If you’ve ever walked into a bakery in autumn and caught the warm scent of pumpkin spice mingling with sweet cream cheese, you know the magic this bread holds. Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is the perfect marriage of moist, spiced pumpkin bread and a tangy, creamy swirl that bakes right in. Every slice is as beautiful as it is delicious—making it a showstopper for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Two Flavors in One – Warm pumpkin spice bread meets rich cream cheese filling.
- Moist & Tender – Thanks to pumpkin puree and a smooth batter.
- Beautiful Swirl – A marbled effect that looks bakery-quality without extra effort.
- Perfect for Fall Gatherings – Ideal for Thanksgiving, potlucks, or holiday gifting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes 1 large loaf)
For the Pumpkin Batter:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Pumpkin Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, whisk together sugars, oil, and eggs until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
Beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Layer & Swirl
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the loaf pan. Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over it. Repeat layers with remaining batter and cream cheese mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl through the batter to create a marbled effect.
5. Bake
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
6. Cool & Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese – Ensures a smooth, lump-free swirl.
- Don’t Over-Swirl – A few gentle strokes will keep the layers distinct.
- Add Texture – Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
Why This Recipe Works
The cream cheese swirl adds a cheesecake-like richness to every bite, while the pumpkin bread base is spiced just right and incredibly moist. It’s a bakery-style loaf you can easily make at home.
More Cozy Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Streusel Bread – Sweet crumb topping meets spiced pumpkin loaf.
- Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins – A portable version of this bread.
- Pumpkin Crumb Cake – Perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.
Swirled Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is the ultimate fall bake—warm, spiced, creamy, and just as pretty as it is delicious. Bake it for friends, family, or yourself, and it’s guaranteed to bring cozy vibes to your table.