with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears, which add brightness and balance the rich cream cheese layer.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, slice the bread into small squares and serve on a wooden board with a selection of jams or cream cheese spreads. Wrapping individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine also makes for a charming homemade gift that friends and family will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because of the cream cheese layer, it is best to store your leftover Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh. It should stay delightful for about 3 to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the bread for longer storage by wrapping it first in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored this way, your bread stays delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your pumpkin bread warm, reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, or pop them into a toaster oven for a few minutes until lightly warmed through. This brings back the fresh-baked feel and melds the cream cheese swirl comfortingly with the pumpkin spices.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is a convenient, consistent substitute to homemade pumpkin. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in the swirl?
If you’d like a dairy-free or lighter option, try using a vegan cream cheese or ricotta cheese. Keep in mind this will slightly change the texture and flavor but still give you a lovely creamy layer.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done baking?
Use a toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter, it’s done. The cream cheese swirl may leave some moisture, so a little dampness is okay.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this bread?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a great way to personalize your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe. Fold them gently into the pumpkin batter before assembling the loaf.
Why is the cream cheese swirl so important?
The cream cheese swirl adds a luscious tangy contrast to the sweet, spiced pumpkin bread, making every bite complex and decadent. It also helps keep the bread moist and visually impressive, turning a classic pumpkin loaf into something truly special.
Final Thoughts
Nothing captures the spirit of cozy fall flavors quite like the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe. It’s a heartwarming treat that’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect to share with loved ones. Once you try it, this delightful pumpkin bread will surely become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.
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Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Bread With Cream Cheese is a moist, warmly spiced pumpkin loaf featuring a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl baked right into the bread. Ideal for fall baking, holidays, or cozy afternoons with a cup of coffee, this soft and flavorful bread delivers an irresistibly comforting treat that combines classic autumn spices with creamy sweetness.
Ingredients
Pumpkin Bread
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the bread tough.
- Prepare cream cheese filling: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer batter and filling: Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining pumpkin batter. If desired, use a knife to gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the bread: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure the bread remains tender and soft.
- If the top browns too quickly during baking, tent the loaf loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Because of the cream cheese filling, store the bread refrigerated to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
