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Can You Make a Moist, Spiced Pumpkin Bread with a Creamy Swirl in Just 90 Minutes?

Craving a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake three loaves of tender pumpkin bread with a rich cream cheese swirl in just 90 minutes? Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is your answer—a beloved recipe with 49 reviews, ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or gifting. Ready to fill your kitchen with warm, spiced aromas? Let’s get baking!

Overview: Why Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Shines

What makes Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread so special? This recipe combines a moist, spiced pumpkin bread packed with walnuts, raisins, and dates with a luscious cream cheese swirl, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Baked in three loaf pans, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd, freezing, or gifting. The optional glaze and walnut topping add a professional touch, making it a standout for fall celebrations, potlucks, or cozy evenings.

Time requirement: 1 hour 30 minutes total, with 25 minutes prep and 65 minutes cooking. The three-loaf yield maximizes efficiency.

Difficulty level: Moderate. Mixing batter and swirling cream cheese require some care, but the steps are straightforward. Three 8×4-inch loaf pans, mixing bowls, and a whisk or mixer are the main tools, and kids can help stir in nuts or drizzle glaze.

Health perks: Pumpkin provides fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants for immunity and eye health. Walnuts offer omega-3s, and the cream cheese adds protein. The recipe supports gluten-free or lower-sugar diets with swaps.

Essential Ingredients: What You Need and Why It Matters

Here’s the lineup for 3 loaves (16 slices each, 48 servings total). Each ingredient plays a key role, with swaps for flexibility.

Cream Cheese Filling

Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): Creates a rich, tangy swirl. Sub: Neufchâtel or vegan cream cheese.
Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the filling. Sub: Coconut sugar or maple syrup.
2% milk (1/4 cup): Thins filling for spreadability. Sub: Plant-based milk or heavy cream.
Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the filling. Sub: 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water for vegan.

Pumpkin Bread

Sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and moistens the bread. Sub: 2-1/2 cups coconut sugar or 2 cups sugar + 1/2 cup maple syrup.
Solid-pack pumpkin (15-oz can): Adds moisture and fall flavor. Sub: Homemade pumpkin puree (drain excess liquid).
Large eggs (4, room temperature): Provide structure and richness. Sub: Flax eggs (4 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 12 tablespoons water) for vegan.
Canola oil (1 cup): Keeps bread tender. Sub: Vegetable oil, melted butter, or applesauce for lower fat.
Water (1 cup): Ensures moist texture. Sub: Apple juice or milk for extra flavor.
All-purpose flour (4 cups): Provides structure. Sub: Gluten-free flour blend or 2 cups whole wheat + 2 cups all-purpose.
Pumpkin pie spice (4 teaspoons): Adds warm, spiced flavor. Sub: Mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Baking soda (2 teaspoons): Helps rise with acidic pumpkin. Sub: No substitute; critical for texture.
Ground cinnamon (1-1/2 teaspoons): Enhances warmth. Sub: Additional pumpkin pie spice.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness. Sub: Kosher salt or reduce to 1/2 teaspoon.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts rise. Sub: No substitute; critical for leavening.
Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Adds nutty warmth. Sub: Allspice or more cinnamon.
Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Provides deep spice. Sub: Ginger or omit.
Walnuts (1 cup, chopped): Add crunch and richness. Sub: Pecans or omit for nut-free.
Raisins (1 cup): Add chewy sweetness. Sub: Dried cranberries or omit.
Chopped dates (1/2 cup): Provide sticky sweetness. Sub: More raisins or dried figs.

Optional Toppings

Confectioners’ sugar (1 cup): Creates sweet glaze. Sub: Maple sugar or omit.
Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances glaze flavor. Sub: Almond extract or omit.
2% milk (2-3 tablespoons): Thins glaze to drizzle. Sub: Plant-based milk or water.
Chopped walnuts: Add crunch. Sub: Pecans or omit.

These ingredients are pantry-friendly and seasonal, creating a wholesome, indulgent dessert.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake This Bread!

Ready to start? You’ll need three 8×4-inch loaf pans, mixing bowls, and a whisk or electric mixer. These steps are simple, with tips for success.

Preheat oven and prep pans: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 8×4-inch loaf pans, then line bottoms with parchment and grease the parchment. Tip: Parchment ensures easy removal; trim to fit pan bottoms.
Make cream cheese filling: In a small bowl, beat 2 packages softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 egg until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). Set aside. Tip: Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 3 cups sugar, 15-oz can pumpkin, 4 eggs, 1 cup canola oil, and 1 cup water until well blended (about 2 minutes with a whisk or mixer). Tip: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk 4 cups flour, 4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon cloves. Gradually beat into the pumpkin mixture until just combined. Tip: Add dry ingredients in thirds to avoid lumps; don’t overmix.
Add mix-ins: Fold in 1 cup walnuts, 1 cup raisins, and 1/2 cup dates with a spatula until evenly distributed. Tip: Toss nuts and dried fruit in a little flour to prevent sinking.
Assemble loaves: Pour half the batter into the prepared pans (about 1-1/2 cups per pan). Spoon cream cheese filling over batter, keeping it 1/2 inch from edges; swirl gently with a knife. Top with remaining batter, covering filling completely, and swirl again. Tip: Swirl lightly to create marbled effect without mixing filling into batter.
Bake: Bake for 65-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the bread (avoiding filling) comes out clean. Tip: Check at 60 minutes; cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Cool and glaze (optional): Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely (about 1 hour). For glaze, mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and 2-3 tablespoons milk until drizzling consistency. Drizzle over cooled loaves and sprinkle with walnuts. Tip: Let glaze set for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve: Slice each loaf into 16 pieces and serve. Tip: Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed for extra coziness.

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Assembly: Plate It Like a Pro

This pumpkin bread is moist and festive, making it easy to plate beautifully. Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes.

Bread: Slice into 1/2-inch pieces and place 1-2 slices per plate with a drizzle of glaze and walnut sprinkle. Tip: Arrange slices fanned out for elegance.
Garnish: Sprinkle with extra walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon. Tip: Add a dollop of whipped cream for decadence.
Serving suggestion: Pair with coffee, chai tea, or vanilla ice cream for a complete dessert. Tip: Brew coffee during cooling for efficiency.
Presentation: For a fall vibe, use white or earthy plates to highlight the golden bread and creamy swirl. Serve on a platter for gatherings. Tip: A pumpkin spice dusting or edible flower adds a restaurant-style touch.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips: Keep It Fresh

Want to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead? Here’s how to keep your bread tasting great.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week (due to cream cheese). Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. Tip: Wrap tightly to prevent drying out.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed loaves or slices in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; add glaze fresh. Tip: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil for best protection.
Make-ahead: Prep cream cheese filling and chop nuts/dates up to 2 days ahead; store in fridge. Mix batter and bake fresh for best texture. Tip: Don’t assemble early—batter can get dense.

Health tip: Storing properly preserves the pumpkin’s vitamin A and walnuts’ omega-3s, so you’re getting nutrients even in leftovers.

Recipe Variations: Get Creative

This recipe is flexible. Try these twists to keep it exciting while staying wholesome.

Vegan version: Use vegan cream cheese, flax eggs, plant-based milk, and oil instead of butter.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend; check spices and cream cheese.
Lower sugar: Reduce sugar to 2 cups and add 1/4 cup applesauce for sweetness.
Nut-free option: Omit walnuts; add more raisins or dried cranberries.
Spice boost: Increase nutmeg or cloves to 1 teaspoon for bolder flavor.
Fruit swap: Replace dates with dried apricots or omit for simpler bread.

Conclusion: Savor Your Spiced Pumpkin Bread

You’re now ready to master Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread! This wholesome, festive dessert brings moist pumpkin bread, creamy swirls, and warm spices together for a treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or gifting. With just 90 minutes and three loaves, you can create a flavorful, nutrient-packed bread that’s as delicious as it is shareable. Play with vegan or nut-free twists to make it your own. Grab those loaf pans, swirl some cream cheese, and enjoy this cozy delight. Share your results in the comments—I’d love to hear how it turned out!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Author: Alyssa

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Description

Craving a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that’s perfect for sharing? What if you could bake three loaves of tender pumpkin bread with a rich cream cheese swirl in just 90 minutes? Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is your answer—a beloved recipe with 49 reviews, ideal for holiday gatherings, brunches, or gifting.