Pumpkin bread with cream cheese – it’s the ultimate autumn comfort food, isn’t it? I can still remember the first time I baked it for my family. The house was filled with the most incredible aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly baked goodness. As I pulled the golden loaf out of the oven, my kids came running in, their eyes wide with excitement. “Can we have a slice, please?” they begged. Of course, I couldn’t resist their adorable faces, so we all dove in, savoring the perfectly moist and flavorful pumpkin bread, paired with the tangy cream cheese frosting. It was an instant hit, and from that day on, pumpkin bread with cream cheese became a staple in our household, marking the start of the cozy fall season.
Why This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect pumpkin bread with cream cheese
What sets this pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe apart is the perfect balance of spices and the use of high-quality ingredients. The key is to let the pumpkin shine, while also incorporating just the right amount of warm, comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The cream cheese frosting adds a delightful tanginess that complements the sweet pumpkin flavor beautifully. Plus, the technique of gently folding in the dry ingredients ensures a light and tender crumb every time. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a seasonal staple that your family will request year after year.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show, providing that classic pumpkin flavor and moisture.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, delicious bread.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin bread and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a subtle molasses note.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread’s structure.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the pumpkin bread moist and tender.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Provide the perfect rise and fluffy texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger enhance the autumnal flavors.
- Cream cheese: For the rich and tangy frosting that complements the pumpkin bread perfectly.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and binds the frosting together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step-by-Step pumpkin bread with cream cheese Instructions
Preparing Your pumpkin bread with cream cheese
Baking pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delectable loaf ready to share with your loved ones. The total time required is about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including both preparation and baking. You’ll need a loaf pan, a mixing bowl, and a hand mixer or stand mixer to bring this recipe to life.
1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to mix the ingredients until they’re well incorporated.
3- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until the batter is combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5- Pour the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6- Bake the pumpkin bread for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
One of the secrets to perfect pumpkin bread with cream cheese is to avoid overmixing the batter. This can result in a dense, tough texture. Instead, gently fold in the dry ingredients just until they’re incorporated. Additionally, be sure to use high-quality pumpkin puree for the best flavor and texture.
When it comes to the cream cheese frosting, make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before starting. This will ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Additionally, taste the frosting as you go and adjust the powdered sugar to your desired sweetness level.
Serving and Storing Your pumpkin bread with cream cheese
Perfect Pairings for pumpkin bread with cream cheese
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages and side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of apple cider or a rich, creamy hot chocolate for a cozy autumn afternoon. For a more substantial pairing, a slice of pumpkin bread with cream cheese would be a wonderful accompaniment to a hearty soup or stew.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese can be stored at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the uncut loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 week. The cream cheese frosting can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you’d like to get a head start on your baking, you can prepare the pumpkin bread batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. When ready to bake, simply pour the batter into a prepared loaf pan and follow the instructions. The cream cheese frosting can also be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and serve the pumpkin bread.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for pumpkin bread with cream cheese
Creative pumpkin bread with cream cheese Variations
For a festive twist, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the pumpkin bread batter. You can also experiment with different spice blends, such as adding a touch of cardamom or allspice. During the holiday season, consider swirling in a layer of cranberry sauce or a spoonful of your favorite jam for a delightful filling.
Making pumpkin bread with cream cheese Diet-Friendly
To make this pumpkin bread with cream cheese recipe more diet-friendly, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use non-dairy cream cheese and replace the butter in the frosting with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can try using a sugar substitute, such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, in both the bread and the frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of homemade?
A: Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly well in this recipe. Just be sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sweeteners and spices.
Q: How can I ensure my pumpkin bread doesn’t sink in the middle?
A: To prevent your pumpkin bread from sinking in the middle, be sure not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, and avoid opening the oven door too frequently during baking, as this can cause the bread to collapse.
Q: Can I freeze pumpkin bread with cream cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze pumpkin bread with cream cheese, but it’s best to freeze the bread and the frosting separately. Wrap the cooled, unfrosted bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the bread at room temperature, then frost as desired.
Q: How much pumpkin bread with cream cheese should I serve per person?
A: As a general guideline, a single slice of pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a satisfying serving size. The recipe as written yields one 9×5-inch loaf, which should provide 8-10 slices, depending on how you cut it.
Q: What can I do if my pumpkin bread is dry?
A: If your pumpkin bread turns out a bit dry, try increasing the amount of pumpkin puree by 2-3 tablespoons. You can also drizzle a bit of melted butter or oil over the top of the bread before serving to add moisture.
Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 10
Description
Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with this homemade pumpkin bread, swirled with a rich and creamy cream cheese filling. Perfectly moist, spiced, and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
1. – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides.
2. – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. – In a large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. – In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
6. – Pour half of the pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Dollop the cream cheese mixture on top and gently swirl it into the batter using a knife or skewer. Top with the remaining pumpkin bread batter.
7. – Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat cream cheese. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Pumpkin bread with cream cheese is a true autumn delight that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your household. With its moist, flavorful crumb and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, this bread is a must-try for any pumpkin lover. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media – I can’t wait to see your beautiful pumpkin bread with cream cheese masterpieces!
