Amazing 1-Layer Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

There’s just something about fall that makes me want to get into the kitchen and bake something warm and comforting, and this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is just the ticket! It’s the kind of bread that smells like pure autumn magic drifting through your house. My Grandma Max always said that the best baking happens when you’re making something with love, and this recipe, with its perfectly moist pumpkin bread, a luscious cream cheese swirl, and a decadent cream cheese topping, is definitely made with love. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for your holiday table!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Trust me, this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a total winner! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

• It’s incredibly moist thanks to the pumpkin and oil, with a delightful cream cheese swirl that adds a tangy richness.
• The cream cheese topping is the perfect sweet finish, making it feel extra special without being complicated.
• It’s a quick pumpkin bread recipe that comes together easily, perfect for when that fall baking craving hits!
• The warm spices and pumpkin flavor are just pure comfort in every bite.

Gather Your Ingredients for Perfect Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Alright, let’s get everything ready so we can whip up this amazing pumpkin bread with cream cheese! Having all your ingredients measured out before you start really makes the process so much smoother. You’ll want to make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft for both the swirl and the topping – just take it out of the fridge about an hour beforehand. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Swirl Ingredients

This is what gives us those gorgeous, tangy ribbons running through the bread:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Topping Ingredients

And for that creamy, dreamy finish on top:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Alright, friends, let’s get this delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese into the oven! It’s a straightforward process, and I’ll walk you through every step. First things first, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, get your 9×5 inch loaf pan ready by greasing and flouring it really well. This is important so our beautiful bread doesn’t stick!

Preparing the Pumpkin Bread Batter

In a big bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give them a good mix so everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, get your wet ingredients together – that’s your sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Stir it all up until it’s nice and combined. Now, pour those wet ingredients into the dry ones and mix until *just* combined. Seriously, don’t overmix! A few little streaks of flour are totally fine, it keeps the bread tender.

Creating the Cream Cheese Swirl

For that gorgeous swirl, we’ll do a quick mix. In a small bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s smooth. Then, mix in the 1/4 cup of sugar, the egg yolk, and that teaspoon of vanilla extract until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Now, pour about half of your pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of that cream cheese mixture right on top, and then grab a knife or a skewer and gently swirl it through the batter. Don’t go crazy, just a few gentle passes!

Baking and Cooling Your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Pour the rest of the pumpkin bread batter over the cream cheese layer. Dollop the remaining cream cheese mixture on top and swirl again. Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. The best way to check if it’s done is to stick a wooden skewer or a thin knife right in the center – if it comes out clean, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Crafting the Cream Cheese Topping

While the bread is cooling, we’ll make the topping. In another bowl, beat the other 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth. Then, add the powdered sugar and the milk. Mix it all up until you have a lovely, creamy frosting ready to go. Once your loaf is totally cool, spread this delicious topping evenly over the top. It’s the perfect sweet finish!

Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Making this pumpkin bread with cream cheese is pretty forgiving, but a few little tricks really make it shine. It’s all about those details that take it from good to absolutely fantastic. You want that perfect moist crumb, a lovely swirl, and a creamy topping that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, these little tips will make all the difference!

Ingredient Temperature Matters

Seriously, make sure your cream cheese is truly softened for both the swirl and the topping. It’s the secret to getting it smooth and lump-free, so it mixes in beautifully without any fuss. For more baking tips, check out this blog.

Achieving the Perfect Swirl

When you’re swirling, don’t overdo it! Just a few gentle passes with a knife or skewer work best. You want distinct ribbons of cream cheese, not a muddy mess. It looks so pretty when you slice into it!

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

This pumpkin bread with cream cheese is fantastic served slightly warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a cup of coffee or tea for breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or even as a simple dessert. If you happen to have any leftovers (which I doubt!), just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days, or you can pop it in the fridge if you want it to last a bit longer. For more dessert ideas, consider these dessert recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Got questions about this delicious pumpkin bread with cream cheese? I’ve got answers! It’s one of my go-to fall bakes, and I’ve learned a few things along the way.

Q: Can I freeze this pumpkin bread with cream cheese?
Absolutely! Once it’s completely cooled, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. The cream cheese topping might soften a bit when thawed, but it will still be delicious. Just let it thaw on the counter overnight.

Q: How do I make a cream cheese filling instead of a swirl?
That’s a great idea for an extra creamy center! Instead of swirling, you can pour half the batter, then all of the cream cheese mixture (you might need to double the swirl recipe for a good filling layer!), and then top with the remaining batter. It’ll bake up like a dream! You might also like this lemon cream pie bars recipe.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover pumpkin bread?
For this pumpkin cream cheese bread loaf, I like to keep it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The cream cheese topping is pretty stable. If it’s really warm where you are, or if you want it to last longer, the fridge is your friend. Just make sure it’s well-covered!

Q: Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
Oh, for this recipe, you really want to stick with pure pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling already has sugar and spices added, which would mess with the flavor balance and texture of our moist pumpkin bread recipe. Trust me, the pure stuff is key! For more pumpkin bars, check out this recipe.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this yummy pumpkin bread with cream cheese is an estimate, as everyone’s ingredients can vary a bit! We figure a slice comes in around:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugar: 35g

This is just a general guideline, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!

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