Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

I absolutely love this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between rich, creamy sweetness and warm, cozy pumpkin spice flavors. It’s one of those breads that’s way more than your average loaf—it’s like having pumpkin pie and cheesecake all wrapped up in a tender, moist bread. Whenever I’m in the mood for something comforting that still feels a little special, this recipe hits the spot every time.

You’ll find that this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe is incredibly easy to pull together, making it ideal for busy mornings, holiday gatherings, or just an afternoon treat with coffee. Plus, that creamy cheesecake ribbon inside gives it a surprising richness that really makes it stand out. Trust me, once you try it, your family and friends will be asking for this bread on repeat!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe, I’ve found that combining a boxed yellow cake mix with real pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice creates the best flavor with the easiest prep. The cream cheese filling perfectly balances the pumpkin’s earthiness and sweetness.

• Yellow cake mix: Look for a good-quality box—this is the foundation of your batter and helps keep things simple.
• Canned pumpkin: Not pumpkin pie filling—pure pumpkin gives you that authentic pumpkin taste without extra sugar or spices.
• Water: Helps hydrate the cake mix and keep the bread moist.
• Vegetable oil: Adds richness and ensures the bread stays tender.
• Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that warm, spiced flavor; if you don’t have it, you can substitute with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the cheesecake swirl—make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just right.
• All-purpose flour: Adds body to the cheesecake filling.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the filling with a lovely, fragrant note.

Variations

I like to encourage you to play around with this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe to make it your own. Whether it’s adding nuts, swapping out the spice blend, or trying different mix-ins, the possibilities are pretty fun and tasty.

• Add chopped nuts: I’ve tossed in pecans or walnuts before for some extra crunch, and my family loves the texture contrast.
• Use gluten-free cake mix: For a gluten-free option, substitute the yellow cake mix with a certified gluten-free version and you’re good to go.
• Swap pumpkin pie spice: Feel free to customize spices—ginger and cardamom work beautifully if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add chocolate chips: For a sweeter twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the batter before baking. It’s a dreamy combo!

How to Make Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Pumpkin Batter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and flour two 8×4-inch loaf pans. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, canned pumpkin, water, vegetable oil, pumpkin pie spice, and eggs. I mix everything on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and fully blended. The pumpkin makes the batter wonderfully thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want!

Step 2: Spread the Batter and Make the Cheesecake Filling

Pour about 1½ cups of the pumpkin batter evenly into the bottom of each prepared loaf pan. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This filling is the heart of the recipe—it adds that irresistible creaminess inside the bread.

Step 3: Layer Filling and Finish Batter

Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling on top of the pumpkin batter in each loaf pan, dividing it equally. Then, spoon the remaining pumpkin batter over the cream cheese filling and gently spread it out so it’s covered. Taking your time here helps keep the layers distinct and that cream cheese swirl intact, which makes every slice look beautiful.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake the loaves for about 45 minutes, or until you can insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean. It’s important not to overbake, so start checking around 40 minutes to avoid dryness. Once out of the oven, cool each loaf in its pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. The cooling step helps the bread set up perfectly for slicing without falling apart.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple and enjoy this bread plain or with just a little dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. If I’m feeling extra festive, a light drizzle of maple glaze or a dollop of whipped cream on the side really elevates it for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea. For a brunch spread, I love serving it alongside fresh fruit or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing gift or party treat, I slice this bread and arrange the pieces on a wooden board with seasonal decorations like mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks. Wrapping slices individually in parchment with a ribbon also makes adorable, shareable favors for friends and neighbors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese filling. This keeps it fresh and moist for up to 4 days. If you notice it drying out, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before storing helps lock in moisture.

Freezing

Freezing slices is a lifesaver when you make a big batch! I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for up to 2 months. When thawing, I let them sit at room temp or heat gently in the microwave.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven on low. This brings back that soft, fresh-baked feel, and if you want to add a little extra flair, a smear of butter or cream cheese on top is delightful.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share because it’s deceptively simple yet impressively delicious. I love how the cream cheese swirl feels like a little treat baked right into every slice, and the pumpkin keeps it just perfectly moist and spiced. If you’ve been searching for a recipe to bring out those cozy fall vibes or a fun twist on typical quick bread, this one’s an absolute winner. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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