The Ultimate Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread: A Fall Baking Essential

As the leaves begin to change and a crisp coolness enters the air, there’s an undeniable pull towards all things cozy and comforting. For many, that means one thing: the joyous return of fall baking! And at the heart of autumnal culinary delights lies the beloved pumpkin. Forget the lingering summer days; we’re officially declaring it pumpkin season, and what better way to celebrate than with a soft, warmly spiced Pumpkin Bread topped with an irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread?

This isn’t just any pumpkin bread. This recipe promises a perfectly moist loaf, fragrant with cinnamon and pumpkin spice, and crowned with a sweet, tangy cream cheese spread that truly takes it to the next level. It’s the kind of treat that transforms a simple morning coffee into a luxurious experience and makes for a delightful addition to any brunch spread, holiday table, or afternoon snack. Prepare to fall in love with the comforting flavors of autumn in every single bite!

Embracing the Flavors of Fall with Homemade Pumpkin Bread

While some eagerly cling to the last vestiges of summer, savoring iced beverages and indulging in frozen treats, there’s a growing chorus of us who are enthusiastically anticipating the change of seasons. The thought of cooler mornings, vibrant foliage, and the nostalgic scent of cinnamon and cloves wafting through the house is simply intoxicating. I, for one, am absolutely thrilled to put my oven back to work after a long, hot summer. It’s time to gather around for hearty chili, bake flaky apple pies, enjoy comforting banana muffins, and, of course, whip up this glorious homemade pumpkin bread.

There’s something uniquely comforting and deeply satisfying about quick breads. They’re often less fuss than a traditional cake but deliver all the warmth, flavor, and homemade goodness you crave. This easy pumpkin bread recipe is wonderfully straightforward, making it accessible and enjoyable for bakers of all skill levels. Paired with a steaming mug of coffee, a rich latte, or a cup of your favorite tea, a slice of this pumpkin bread creates a moment of pure bliss on a crisp, chilly day. It’s truly a hug in bread form, perfect for starting your day or enjoying a relaxing afternoon.

The Secret Weapon: The Irresistible Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread

What truly sets this moist pumpkin bread apart and elevates it from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable is its exquisite companion: a rich, tangy, and lusciously creamy Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread. You might recognize this delightful spread if you’ve had the pleasure of trying my Pumpkin Layer Cake with Orange Ginger Filling and Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. It was such a resounding hit as a frosting that I knew, without a doubt, it would be the perfect luxurious topping for this quick bread. And indeed, incorporating it here was a fantastic decision!

The subtle tanginess of the cream cheese perfectly balances the inherent sweetness and deep, earthy flavors of the pumpkin bread, while the generous hint of cinnamon within the spread amplifies and complements the autumnal spices already present in the bread. It’s a simple yet brilliant addition that transforms the entire culinary experience, turning a wonderful loaf into an indulgent masterpiece. Once you’ve tasted this combination, you’ll find yourself wanting to put this dreamy spread on everything from bagels to cookies, but it truly shines when paired with its pumpkin bread partner.

Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread

Author:
Anna

Enjoy a soft, incredibly moist, and perfectly spiced homemade pumpkin bread, gloriously crowned with a creamy, cinnamon-infused spread. It’s the ultimate comforting treat for crisp autumn days, bringing warmth and joy to every bite.

5 from 7 votes

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Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
45 mins

Total Time
55 mins

Course
Breakfast

Cuisine
American

Servings
6 people

Calories
527 kcal

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¼ cup oil (canola, vegetable or coconut)
• ¼ cup plain or Greek yogurt (you can also use sour cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread:

• 4 oz cream cheese , softened
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

To make the Pumpkin Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start.
2. Lightly grease and flour a standard 9″ by 5″ loaf pan. You can use butter or cooking spray for greasing, and then dust with a thin layer of flour, tapping out any excess. This step is crucial for preventing the bread from sticking. Set the prepared pan aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk thoroughly to ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture, which is key for a well-risen and flavorful bread.
4. In a separate, medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: pumpkin puree (remember, not pumpkin pie filling!), oil (canola, vegetable, or coconut oil all work well), plain or Greek yogurt (sour cream is an excellent alternative for added moisture), vanilla extract, and eggs. Add the packed light brown sugar and mix thoroughly with a whisk or spoon until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
5. Gently pour the wet ingredients mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Mix with a spoon or a rubber spatula only until the ingredients are just combined. It’s crucial not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough and dense bread instead of a moist and tender one. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and preferred over overmixing.
6. Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and floured loaf pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to release any large air bubbles and settle the batter.
7. Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so it’s best to start checking around the 45-minute mark. The bread is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center of the loaf comes out clean (without any wet batter clinging to it) and the top of the bread has a beautiful, golden-brown hue.
8. Once baked, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period in the pan helps the bread to firm up, making it easier to transfer. After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This prevents the bottom of the bread from becoming soggy due to trapped steam. Once fully cooled, place it on a cutting board, slice, and serve generously with the homemade cinnamon cream cheese spread.
9. To freeze the bread: For future enjoyment, ensure the pumpkin bread is completely cooled. Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a large ziploc bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature.

To make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread:

1. In a medium mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth, light, and creamy, with no lumps. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. Add the pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Continue to beat on medium speed until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, fluffy, and perfectly smooth. For the best consistency and ease of spreading, this rich spread is best used at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 428mg | Potassium: 261mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 6700IU | Vitamin C: 1.7mg | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 3.1mg

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Tips for Baking the Best Moist Pumpkin Bread Every Time

Achieving a perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured pumpkin bread is easier than you might think. Here are a few key tips and tricks to ensure your loaf turns out amazing every single time:

• Always Use Pure Pumpkin Puree: This is a critical distinction! Double-check your can to ensure you’re using 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added spices, sugars, and sometimes thickeners, which will significantly alter the flavor profile and texture of your bread. Pure pumpkin puree provides the natural pumpkin flavor and moisture needed for this recipe.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most important rule for any quick bread, including pumpkin bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which leads to a tough, chewy, and dense texture instead of the desired tender, moist crumb. Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined, with no visible streaks of dry flour remaining. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and even desirable.
• Ensure Room Temperature Ingredients: For the wet ingredients like eggs and yogurt (and especially the cream cheese for the spread), ensure they are at room temperature. This allows them to incorporate more smoothly and evenly into the batter, creating a more uniform emulsion. This leads to a more consistent and tender crumb in your finished bread.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate baking, avoid scooping flour directly from the bag with your measuring cup, as this can compact the flour and result in using too much. Instead, spoon your flour into the measuring cup until it’s overflowing, then level it off with the back of a knife or a straight edge. This method ensures you have the correct amount of flour, preventing a dry, crumbly bread.
• Test for Doneness Accurately: To determine if your pumpkin bread is fully baked, insert a wooden toothpick or a thin skewer into the very center of the loaf. It should come out clean, or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, but no wet batter. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for another 5-10 minutes and test again. Be vigilant not to overbake, as even a few minutes too long can dry out the bread.
• Cool Properly: Once the bread is out of the oven, allow it to cool in the loaf pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it allows the bread to set and firm up, making it much easier to remove from the pan without breaking apart. After this initial cooling, carefully invert the bread onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. Cooling on a rack prevents the bottom of the bread from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.

Delicious Variations and Creative Additions to Your Pumpkin Bread

While this classic Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread is absolutely perfect and satisfying on its own, it also serves as a fantastic base for customization. Feel free to experiment with these delightful additions to make it your own:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: For a decadent twist, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips with your dry ingredients before combining with the wet mixture. The chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
• Nutty Pumpkin Bread: Add ½ to 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even a mix of both to the batter for extra crunch, texture, and a wonderful nutty flavor that complements the pumpkin and spices. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
• Streusel Topping: For an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful crunch, prepare a simple streusel topping. Combine ¼ cup packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter (cut into small pieces), and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Use your fingertips to rub the ingredients together until a coarse, crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkle this evenly over the batter in the loaf pan just before baking.
• Ginger Spiced Boost: If you love a bit more zing in your fall treats, add an extra ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or about 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger to the bread batter. This provides a wonderfully warm and slightly peppery note.
• Cream Cheese Swirl (for the Bread): For an even richer and more visually appealing loaf, you can incorporate some cream cheese directly into the bread batter. Prepare a portion of the cream cheese spread (perhaps half of the recipe, but without the powdered sugar if you prefer less sweetness in the swirl). After pouring half of the pumpkin batter into the pan, dollop half of this plain cream cheese mixture over it. Add the remaining pumpkin batter, then dollop the rest of the cream cheese. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cream cheese through the batter for a marbled effect before baking.
• Dried Fruit Additions: Consider folding in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots for bursts of chewy sweetness and additional texture.

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Pumpkin Bread

This versatile homemade pumpkin bread is perfect for a myriad of occasions and can be enjoyed in various ways:

• The Quintessential Breakfast or Brunch: Serve warm slices with an extra dollop of the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread, alongside a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a comforting homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte, or a mug of hot apple cider. It’s a fantastic way to kickstart a crisp autumn morning.
• An Indulgent Afternoon Treat: A thick slice of this moist bread makes for a satisfying and delightful pick-me-up during the afternoon slump. It pairs wonderfully with a calming cup of herbal tea.
• Holiday Gatherings and Potlucks: A beautifully baked loaf of pumpkin bread is always a welcome and appreciated addition to Thanksgiving feasts, Christmas brunches, or any fall-themed gathering. Its festive flavors perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
• A Thoughtful Homemade Gift: Share the joy of fall baking! Wrap a cooled loaf in elegant cellophane, tie it with a rustic ribbon, and present it as a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends, family, or neighbors. It’s a gift that truly comes from the heart.
• Dessert Delight: While often considered a breakfast or snack item, a warmed slice can easily serve as a light dessert, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream (perhaps with a drizzle of caramel!) or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Maximum Freshness

To ensure your Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread remains fresh, moist, and delicious for as long as possible, follow these simple storage guidelines:

• Countertop Storage (Plain Bread): If the pumpkin bread is plain (without the cream cheese spread), you can store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Wrapping it well prevents it from drying out.
• Refrigeration (With or Without Spread): If your bread is already covered with the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread, or if you simply want to extend its freshness beyond a few days, it’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week. For the best flavor and texture, allow the refrigerated bread to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing the Bread: As noted in the recipe instructions, the plain pumpkin bread freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it weeks or even months later. Ensure the bread is completely cooled to room temperature. You can wrap the entire loaf tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag. Alternatively, slice the bread first, then wrap individual slices for easy thawing and portion control. It will remain fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature for a few hours.
• Freezing the Spread: The Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread can also be frozen separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. However, it’s important to note that the texture of cream cheese-based frostings or spreads can sometimes change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming a bit softer or having a slightly different consistency. A quick whip with an electric mixer after thawing can help restore its smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pumpkin Bread

Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your pumpkin bread baking experience is a success:

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Yes, you absolutely can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to roast and puree it yourself until it achieves a smooth, consistent texture similar to canned puree. It’s also crucial to ensure your fresh pumpkin puree isn’t too watery; you might need to blot out excess moisture with a paper towel or drain it in a fine-mesh sieve for a bit to prevent a soggy bread.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No problem! You can easily make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice blend. A common mixture is to combine 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. This will give you a delicious, aromatic blend that closely mimics store-bought versions. If you’re missing some of these, you can always just add a little extra ground cinnamon for a comforting flavor.

Why is my pumpkin bread dry or crumbly?

A dry or crumbly pumpkin bread is usually the result of one of two common baking errors: either overmixing the batter (which develops too much gluten) or overbaking the bread in the oven. To prevent this, ensure you mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined, and begin checking for doneness with a toothpick around the minimum specified bake time.

My pumpkin bread sank in the middle; what could have happened?

A sunken middle can be frustrating! This issue is often caused by opening the oven door too early during the baking process (especially in the first 30 minutes, which can cause the bread to collapse), an inaccurate oven temperature (either too hot or too cold), or insufficient or expired leavening agents. Always ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh and effective.

Can I make this pumpkin bread recipe into muffins instead?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully to muffins. Simply divide the prepared batter evenly into a greased or paper-lined muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake the muffins at a slightly higher temperature of 375°F (190°C) for a shorter duration, typically 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as muffins bake faster than a full loaf.

Is it better to use oil or butter in pumpkin bread?

For pumpkin bread, oil generally contributes to a much moister crumb that stays soft for longer, which is why it’s often preferred in quick bread recipes. Butter, while offering a richer flavor, can sometimes result in a slightly denser or drier texture. This recipe uses oil for optimal moisture, but you could experiment with melted butter for a different flavor profile.

Ready to Bake Your Own Fall Favorite?

This Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Spread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the comfort, warmth, and sheer joy of autumn. Whether you’re making it for a special holiday occasion, a cozy weekend breakfast, or simply to fill your home with the inviting scent of fall spices, this homemade bread is sure to become a cherished part of your seasonal traditions. So grab your fresh ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in a truly delightful and unforgettable treat. Happy baking!

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