Wonderful Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Alright, gather ’round, my fellow holiday bakers! There’s just something magical about the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house when the weather turns chilly, isn’t there? And when you add that luscious, tangy cream cheese swirl? Oh, it’s pure bliss! This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl isn’t just a recipe; it’s practically a family tradition for us now. I remember making it for the first time a few years back, a little nervous about the swirl part, but wow, it turned out even better than I imagined. It quickly became the star of our Thanksgiving brunch and a bake sale favorite. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Seriously, why wouldn’t you love this bread? It’s the perfect blend of cozy fall flavors and that little bit of extra decadence. It’s become my go-to for so many reasons:

• Quick and Easy Holiday Baking: When the holidays are buzzing, you need recipes that are foolproof and fast. This pumpkin bread whips up in a flash, leaving you more time for all those other festive things!
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The moist, spiced pumpkin bread is already amazing, but that tangy, sweet cream cheese swirl? It takes things to a whole new level. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making every bite a delight. It’s a star in any holiday baking spread!

Gathering Ingredients for Your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Alright, to make this amazing Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl, you’ll need to gather a few things. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard stuff you probably have in your pantry or can grab easily! Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before you start mixing the swirl – that’s super important for getting it nice and smooth.

Dry Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread

First up, let’s get our dry goods ready for the bread itself. You’ll need: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of salt, and then our cozy spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves.

Wet Ingredients for the Pumpkin Bread

Now for the moist goodness! Grab 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 3/4 cup of vegetable oil (or any neutral oil you like!), 3 large eggs, a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling!), and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Cream Cheese Swirl Components

For that dreamy swirl, you’ll need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese (I can’t stress enough how soft it needs to be!), another 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and just 1 large egg yolk to make it extra rich and smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Alright, let’s get baking this amazing Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl! It’s really not complicated, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have a stunning loaf that tastes like pure holiday magic.

Preparing the Loaf Pan and Oven

First things first, let’s get our oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab your 9×5 inch loaf pan and give it a good grease and flour. This is super important so our beautiful bread doesn’t stick!

Combining the Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl, just whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give it a good swirl with your whisk until everything is nicely combined. This way, all those lovely spices are evenly distributed.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

Now, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, that can of pumpkin puree, and vanilla. Mix it until it’s all smooth and lovely. Then, pour all those wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir them together *just* until they’re combined. Seriously, don’t overmix here – nobody wants a tough loaf!

Creating the Cream Cheese Filling

For that glorious swirl, take your softened cream cheese, the extra 1/4 cup of sugar, and that egg yolk. Beat them all together in a small bowl until it’s super smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed!

Assembling the Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Okay, assembly time! Pour about half of your pumpkin batter into the prepared pan. Then, dollop half of that yummy cream cheese mixture right on top. Grab a knife or a skewer and gently swirl it into the batter – don’t go crazy, just a few twists. Now, pour the rest of the pumpkin batter over that, and then add the remaining cream cheese mixture. Swirl it again to get that gorgeous marbled effect. It should look so pretty!

Baking and Cooling Your Holiday Favorite

Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a wooden skewer poked into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here for the best texture!

Tips for Achieving the Perfect Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Making this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years!

Ensuring a Smooth Cream Cheese Swirl

The key here is that softened cream cheese! Make sure it’s truly soft – room temperature is your friend. If it’s too cold, it’ll be lumpy and won’t swirl nicely. Just a few gentle swirls with a knife are all you need; you don’t want to mix it in completely!

Avoiding Overmixing the Batter

This is a big one for any quick bread, and especially for this pumpkin bread. Once you add the wet ingredients to the dry, mix *just* until everything is combined. A few streaks of flour are totally fine! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, and you’ll end up with a tough, dense loaf instead of a tender, moist one.

Achieving Even Baking

Make sure your oven is fully preheated. Also, don’t be afraid to give the pan a gentle tap on the counter after pouring the batter to release any big air bubbles. If you notice the top is browning too fast before the center is cooked, you can always loosely tent it with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

Got questions about this delicious Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl? I totally get it! It’s one of those recipes that people love to tweak or just want a little extra guidance on. Here are a few common ones I hear:

Can I use a different type of oil for this pumpkin bread?

Absolutely! While vegetable oil is my go-to because it’s neutral, you can totally use other neutral oils like canola or even melted coconut oil if you like. Just make sure it’s a mild flavor so it doesn’t compete with our lovely pumpkin and spice!

How long does this holiday baking recipe stay fresh?

This holiday baking gem stays wonderfully fresh for about 3-4 days when stored properly. I like to keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. If it’s really warm where you are, popping it in the fridge is okay too, but let it come back to room temp before slicing for the best texture!

What is the best way to slice this pumpkin bread?

For the cleanest slices, especially with that gorgeous swirl, I always recommend using a sharp serrated knife. Let the bread cool completely before you even think about slicing it – slicing warm bread can be a messy business and might squish that beautiful swirl!

Storing and Reheating Your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

So, you’ve made this incredible Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl and maybe, just maybe, you have a little bit left over (though I highly doubt it!). Don’t worry, storing it is super simple. Just pop any leftover slices into an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay lovely and moist for about 3-4 days. If your kitchen is extra warm, the fridge is fine, but let it sit out for a bit before you eat it so it’s not too cold. Reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you love it warm, a few seconds in the microwave or a quick toast in the toaster oven works wonders!

Share Your Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl Experience!

I just LOVE hearing from you all! If you’ve made this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl, please consider leaving a comment below. Tell me how it turned out, what you loved, or even share a picture of your beautiful loaf! Your feedback means the world to me and helps other bakers too! You can also find more delicious recipes on our Pinterest page.

Print