Have you ever wondered how to elevate your fall baking to the next level? Look no further than Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread! This delightful recipe combines the warm, spiced flavors of pumpkin with a rich cream cheese filling, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. But why settle for ordinary pumpkin bread when you can indulge in this creamy twist? In this post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, from the ingredients to serving suggestions, ensuring your baking experience is as enjoyable as the final product.

Ingredients List

To create your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, gather the following ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Substitutions

• Flour: Use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Sugar: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Oil: Use applesauce instead of oil for a lower-fat version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

1. Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Bread Batter

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

1. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Add Cream Cheese Filling: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the pumpkin batter, spreading it evenly.
3. Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Bake the Bread

1. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per slice (based on 12 slices):

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to make your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread even healthier, consider these modifications:

• Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar by 25% or use a sugar substitute like stevia.
• Add Nuts: Incorporate walnuts or pecans for added healthy fats and crunch.
• Increase Fiber: Use half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour to boost fiber content.

Serving Suggestions

These Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread slices can be enjoyed in various delightful ways:

• Warm with Butter: Serve warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for extra richness.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Toast It Up: Lightly toast slices for a crunchy texture and serve with cream cheese spread for breakfast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
2. Not Properly Measuring Flour: Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid dense bread.
3. Skipping the Cooling Step: Allow the bread to cool before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any occasion. With its moist pumpkin base and creamy filling, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and share your feedback in the comments section. Subscribe for more delicious updates and exciting recipes!

FAQs

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bread a day in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.