Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread: 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Bake

Are you tired of bland, dry pumpkin bread that disappoints with every bite? The perfect pumpkin cream cheese bread combines moist, spiced pumpkin batter with rich, creamy cheese swirls for a treat that’s both comforting and indulgent. As someone who’s tested dozens of pumpkin recipes over the years at GusRecipes, I’ve perfected these five variations that guarantee stellar results every time. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, an afternoon treat, or a seasonal dessert, these pumpkin cream cheese bread recipes deliver exceptional flavor and texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

In this guide, you’ll discover secrets to selecting the best pumpkin, creating the perfect cream cheese swirl, and baking techniques that ensure a perfectly moist loaf every time. Plus, I’ll share my favorite flavor variations that take this classic to new heights!

Why This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe Works

• Uses simple pantry staples with seasonal pumpkin for affordability
• Requires just 15 minutes of prep time before baking
• Creates a versatile treat perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert
• Balances warm spices with tangy cream cheese for irresistible flavor
• Stays moist for days, making it perfect for meal prep

Choosing the Right Pumpkin for Cream Cheese Bread

Best Pumpkin Options for This Recipe

For truly exceptional pumpkin cream cheese bread, the type of pumpkin you use matters. While canned pumpkin puree offers convenience and consistency, fresh sugar pumpkins (also called pie pumpkins) provide superior natural flavor. These small, sweet varieties have less moisture and more concentrated flavor than larger carving pumpkins.

Buying Tips

When shopping for pumpkin:

• For canned: Choose 100% pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• For fresh: Select sugar pumpkins that feel heavy for their size
• Look for firm pumpkins with no soft spots or mold
• Store unopened canned pumpkin in your pantry for up to 2 years

Substitutions

If you’re in a pinch, try these alternatives:

• Butternut squash puree offers similar texture with a slightly sweeter flavor
• Sweet potato puree creates a denser, earthier bread
• Canned pumpkin pie filling can work, but reduce added sugar and spices accordingly

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Ingredients & Prep

Pumpkin Bread Essentials

Preparing the perfect pumpkin base requires quality ingredients:

• Drain excess moisture from pumpkin puree with paper towels for better texture
• Bring cream cheese to room temperature for smooth swirling
• Use fresh baking powder and baking soda for proper rise

Spice Blends & Flavoring

• Pumpkin pie spice (2 tablespoons)
• Ground cinnamon (1 tablespoon)
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
• Brown sugar (1 cup packed)
• Granulated sugar (¾ cup)
• Salt (½ teaspoon to enhance flavors)

Cream Cheese Swirl Components

• Full-fat cream cheese (8 ounces, softened)
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup)
• Egg (1 large)
• Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon)
• Optional: lemon zest (½ teaspoon for brightness)

Step-by-Step Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Instructions

Pre-Baking Pumpkin Bread Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and spices.
3. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
4. Beat cream cheese filling ingredients until smooth and set aside.

Baking Method for Pumpkin Bread

1. Pour half the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
2. Dollop half the cream cheese mixture on top and swirl gently with a knife.
3. Add remaining pumpkin batter and top with remaining cream cheese mixture.
4. Create attractive swirls by running a knife through the batters in a figure-eight pattern.
5. Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Doneness Check for Pumpkin Bread

For perfectly baked pumpkin cream cheese bread:

• The top should be golden brown and slightly cracked
• Internal temperature should reach 200°F (93°C)
• The cream cheese swirl may look slightly underbaked but will set as it cools

Cooling Pumpkin Bread

Proper cooling is critical for texture:

• Let bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes
• Use parchment paper overhang to remove loaf to a wire rack
• Allow to cool completely (at least 2 hours) before slicing for clean cuts

Pro Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Avoiding Dry Pumpkin Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until ingredients are combined
• Measure flour correctly by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off
• Add 2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for extra moisture
• Check bread 10 minutes before recommended baking time to prevent overbaking

Tool Recommendations for Pumpkin Baking

• Light-colored aluminum loaf pans promote even baking
• Parchment paper sling makes removal easy and prevents sticking
• Toothpick or cake tester for checking doneness
• Kitchen scale for precise measurements

Storage & Freezing Pumpkin Bread

• Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness
• Freeze whole loaves or individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months

Looking for more fall baking inspiration? Check out my collection of seasonal recipes on Pinterest where I share dozens of pumpkin treats that capture autumn’s best flavors!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Flavor Variations

Streusel-Topped Pumpkin Bread

Take your bread to the next level with a crunchy, sweet topping:

• Combine ½ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Work mixture with fingertips until crumbly
• Sprinkle over batter before baking

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

The perfect combination of warm spices and melty chocolate:

• Fold 1 cup chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter
• Try semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate varieties
• For extra decadence, drizzle cooled bread with melted chocolate

Maple Walnut Pumpkin Bread

A nutty twist on the classic:

• Replace ¼ cup sugar with pure maple syrup
• Add 1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts to the batter
• Mix 2 tablespoons maple syrup with ½ cup powdered sugar for a maple glaze

Serving Suggestions for Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

• Serve warm slices with a smear of salted butter for breakfast
• Pair with fresh fruit and yogurt for a balanced brunch
• Top with vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert
• Enjoy alongside a hot mug of spiced cider or coffee

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread FAQs

Can I make this recipe into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 12-14 muffins.

Why did my cream cheese sink to the bottom of my bread?
This typically happens when the cream cheese mixture is too thin. Try adding 1 tablespoon of flour to the cream cheese mixture or chill it briefly before swirling.

How can I make this recipe healthier?
Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat, swap half the oil for unsweetened applesauce, and reduce sugar by ¼ cup. The cream cheese adds moisture, so these substitutions won’t significantly affect texture.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, then strain through cheesecloth to remove excess moisture before using in the recipe.

Time to Get Baking!

Now that you have all the secrets to creating perfect pumpkin cream cheese bread, it’s time to heat up your oven and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall spices! This versatile recipe has become a family favorite for thousands of GusRecipes readers who make it from September through December each year.

Remember, the key to truly exceptional pumpkin bread lies in quality ingredients, proper mixing technique, and creative flavor additions that make each loaf uniquely yours. Whether you’re baking for a cozy weekend breakfast, afternoon snack, or holiday gift-giving, these five variations provide endless possibilities for pumpkin perfection.

Don’t forget to take a photo of your creation and share it with our baking community! Happy baking!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread: 5 Mouthwatering Ways to Bake

---

• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 servings) 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is moist, rich, and filled with cozy fall flavors  swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer for the ultimate autumn treat!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

**Pumpkin Bread Batter:**

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground ginger

1 cup pumpkin puree

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

**Cream Cheese Filling:**

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

---

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.

3. In another bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Add dry ingredients to wet and stir until just combined — do not overmix.

5. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

6. Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the loaf pan and spread evenly.

7. Spread the cream cheese filling on top of the batter.

8. Pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top and smooth the surface.

9. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect (optional).

10. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

💡 Tips:

• For extra moisture, use canned pumpkin puree — not pumpkin pie mix.

• Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for variation.

• Wrap tightly and store in the fridge up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

• Best served slightly chilled for that cheesecake texture!

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 60 min
• Category: Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: pumpkin bread, cream cheese swirl, fall baking, easy pumpkin loaf