If you crave the cozy flavors of fall, you’ll love this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread recipe! It’s easy to make and combines the warm spices of pumpkin with a rich cream cheese swirl. In just a few steps, you can create a delicious loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on your new favorite treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg yolk (for the cream cheese filling)
You need a mix of dry and wet items for this recipe. The dry ingredients help the bread rise and give it flavor. The wet ingredients make it moist and add sweetness. The cream cheese filling gives a rich taste that everyone loves.
When you gather your ingredients, make sure they are fresh. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. For example, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. It makes your bread taste so much better.
This recipe is simple, but it gives you a great reward. With just these ingredients, you can create a tasty treat. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on how to mix everything together and bake it to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step helps the bread release easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:
– 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
Set this aside while you work on the wet mix.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix until everything is well blended. This creates a smooth and rich base for our bread.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay; they will bake out.
Prepare Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together until creamy:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup powdered sugar
– 1 egg yolk
This cream cheese filling adds a delightful swirl to your bread.
Assemble the Bread
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining pumpkin batter and cream cheese, creating a swirl pattern using a knife.
Bake and Cool
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
I encourage you to check out the Full Recipe for more details!
Tips & Tricks
Avoid Overmixing
When you mix the pumpkin batter, be gentle. Overmixing can make the bread tough. You want a soft, moist texture. Fold the mixtures slowly. It’s fine to have a few lumps. This keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Perfect Swirling Technique
Swirling the cream cheese into the pumpkin batter makes it pretty. Use a knife or skewer for this. Dip it into the batter and swirl gently. Don’t mix it all together. You want a nice marbled look, not a blended mess.
Checking Doneness
To check if your bread is ready, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is done. If it has batter on it, bake a little longer. This step is key to getting that perfect pumpkin cream cheese bread. For the full recipe, check the main article.
Variations
Add-ins
You can make your pumpkin cream cheese bread even better by adding fun extras. Try mixing in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. These add-ins give the bread more texture and flavor. For example, walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Chocolate chips bring a sweet surprise in each bite.
Spice Adjustments
Feel free to tweak the spices in your recipe. If you love warm flavors, add more cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also try new spices, like cloves or allspice. Just remember, a little goes a long way. Adjust the spices to fit your taste.
Alternative Sweeteners
Switching up your sweeteners can change the bread’s flavor. Instead of granulated sugar, use brown sugar for a deeper sweetness. Maple syrup is another tasty option. Each choice gives the bread a unique flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite!
For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above.
Storage Info
Room Temperature
Store your pumpkin cream cheese bread in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to grab a slice for breakfast or a snack.
Refrigeration
If you want to keep it longer, put the bread in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it moist and tasty.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze your pumpkin cream cheese bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it in foil. This method helps keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it in the oven for a few minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making pumpkin cream cheese bread!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free options like almond or cashew cream. You may also need to tweak the wet ingredients to keep the bread moist.
What can I serve with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread?
I love to serve it warm. A dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar makes it special. You could also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.
How do I know when it’s baked?
To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If there’s batter on the toothpick, give it a few more minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This recipe has easy steps and clear instructions, making it great for all skill levels. Even if you are new to baking, you can make this delicious bread.
Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?
Yes, homemade pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to strain it well to remove excess moisture. This will keep the bread from getting too soggy.
What’s the best way to reheat the bread?
You can warm individual slices in the microwave for a quick fix. Alternatively, to get a nice crispy texture, toast the slices. Both ways are tasty!
This blog post covered all the key steps to make delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread. You learned about the essential ingredients, followed a clear step-by-step guide, and discovered helpful tips.
I hope you feel ready to bake this treat. Enjoy experimenting with different spices and add-ins. Remember, the best part is sharing this moist, flavorful loaf with friends and family. Happy baking!
