When autumn arrives, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice bread. This Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling combines the best flavors of fall – rich pumpkin, aromatic spices, and a luscious, creamy center. It’s the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or a delightful addition to your seasonal baking repertoire.
What is Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling?
Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a delectable quick bread that features a moist, flavorful pumpkin batter infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. What sets this recipe apart is the creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese running through the middle of the bread, adding a rich and velvety texture that balances the spiciness of the pumpkin bread. It’s the ultimate fusion of comforting flavors, perfect for fall.
The Origin of Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Pumpkin spice bread has become a quintessential autumn recipe, popular in the United States and beyond. While the exact origin of pumpkin spice bread is difficult to pinpoint, the idea of pairing pumpkin with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger traces back to traditional fall desserts, especially in North America. The addition of a cream cheese filling to pumpkin bread is a modern twist, adding richness and depth to this beloved recipe.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pans
First, preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring that your pumpkin spice bread doesn’t stick to the pans during baking.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set the cream cheese filling aside as it will be layered inside the bread batter.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. The spices will infuse the bread with that warm, cozy flavor we all love about pumpkin bread.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The oil will add moisture to the bread, and the pumpkin puree provides that signature pumpkin flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf. If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
6. Layer the Batter and Cream Cheese Filling
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into each of the prepared loaf pans. Then, spread the cream cheese filling over the pumpkin batter, dividing it evenly between the two pans. Finally, top the cream cheese filling with the remaining pumpkin batter, covering it completely.
7. Bake the Pumpkin Spice Bread
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The bread will be golden brown on top, and the aroma of the spices and pumpkin will fill your kitchen.
8. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the pumpkin spice bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled. The result is a moist, flavorful bread with a creamy, indulgent center.
Variations of Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
While the basic recipe is a crowd-pleaser, there are several ways to put your own spin on this delightful bread:
- Add Chocolate Chips: For an extra touch of sweetness, fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips or white chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
- Use Different Nuts: Experiment with different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a variation in texture and flavor.
- Substitute the Oil: Try substituting the vegetable oil with butter for a richer flavor, or use applesauce for a healthier alternative.
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: If you don’t have individual spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, you can use pumpkin spice mix as a one-to-one substitute for the spice blend in the recipe.
- Make Mini Loaves: If you’re planning to give this bread as gifts, bake the batter in mini loaf pans for individual-sized portions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling?
Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin bread for up to 3 months. After baking and cooling the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in an airtight container. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use a different type of pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can substitute canned pumpkin puree for homemade pumpkin puree, ensuring that it’s unsweetened. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from homemade pumpkin puree to avoid a soggy bread.
Is it possible to make this bread without the cream cheese filling?
While the cream cheese filling adds a rich and creamy layer, you can certainly skip it for a more traditional pumpkin spice bread. The bread will still be delicious, just without that indulgent, creamy twist.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Can I add other flavorings to the bread?
Absolutely! You can experiment with adding orange zest, vanilla bean paste, or even maple syrup to enhance the flavors. Just be sure not to overpower the pumpkin and spice profile.
Conclusion: Enjoying Fall Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is the perfect fall treat that blends the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a creamy, indulgent center. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with family and friends, this bread is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. With easy-to-follow instructions and the flexibility to experiment with variations, you can make this pumpkin bread your own. Try it today and enjoy a slice of fall in every bite!
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Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling: A Delicious Fall Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling is a delectable quick bread that features a moist, flavorful pumpkin batter infused with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. What sets this recipe apart is the creamy layer of sweetened cream cheese running through the middle of the bread, adding a rich and velvety texture that balances the spiciness of the pumpkin bread. It’s the ultimate fusion of comforting flavors, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Bread:
-
1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
-
1 tsp baking soda
-
½ tsp salt
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
¼ tsp ground ginger
-
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
-
1 cup pumpkin puree
-
½ cup vegetable oil
-
2 large eggs
-
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
-
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
-
1 large egg
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Grease two 8×4-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring that your pumpkin spice bread doesn’t stick to the pans during baking.
In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Set the cream cheese filling aside as it will be layered inside the bread batter.
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. The spices will infuse the bread with that warm, cozy flavor we all love about pumpkin bread.
In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The oil will add moisture to the bread, and the pumpkin puree provides that signature pumpkin flavor.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf. If you’re using chopped pecans or walnuts, gently fold them into the batter now.
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into each of the prepared loaf pans. Then, spread the cream cheese filling over the pumpkin batter, dividing it evenly between the two pans. Finally, top the cream cheese filling with the remaining pumpkin batter, covering it completely.
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. The bread will be golden brown on top, and the aroma of the spices and pumpkin will fill your kitchen.
Once baked, remove the pumpkin spice bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once cooled. The result is a moist, flavorful bread with a creamy, indulgent center.
Notes
This pumpkin spice bread tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge to let the flavors deepen and the cream cheese filling set perfectly. For an extra cozy touch, serve warm with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. 🍂
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Pumpkin Spice Bread with Cream Cheese Filling