This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! With its rich pumpkin flavor and creamy filling, this bread is an indulgent yet simple dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or enjoying a cozy afternoon at home, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth and warm your heart. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up that pumpkin puree!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of spices and cream cheese creates a deliciously moist loaf.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—this bread fits any time of day.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip this up.
- Impressive Presentation: The cream cheese layer peeking through makes for a stunning slice.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 10 servings, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: This specific size ensures even baking and the right shape for your pumpkin bread.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls allows you to prepare different components without mixing flavors too early.
- Whisk or hand mixer: These tools help you achieve a smooth batter and cream cheese filling quickly.
- Spatula: Great for folding in ingredients gently, preventing overmixing.

Ingredients
For this delicious Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread, you will need:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil (canola or vegetable may be substituted)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (lite is okay; or Greek yogurt may be substituted)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- pinch salt (optional and to taste)
- 4 ounces softened brick-style cream cheese (lite is okay)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
How to Make Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare one 9×5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with floured cooking spray or greasing and flouring it. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Bread Batter
In a large bowl, combine the first ten ingredients—from the egg through ground nutmeg. Use a whisk to mix until well combined. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, optional salt, and fold gently with a spatula until just mixed. Avoid overmixing; set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Pour about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula, making sure it reaches the corners and sides.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In another bowl, add all filling ingredients (softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour). Whisk until smooth. You can also use a hand mixer for easier blending.
Step 5: Assemble the Loaf
Evenly pour the cream cheese filling over the bread batter in the pan. Smooth it out carefully with a spatula. Then top with the remaining pumpkin bread batter, ensuring not to disturb the cream cheese layer beneath.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 48 minutes. The top should be domed and golden brown when done. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Optionally serve with honey butter or cinnamon-sugar butter for an extra treat!
Enjoy your homemade Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread!
How to Serve Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
With Honey Butter
- Create a sweet and creamy spread by mixing softened butter with honey. This pairs wonderfully with the pumpkin flavors.
Topped with Cinnamon-Sugar Butter
- Mix softened butter with cinnamon and sugar for a deliciously sweet topping. It’s perfect for adding a hint of spice to each bite.
As French Toast
- Dip slices of the pumpkin bread in an egg mixture and cook on a skillet for a unique twist on traditional French toast. Serve with syrup and fresh fruit.
With Vanilla Browned Butter Glaze
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from browned butter and powdered sugar over the top. This adds richness and flavor to each slice.
Served Warm
- Enjoy slices warm from the oven or reheated in the microwave for a comforting treat. The cream cheese filling becomes even more delicious when warmed.
With Coffee or Tea
- Pair your pumpkin bread with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the sweetness of the bread beautifully.
How to Perfect Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
To achieve the perfect Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread, consider these tips that will elevate your baking game.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your pumpkin puree is fresh and not expired. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
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Check Doneness Carefully: Since the cream cheese layer may not solidify completely, check doneness using the toothpick method but understand it may come out slightly moist.
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Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices like cinnamon or nutmeg according to your preference for added warmth and flavor.
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Store Correctly: Keep any leftovers wrapped tightly at room temperature or in the fridge to maintain freshness over several days.
Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Pairing side dishes with Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness alongside the rich pumpkin bread.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy contrast that complements the sweetness of the bread.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the pumpkin bread for breakfast.
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Nut Mix: A simple blend of nuts offers crunch and healthy fats that pair well with soft pumpkin bread.
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Cheese Platter: Create a small cheese board with mild cheeses that won’t overpower the flavors of your bread.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Serve small bowls of maple syrup alongside so guests can add their desired amount of sweetness to each slice.
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Chai Latte: A spiced chai latte offers warm spices that echo those in the pumpkin bread, enhancing overall flavor harmony.
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Pumpkin Spice Hot Chocolate: For a cozy dessert option, serve hot chocolate infused with pumpkin spice; it’s perfectly indulgent!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making pumpkin bread can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch for to ensure your Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread turns out perfect.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Mix just until ingredients are combined for a light texture.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or cream cheese can affect the batter consistency. Bring ingredients to room temperature for best results.
- Not Measuring Flour Properly: Spoon and level flour for accurate measurements. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
- Ignoring Baking Time: Every oven is different. Start checking doneness a few minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Cutting into warm bread can result in a gummy texture. Allow it to cool in the pan before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
- Will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread.
Can I use other spices in my pumpkin bread?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or allspice to customize the flavor profile of your pumpkin bread.
How do I know when my pumpkin bread is done baking?
The top should be domed and golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Can I substitute pumpkin puree with fresh pumpkin?
Absolutely! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, but ensure it’s not watery before using it in your recipe.
What can I serve with Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread?
This delicious bread goes great with honey butter, cinnamon-sugar butter, or a vanilla glazed topping.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is wonderfully moist, flavorful, and versatile. It’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any fall gathering. Don’t hesitate to customize it with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture!
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread
Indulge in the delightful Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread, a perfect blend of rich pumpkin flavor and a creamy filling that will leave you wanting more. This moist loaf is not only easy to make but also versatile enough to enjoy at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a sweet dessert. The warm spices and velvety cream cheese create an irresistible treat that’s ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply treating yourself at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 3 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup liquid-state coconut oil
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix the egg, pumpkin puree, sugars, coconut oil, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and nutmeg until combined.
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt until just mixed.
- Pour two-thirds of the batter into the loaf pan.
- In another bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and flour until smooth; spread over the batter in the pan.
- Top with remaining batter and smooth out gently.
- Bake for about 48 minutes or until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack; allow to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg


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