Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

A Fall Favorite with a Decadent Twist

Pumpkin bread is a classic fall staple—soft, warmly spiced, and always comforting. But when you add a velvety cream cheese swirl to the center? It takes this cozy treat to an entirely new level of indulgence.

This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin purée and fall spices with the tangy richness of sweetened cream cheese. It’s a bakery-worthy loaf that’s easy to make at home and ideal for everything from lazy weekend brunches to thoughtful autumn gifts.

Moist, flavorful, and visually stunning with that beautiful swirl, this is the kind of quick bread you’ll make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra moist and tender texture

• Cream cheese swirl adds richness and contrast

• Perfect balance of spice and sweetness

• Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved

• One-bowl batter with simple pantry ingredients

• Beautiful presentation for holidays and brunches

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Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

• ¼ cup milk or non-dairy milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Swirl

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional, helps firm up the swirl)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese Swirl

• In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.

• Add sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and flour (if using), and beat until fully combined and creamy.

• Set aside.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

• In another bowl, combine pumpkin purée, both sugars, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla.

• Whisk until well blended and smooth.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

• Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.

• Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.

6. Layer and Swirl the Batter

• Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan.

• Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter and gently spread it evenly.

• Add the remaining pumpkin batter on top.

• For a swirl effect, use a butter knife to gently swirl the cream cheese layer into the pumpkin batter (optional, or leave layered for a bold cream cheese stripe).

7. Bake

• Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (avoid testing just in the cream cheese area).

• If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil after 40 minutes.

• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.

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Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl

• Use canned pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

• Don’t overmix the batter—it can make the bread tough.

• Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth swirl.

• Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.

• Swirl gently—too much swirling blends the layers and loses the visual effect.

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Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the pumpkin batter.

• Streusel Topping: Add a crumb topping made with flour, brown sugar, and butter for extra texture.

• Nutty Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

• Maple Cream Cheese Swirl: Replace sugar in the swirl with maple syrup for a fall-inspired twist.

• Mini Loaves: Divide the batter between mini loaf pans and reduce baking time to 30–35 minutes.

How to Store and Freeze

Room Temperature:

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keeps well for 2–3 days.

Refrigerator:

For extended freshness, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.

Freezer:

Wrap the entire loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm slices in the microwave.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.

• Pair with coffee, chai tea, or a pumpkin spice latte for the perfect fall combo.

• Add to brunch boards with fruit, muffins, and yogurt.

• Toast slices and serve with cream cheese spread for double indulgence.

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Perfect for Every Occasion

This pumpkin cream cheese bread isn’t just delicious—it’s incredibly versatile:

• Holiday Brunches: A standout addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas morning.

• Bake Sales & Gifts: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for a rustic homemade gift.

• After-School Snacks: A comforting slice for chilly afternoons.

• Make-Ahead Treats: Bake ahead and freeze for unexpected guests or busy weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick and well-drained—watery purée can affect the texture.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for similar results.

Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Use two 9×5-inch pans and bake them side by side.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?
That can happen if it’s underbaked or the cream cheese layer is too heavy. Check doneness carefully with a toothpick and ensure cream cheese isn’t overmixed.

Can I skip the swirl and make plain pumpkin bread?
Definitely. Just omit the cream cheese layer and bake as directed. It’s still delicious!

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Final Thoughts: A New Fall Classic

Whether you’re a long-time pumpkin bread lover or baking it for the first time, this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Swirl is bound to become your go-to recipe every autumn. The rich, velvety filling combined with moist spiced pumpkin bread makes it a standout loaf perfect for nearly any occasion.

It’s cozy, comforting, and downright crave-worthy — and it’s every bit as beautiful as it is delicious.

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More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood for more pumpkin goodness, check out these fall favorites:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – Swirled, creamy, and freezer-friendly

• Pumpkin Donut Holes – Baked or air fried with cinnamon sugar coating

• Pumpkin Ice Cream (No-Churn) – Creamy frozen dessert for fall

• Pumpkin Truffles (No-Bake) – Easy treats coated in white chocolate

• Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip – Fluffy and sweet, perfect with apples or cookies