Description of this recipe
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is a delightful twist on classic pumpkin bread, featuring a luscious cream cheese filling that adds a rich and tangy dimension to the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin. This loaf is perfect for autumnal gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply as a comforting treat on a cool day. The combination of the moist, tender pumpkin bread and the creamy, decadent filling makes every bite an unforgettable experience. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and satisfying, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve a stunning and delicious result. It’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll adore this Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread because it perfectly balances the comforting flavors of fall with a delightful creamy surprise. The pumpkin bread itself is moist, tender, and infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a cozy, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen. The cream cheese filling adds a rich, tangy layer that complements the pumpkin beautifully, providing a wonderful contrast in both taste and texture. Each slice is a harmonious blend of sweet and creamy, making it an irresistible treat. Beyond the taste, this bread is incredibly versatile; it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. The recipe is also adaptable to your preferences. If you like nuts, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the pumpkin bread.
Ingredients:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is evenly heated, providing the perfect environment for the bread to rise properly. Next, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly. You can use butter, cooking spray, or even line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal after baking. Set the prepared pan aside.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Mix these wet ingredients together until they are well blended. This step is crucial for creating a smooth and uniform batter base.
Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring a consistent texture in the final product.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until there are no visible streaks of flour, but stop as soon as everything is incorporated.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Cheese Filling In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, and flour together until smooth and creamy. Ensure the cream cheese is adequately softened to prevent lumps in the filling. A smooth filling will spread more evenly and provide a better texture in the finished bread.
Step 6: Assemble the Bread Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. This forms the base layer of the bread.
Step 7: Add Cream Cheese Filling Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter and spread it carefully to cover the entire surface. Make sure the cream cheese filling is evenly distributed to ensure a consistent flavor in every slice.
Step 8: Top with Remaining Pumpkin Batter Pour the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. This final layer of pumpkin batter encases the cream cheese filling, creating a delightful surprise when sliced.
Step 9: Bake the Bread Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 10: Cool and Serve Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Cooling the bread completely is essential for allowing the structure to set and for easier slicing.
COOKING Rating:
Intermediate – While the steps are straightforward, ensuring the right consistency and baking time requires some attention.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a glass of cold milk.
- Toast slices lightly and spread with butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better blending.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a tough bread.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar in the pumpkin bread.
- Add chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans) to the pumpkin batter for added texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 50-60 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per slice, approximate)
Calories: 350 Protein: 6g Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Cream Cheese-Filled Pumpkin Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The blend of warm spices, moist pumpkin bread, and creamy filling creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this bread is sure to impress. The combination of the comforting pumpkin base and the tangy cream cheese filling offers a unique twist on a classic favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a slice of autumnal bliss. The end result is a moist, flavorful loaf that is perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying all by yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?
- Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. To make your own, roast a pie pumpkin until tender, then scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from the puree before using it in the recipe.
- Can I freeze this pumpkin bread?
- Absolutely! Allow the bread to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
- What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
- If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce will make the bread even more moist, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
- How do I prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking to the bottom?
- To prevent the cream cheese filling from sinking, ensure that the pumpkin batter is thick enough to support it. Also, gently spread the cream cheese filling over the batter, being careful not to press down too hard. Baking the bread at a consistent temperature will also help.
- Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
- Yes, you can definitely add chocolate chips! They make a wonderful addition to both the pumpkin bread and the cream cheese filling. About 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips would be a great amount. Consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to balance the sweetness.
