Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Cook Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 15 servings

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• teaspoon salt
• teaspoon ground cinnamon
• teaspoon ground cloves
• teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cups white sugar

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325F (165C). Lightly grease two 8x4 inch loaf pans.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cup sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 egg, and orange zest. Beat until smooth. Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cups flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and pumpkin pie spice. Set aside.

Step 4: In a large bowl, place pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, 2 eggs, and 1 cups sugar. Beat until well combined.

Step 5: Gradually stir the pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Optionally, fold in pecans if desired.

Step 6: Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pans. Spoon the cream cheese mixture on top of this layer, then pour the remaining pumpkin batter over it.

Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 8: Let the bread cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

• Calories: 293
• Total Fat: 14g (18% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (23% DV)
• Cholesterol: 54mg (18% DV)
• Sodium: 221mg (10% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 40g (14% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
• Total Sugars: 27g
• Protein: 4g (8% DV)
• Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
• Calcium: 26mg (2% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 83mg (2% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

This delicious Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the tang of cream cheese, creating a perfect fall treat. The pumpkin bread is made even more decadent by the layer of sweetened cream cheese filling, and the addition of orange zest adds a unique, citrusy twist. It's a wonderfully moist loaf thats perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack.

History of Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread has long been a staple of autumn baking in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, where pumpkins are abundant during the harvest season. The tradition of baking with pumpkin dates back to early American settlers, who used pumpkin in a variety of dishes, from soups to pies. The concept of pumpkin bread as we know it today became popular in the mid-20th century as home bakers began incorporating canned pumpkin puree into recipes. The addition of cream cheese, however, is a more modern variation that takes the classic recipe to new heights of deliciousness.

Regional Variations of Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

While pumpkin bread is widely loved across North America, regional variations exist. In the southern United States, pumpkin bread might be made with a hint of bourbon or pecans for added depth and crunch. In New England, where pumpkin is a staple ingredient during the fall, bakers often add a blend of autumn spices like nutmeg and cinnamon to complement the pumpkin's natural sweetness. Some regions, especially in Canada, also include maple syrup in their pumpkin bread recipes to give it a distinctive, sweet flavor profile. The addition of cream cheese in this recipe is a more recent twist, making it richer and more indulgent.

What Sets Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Apart

While traditional pumpkin bread is already delicious on its own, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread offers a unique twist with the addition of a creamy, tangy filling. This cream cheese layer contrasts beautifully with the spiced pumpkin bread, creating a delightful balance of flavors. The cream cheese filling, often flavored with orange zest, provides a burst of citrus that elevates the breads taste. Unlike standard pumpkin bread, which is dense and sweet, the cream cheese adds a smooth, rich texture and tangy flavor, making it a more luxurious treat.

Where to Serve Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is perfect for various occasions. It is a favorite during the fall season, especially around Thanksgiving and Halloween. It makes a great addition to holiday brunches, family gatherings, or as a homemade gift to friends and neighbors. Additionally, it pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal treat for afternoon snack time. In cafes and bakeries, you might find similar versions of this bread, often served with whipped cream or drizzled with a light glaze to enhance its flavor even more.

Fun Facts About Pumpkin Bread

• Did you know that pumpkin is actually a fruit, not a vegetable? It belongs to the squash family and is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
• The combination of cream cheese and pumpkin is not only delicious but also provides a contrast in textures: the dense, moist bread with the smooth, creamy filling.
• In addition to being a fall favorite, pumpkin bread is often made in mini loaf pans to give as gifts, especially around Halloween and Thanksgiving. It's a way of sharing the fall spirit with others!
• The use of orange zest in the cream cheese filling is a nod to the citrus orchards found in southern U.S. states, where orange trees thrive. This little addition brightens the entire bread with a fresh, aromatic fragrance.

Conclusion

Whether you're baking for a special occasion or simply looking for a cozy treat to enjoy during the fall season, Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread is sure to be a hit. With its rich, spiced pumpkin bread and smooth cream cheese filling, its a delightful dessert that combines the best of autumn flavors. Its perfect for family gatherings, gifting, or simply enjoying with a hot drink on a chilly day.

FAQ about Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

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