Taste Delicious Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is a perfect treat for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of pumpkin and the creamy tang of cream cheese all in one bite. This bread brings together sweet pumpkin spice and a smooth cream cheese filling that creates a beautiful swirl every time you slice it. The moist texture and warm spices make it a fantastic snack or breakfast option, especially when the weather starts to cool down.
I love making this bread because the swirl inside feels like a little surprise in every slice, and it’s so much fun to watch it come together before baking. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese brings both sweetness and richness to the bread, so it feels like a special treat without being too heavy. One tip I always remember is to make sure the cream cheese filling is smooth and evenly spread, so the swirl turns out just right.
This pumpkin cream cheese bread is great with a cup of coffee or tea when you want something comforting and satisfying. Sometimes I like to toast a slice lightly and spread a bit of butter on top to make it even more delicious. It always reminds me of cozy mornings and autumn afternoons, making it one of my go-to recipes when I want to share something tasty with friends or family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin puree: Use canned pumpkin for smooth texture and consistent flavor. If you prefer fresh, roast and puree your pumpkin, but be sure to drain excess liquid for a similar texture.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the filling its rich, tangy flavor. You could use Neufchâtel cheese for a lower fat option without sacrificing creaminess.
Pumpkin pie spice: This blend adds warmth and depth. If you don’t have it, mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself for similar results.
Brown sugar: I like brown sugar for its molasses flavor that pairs well with pumpkin. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark is richer.
Vegetable oil or melted butter: Oil keeps the bread moist and tender. Butter adds a bit more flavor if you want a buttery taste—either one works beautifully.
How Do You Create a Beautiful and Even Cream Cheese Swirl?
The swirl is what makes this bread stand out, so getting it right matters! Here’s how I do it:
- First, dollop the cream cheese filling evenly over half the pumpkin batter in the pan.
- Drizzle half the cinnamon swirl mixture on top of the cream cheese.
- Pour the rest of the pumpkin batter gently over everything—try not to disturb the layer below.
- Finally, drizzle the remaining cinnamon mixture on top.
- Use a butter knife or skewer to gently pull through the layers with slow, smooth ‘S’ shapes—don’t overmix or you’ll lose the swirl pattern.
This gentle swirling helps blend the flavors while keeping the cream cheese and cinnamon visibly swirled for every slice!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×5-inch loaf pan – perfect size for baking the bread evenly and getting nice, even slices.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need a few to keep pumpkin batter, cream cheese filling, and cinnamon swirl separate and easy to mix.
- Hand mixer or stand mixer – makes beating cream cheese filling smooth and mixing batter quick and easy.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amount of spices and sugar for balanced flavor.
- Butter knife or skewer – great tool to create those beautiful swirls without overmixing.
- Wire cooling rack – keeps the bread from getting soggy as it cools after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that complements the soft bread.
- Swap pumpkin pie spice with chai spices (ginger, cardamom, cloves) for a warm, spicy twist.
- Stir in mini chocolate chips into the pumpkin batter to add a touch of sweetness and melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Try using maple syrup instead of some brown sugar to enhance the autumn flavors with a natural sweetness.
How to Make Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Time Needed:
Get ready to spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients, then around 55 to 65 minutes baking time. After baking, let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before glazing and serving. Overall, expect about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to keep the bread from sticking.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and the egg. Beat well until everything is creamy and fully combined. Set this aside for later.
3. Make the Pumpkin Bread Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, and cinnamon. In a separate bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stirring just until combined without overmixing.
4. Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. This will add a lovely cinnamon flavor swirl in your bread.
5. Assemble Your Bread
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your loaf pan and spread it evenly. Dollop the cream cheese filling evenly over this batter. Drizzle half of the cinnamon swirl mixture over the cream cheese filling. Next, add the remaining pumpkin batter on top and smooth it gently. Drizzle the remaining cinnamon swirl over everything.
6. Create the Swirl Effect
Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the layers together by moving it in an “S” or circular pattern. Be careful not to over-swirl to keep neat, pretty swirls.
7. Bake the Bread
Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted near the center (but avoiding cream cheese) comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for a quick glaze and drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your delicious swirled pumpkin cream cheese bread and enjoy it as is or lightly toasted with a bit of butter. Perfect with coffee or tea for a cozy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Pumpkin Puree?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before using to keep the batter from getting too wet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese Filling?
You can swap cream cheese for Neufchâtel cheese for a lower-fat option, or try mascarpone for a richer taste. Just make sure it’s softened before mixing.
What If I Don’t Have Pumpkin Pie Spice?
No worries! Mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, and a pinch of cloves to make your own pumpkin pie spice substitute.
