There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: it’s a crisp autumn day, and the leaves are turning shades of gold and crimson. You pull a loaf out of the oven, its golden crust crackling gently as you let it cool. pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting The rich scent of pumpkin mingles with the tangy sweetness of cream cheese, creating an experience that hits all the right notes for fall.
This delightful bread isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it also evokes memories of cozy family gatherings and festive celebrations. Imagine slicing into this moist, tender loaf while sipping on a hot cup of apple cider or coffee. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert—basically, any time you need a slice of happiness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you can whip this up in no time
- Each bite bursts with flavor from pumpkin and cream cheese
- Its golden-brown color is sure to impress anyone at your table
- Versatile enough to enjoy fresh or toasted with butter
One Thanksgiving, my family devoured an entire loaf before dinner even started. I guess when comfort calls, who can resist?
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Canned Pumpkin Puree: Opt for 100% pure pumpkin puree for the best flavor; avoid pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugars and spices.
- Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing; it adds richness that makes this bread irresistible.
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works well here; sift it to ensure there are no lumps in your batter.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar creates sweetness; consider using brown sugar for added moisture and depth.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Both leavening agents help the bread rise beautifully; make sure they are fresh for best results.
- Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): These classic fall spices enhance the pumpkin flavor wonderfully; don’t be shy about adding a bit extra! mini pumpkin cheesecakes. pumpkin cinnamon roll cake.
- Eggs: These help bind the ingredients together; use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and complements the other flavors nicely; always go for pure extract if possible.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors without making the bread salty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to ensure easy release later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout.
Create Your Pumpkin Mixture: In another large bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Then add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Follow up with pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Mixture: Gradually fold in your dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread!
Pour into Pan and Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake in preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool Before Serving: Let your Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing—if you can wait that long!
With these steps completed, you’re ready to dive into a slice (or two) of this heavenly creation. Enjoy every bite as you celebrate fall with friends and family!
You Must Know
- This delicious Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread combines the fall flavors of pumpkin with a rich, creamy texture
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
- This recipe is perfect for cozy mornings or as a sweet afternoon snack
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix dry ingredients first, then cream together the butter and cream cheese while adding sugar gradually. Finally, fold in the pumpkin puree before baking. For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional spices for a dash of nutmeg or even chocolate chips. Adding walnuts or pecans can elevate the crunch factor and make each slice more exciting. pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.
Storing & Reheating
To keep your Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices and reheat in the microwave when you crave a slice.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to mix easily into the batter for that smooth texture
- Avoid overmixing once you add flour; this keeps your bread light and fluffy
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for a richer flavor, but canned works too!
Baking this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread always brings back memories of autumn afternoons spent with my grandma, who insisted on using just the right amount of spice. Her laughter filled the kitchen as we baked together, creating memories along with our treats. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Banana Bread Cookies recipe.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier option in this recipe.
How do I know when my bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Absolutely! Replace eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal for a vegan version.
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate fall treat, blending the rich flavors of pumpkin and cream cheese into a moist, tender loaf. The warm aroma fills your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around. Perfect for breakfast or as a delightful dessert, this easy-to-make recipe will bring cozy autumn vibes to your home. Whether enjoyed fresh or toasted with butter, each slice promises comfort and joy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or freeze slices.