Name: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pumpkin Bread:; 4 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; ⅓ cup water; ⅓ cup orange juice; 1 (15 oz.) can pumpkin puree; 3½ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ cups granulated sugar; 1½ cups light brown sugar; 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 teaspoons baking soda; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; Cream Cheese Swirl:; 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature; 1 large egg; ½ cup caramel sauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅓ cup all-purpose flour

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Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect fall-inspired treat that blends warm spices, rich pumpkin flavor, and a luscious caramel cream cheese swirl. This quick bread is soft, moist, and layered beautifully with a sweet and tangy filling that melts into every bite. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, it’s a comforting and crowd-pleasing loaf that tastes like autumn in every slice.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Loaded with pumpkin flavor: Uses a full can of pumpkin puree for richness and moisture.
Decadent cream cheese swirl: Enhanced with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Makes three loaves: Perfect for gifting, freezing, or feeding a crowd.
Warm and spiced: Cinnamon and nutmeg add cozy fall flavors.
Beautiful presentation: The swirl gives each slice a bakery-worthy appearance.
Moist and tender texture: Thanks to eggs, oil, and orange juice in the batter.
Simple ingredients: All pantry staples with easy-to-follow steps.
No yeast required: A quick bread that requires no rising time.
Customizable: Make it your own with mix-ins or alternate fillings.
Freezer-friendly: Store extra loaves for later without losing flavor or texture.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pumpkin Bread:

4 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
⅓ cup water
⅓ cup orange juice
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
3½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ cups granulated sugar
1½ cups light brown sugar
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Cream Cheese Swirl:

8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1 large egg
½ cup caramel sauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅓ cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 5×9-inch loaf pans with non-stick spray and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer or stand mixer on high until foamy (30–45 seconds).
Add the vegetable oil, water, orange juice, and pumpkin puree to the eggs. Beat until the mixture is well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three batches, mixing and scraping the bowl between additions. Blend until fully combined.
In another bowl, cream together the cream cheese, egg, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, and flour until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the loaves:
- Spoon 1 cup of pumpkin batter into the bottom of each loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Add ¼ cup of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter in each pan and gently swirl (avoid overmixing for a defined swirl).
- Add another 1 cup of pumpkin batter to each pan, followed by another ¼ cup of cream cheese swirl.
- Top each pan with ½ cup of pumpkin batter to finish.
Bake the loaves for 20 minutes, then rotate the pans. Continue baking for another 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the loaves cool in the pans for 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

Yield: 3 loaves
Servings: About 24 slices (8 slices per loaf)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for texture.
Chocolate lovers: Mix in chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks.
Apple swirl: Replace caramel with apple butter for a fruity variation.
Mini loaves: Use mini loaf pans and adjust baking time to 30–35 minutes.
Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and skip the caramel.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Wrap cooled loaves in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing: Wrap whole loaves or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.

Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes to refresh texture.

FAQs

Can I make this with fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Yes, just make sure your fresh pumpkin puree is thick and well-drained to avoid excess moisture.

Do I need to use caramel in the cream cheese filling?

The caramel adds sweetness and depth, but you can omit it or replace it with maple syrup, honey, or leave it out for a more traditional swirl.

Can I bake this in one large loaf pan?

This recipe makes a large amount of batter, so it’s best to divide it into three standard loaf pans. Overfilling a single pan can lead to uneven baking.

Can I use other juices besides orange?

Yes, apple juice or even milk can be substituted, though orange adds a nice citrus contrast to the spices.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs when done.

Is it okay to skip the cream cheese swirl?

Yes, the pumpkin bread alone is flavorful and moist. The swirl just adds extra indulgence.

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will throw off the flavor and texture of the bread.

Can I turn this into muffins?

Yes, fill muffin tins about ¾ full and reduce baking time to 18–22 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick.

How do I keep the swirl defined?

Don’t overmix the cream cheese into the batter—gently swirl just a couple of times for best visual effect.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Absolutely. A simple vanilla or maple glaze can be drizzled over cooled loaves for added sweetness and presentation.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate cozy, fall-inspired bake that brings together the best of seasonal flavors. With its moist pumpkin base and sweet, creamy swirl, this bread delivers comfort and indulgence in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, giving it as a gift, or keeping all three loaves for yourself, it’s a seasonal staple you’ll want to make again and again.