Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread: Heavenly Autumn Indulgence

I remember the first time I made Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread. The aroma of cinnamon and pumpkin filled my kitchen, instantly transporting me to a cozy autumn afternoon. This delightful bread combines the warm spices of fall with a luscious cream cheese swirl, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

The process of baking this bread is almost therapeutic. Mixing the pumpkin purée with sugar and oil, watching the ingredients come together, is a simple joy. The addition of cream cheese adds a rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet, spiced pumpkin base.

Sharing this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread with loved ones is always a highlight. It brings comfort and happiness, whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed with a warm cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. This recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I’m excited to share it with you.

Baking this bread not only fills the house with delightful aromas but also fills the heart with warmth. The combination of pumpkin and cream cheese creates a flavor fusion that is simply irresistible. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious treat.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread

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• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread with this easy-to-follow recipe. Learn how to create this delicious treat today!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (200g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1 cup (240g) pumpkin purée
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
• 2 cups (240g) powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 325°F. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there’s extra hanging over the longer edges. Lightly coat the paper with baking spray or a combination of butter and flour.
2. In a medium or large bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, then set this mixture aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, mix the egg and sugar together. Beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture becomes airy and pale. Reduce the speed to low, and carefully pour in the oil along the side of the bowl. Add the pumpkin purée, sour cream, and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, an electric hand mixer can be used for this step.
4. Stop the mixer and gently fold in the flour mixture by hand until just incorporated. Move this batter back into the bowl you used for the flour and set it aside.
5. Clean and dry the stand mixer’s bowl and paddle attachment to prepare the filling. Mix the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a quarter cup of the pumpkin batter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out. Add the cream cheese filling on top of this layer and spread it evenly. Cover the filling with the rest of the batter.
7. Bake the bread for approximately one hour, or until the center bounces back when gently pressed with your finger. If it remains indented, continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then use the parchment paper “handles” to lift it out and let it cool completely.
8. You can keep the pumpkin bread wrapped tightly in plastic for up to three days, or freeze it for up to two weeks. Allow it to thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Notes

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 4g

Keywords: american, dessert, homemade

Mastering Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread

Fundamentals

Creating the perfect Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread begins with understanding its core ingredients. The foundation of this bread is a blend of all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients provide structure and flavor, creating a base for the pumpkin and cream cheese.

Pumpkin purée is the star of the show, offering moisture and a rich, earthy taste. Pairing it with sugar and vegetable oil ensures the bread is sweet and tender. For a tangy contrast, cream cheese is a must-have, adding depth and creaminess to each slice.

In this recipe, we use sour cream or plain Greek yogurt to enhance the bread’s texture, making it extra moist. A splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, adding a hint of sweetness that ties everything together.

Preparation/setup

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and preparing your loaf pan. Line a 9×5-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving extra overhang for easy lifting later. Lightly spray the paper with baking spray or use a butter-flour combination for a non-stick surface.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices, allowing for a uniform rise and flavor in the bread. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

Crafting the Perfect Swirl

Technique

Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the egg and sugar on medium speed until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. This process takes about five minutes and is crucial for adding air to the batter, resulting in a light and tender crumb.

Slowly incorporate the vegetable oil, pumpkin purée, sour cream, and vanilla extract into the egg mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined, then gently fold in the pre-mixed dry ingredients by hand. This method prevents overmixing, which can lead to a dense bread.

Transfer the batter back to the flour bowl and set it aside. Clean the mixer’s bowl and prepare the cream cheese filling. Beat the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a quarter cup of the pumpkin batter until creamy and smooth.

Tips/tricks

To achieve a beautiful swirl, pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over this layer, then cover with the remaining batter. Use a knife to create a swirling pattern, ensuring the cream cheese is well distributed.

For the best results, let the bread cool in the pan for 30 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. This allows the flavors to meld and the bread to set, making slicing easier and more precise.

Elevating Your Pumpkin Bread

Perfecting results

Baking the bread at 325°F ensures a gentle, even bake. Check the center of the bread by gently pressing it with your finger. If it bounces back, the bread is ready. If it remains indented, bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.

Letting the bread cool completely outside of the pan enhances the texture and flavor. This step is crucial for achieving a moist, tender crumb and a well-defined cream cheese swirl.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your bread turns out too dense, ensure that you are not overmixing the batter. Mixing the dry and wet ingredients just until combined prevents excess gluten formation. For a variation, consider adding nuts or dried fruits to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for a spicier profile. Adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar or substituting some of it with a natural sweetener, keeping in mind that this might alter the texture slightly.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious Bread

Serving/presentation

Serve the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a hot beverage like tea or coffee, perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon snack. Slice it thick or thin, depending on your preference, and enjoy the swirl of flavors in every bite.

For an elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the visual appeal of the bread.

Pairings/storage

Store the bread tightly wrapped in plastic for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze the bread for up to two weeks. Allow it to thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Pair this bread with seasonal fruits or a side of cream cheese crepe filling for a delightful breakfast. For more fall-inspired treats, explore our pumpkin spice pull apart bread or cinnamon walnut rolls.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread brings a rewarding experience to your kitchen. The combination of pumpkin, cream cheese, and warm spices creates a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a slice yourself, this bread offers comfort and joy.

By following these steps and tips, you ensure a delightful result every time. The bread’s moist texture and rich flavor make it a standout choice for any occasion. Embrace the simplicity and warmth of home baking, and let this recipe become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.

FAQs – Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl Bread