Description
This Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for fall. It features a spiced pumpkin bread base layered with a creamy cinnamon-sugar cream cheese filling, baked to golden perfection. The combination of pumpkin puree and warm spices creates a comforting autumnal treat, ideal for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup White granulated sugar
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 TBSP All-purpose flour
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
Pumpkin Bread
- 1 3/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 3 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp Pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Oil (canola or vegetable)
- 1/3 cup White granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar (packed light or dark)
- 15 oz Pumpkin puree (1 whole can)
- 1 tsp Pure vanilla extract
- 1 Large egg (room temperature)
- 1 Egg yolk (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Sour cream (room temperature or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup White granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 TBSP Ground Cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Cream Cheese Layer Preparation: In a small bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar on high speed for 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1/2 tablespoon flour, then mix on medium until combined. Finally, add 1 large egg and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Set aside this cream cheese mixture.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Spray a 9x5-inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, then spray the paper again with the nonstick spray for easy removal.
- Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup white granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar evenly over the bottom of the prepared loaf pan and discard any excess.
- Dry Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 3 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, and 1 tsp salt. Set aside.
- Drain Pumpkin Puree: Pour the 15 oz can of pumpkin puree onto a large plate and spread it evenly. Using 8 sheets of paper towels, press two sheets at a time onto the pumpkin puree to soak up excess moisture. Repeat this step four times until the pumpkin is drier to prevent excess moisture from affecting the bread texture.
- Wet Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup oil, 1/3 cup white granulated sugar, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, the drained pumpkin puree, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, and 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to retain moisture and texture.
- Assemble the Loaf: Pour two-thirds of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Dollop all the cream cheese mixture on top and use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly over the pumpkin batter layer. Top this with the remaining pumpkin batter by dolloping it on and spreading it gently with an offset spatula to cover the cream cheese layer.
- Add Final Cinnamon Sugar Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top of the assembled loaf. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes to settle. Then, transfer it to a cooling rack and cool completely before slicing and serving to allow flavors to set and to prevent the cream cheese layer from oozing.
Notes
- Draining the pumpkin puree is important to prevent a soggy bread texture.
- Room temperature ingredients help the batter come together smoothly and ensure even baking.
- You can substitute canola oil with vegetable or melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Allow the bread to cool completely for easier slicing and better presentation.
