Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Are you ready to bake a treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall? This Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is a delightful blend of moist pumpkin bread and a creamy, tangy cream cheese filling. With the warmth of spices and the richness of cream cheese, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow this guide to create a delicious loaf that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Read on to discover the secret to making this scrumptious bread from scratch!

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What is Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread?

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is a flavorful and moist quick bread that features a creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese nestled in the middle. The bread itself is infused with classic fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice, providing a warm and comforting flavor profile. The pumpkin puree in the bread adds moisture and a rich, earthy taste, making every bite delightful. The cream cheese filling adds a sweet, tangy contrast to the spiced bread, creating a perfectly balanced treat that’s both visually appealing and utterly delicious.

Ingredients List for Cream Cheese Filling

The cream cheese filling is the heart of this pumpkin bread, providing a rich, velvety texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced bread. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese must be softened to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients. This provides the creamy, rich texture that's essential for the filling.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: This adds sweetness to the filling, balancing out the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: The flour helps stabilize the filling, so it doesn’t become too runny during baking.
• 1 egg: The egg binds the ingredients together, ensuring the filling has a smooth, cohesive texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor, adding a subtle sweetness and depth to the filling.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Bread

The pumpkin bread component is spiced, moist, and acts as the perfect vessel for the cream cheese filling. Here's what you'll need for the bread:

• 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour: The flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure and stability.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise as it bakes.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin, adding a comforting, familiar flavor.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a slightly sweet, nutty flavor, complementing the other spices.
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, all of which enhance the pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: The oil adds moisture to the bread, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sugar adds sweetness and helps achieve a tender texture.
• 2 eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture, helping to bind the ingredients together.
• 1 cup pumpkin puree: Pumpkin puree is the star of the show, adding moisture, flavor, and a beautiful orange hue to the bread.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for best results.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese substitute and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg). Also, use a plant-based oil such as coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Spice Variations: If you prefer a different spice profile, you can experiment with adding ginger, cloves, or allspice to the bread. Adjust the quantities to taste.
• Nutty Twist: Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for an added crunch and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top for a decorative and flavorful touch.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Fold in some chocolate chips into the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for a delicious chocolate-pumpkin combination.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making this Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is straightforward and fun. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9-by-5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray, ensuring the entire surface is well-coated to prevent sticking. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal of the bread later.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it's smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining. Set the filling aside while you prepare the bread batter.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Bread

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This step is crucial for achieving a well-flavored, evenly spiced bread.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and homogenous, with the sugar fully dissolved.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense, tough bread. The batter should be thick but smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Bread

Pour 1 ½ cups of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Next, spoon the cream cheese mixture over this layer, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Finally, pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to ensure the cream cheese is fully covered.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 85 to 95 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the edges of the bread start to brown too quickly, cover the pan loosely with foil for the last 15 minutes of baking. This will ensure the bread cooks through without the edges becoming too dry.

Step 8: Cool and Slice

Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. It's important to let the bread cool fully before slicing, as this will allow the cream cheese filling to set properly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread. Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure a light, tender crumb.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: It can be tempting to slice into the bread while it's still warm, but this can cause the cream cheese filling to become messy and runny. Let the bread cool completely for clean slices and a set filling.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: If the cream cheese isn’t fully softened, it won’t mix smoothly with the other filling ingredients, leading to lumps. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before mixing.
• Incorrect Baking Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness and don’t rely solely on the timer.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Here are some tips on how to serve and present it to impress your family and friends.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

This bread is versatile and can be served in various ways:

• For Breakfast: Serve slices of the bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter for a luxurious breakfast treat.
• For Dessert: Pair the bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
• With Coffee or Tea: A slice of this bread makes the perfect companion to a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially on a cool autumn afternoon.

Presentation Ideas for Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread

Presentation is key, especially if you’re serving this bread at a gathering. Here are a few ideas:

• Garnish with Spices: Lightly dust the top of each slice with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Top with Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the batter before baking for a decorative and tasty touch.
• Serve on a Wooden Board: Present the sliced bread on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of whipped butter or cream cheese for spreading.

Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose their potency over time, so make sure your cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin pie spice are fresh for the best flavor.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the eggs and cream cheese, are at room temperature before you begin. This allows for better mixing and a smoother texture.
• Even Layers: When layering the batter and cream cheese filling, use a spatula to ensure even layers. This will help achieve a beautiful cream cheese stripe in the middle of the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes! This bread freezes well. Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the pumpkin until soft, then puree it until smooth. You’ll need 1 cup of pumpkin puree for this recipe.

Q: How long does this bread stay fresh?
A: The bread will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Yes, you can! Divide the batter and cream cheese filling evenly among a muffin tin and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Filled Pumpkin Bread is the perfect recipe to welcome the fall season. With its moist, spiced bread and creamy filling, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a dessert, this bread is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table. So, grab your ingredients and start baking today your kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible aroma of pumpkin and spices!

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