Can I use cream cheese instead of butter on bread?

Yes, absolutely. Cream cheese is a fantastic substitute for butter on bread, especially if you want a tangier, creamier flavor. It's spreadable, rich, and pairs beautifully with sweeter breads like pumpkin or banana. Add a drizzle of honey or sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to make it even more delicious.

How to make pumpkin bread with cream cheese just like Joanna Gaines?

Joanna Gaines–style pumpkin bread with cream cheese usually features a dense, moist loaf with a perfectly centered swirl of lightly sweetened cream cheese. Use high-quality pumpkin puree, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and layer the cream cheese filling carefully between the batter. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Our method above gives you that same cozy, from scratch feel.

Can you mix cream cheese with pumpkin puree?

You can! Mixing cream cheese with pumpkin puree is a great way to create a rich, spiced filling or spread. Just beat them together with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract. It’s perfect as a topping, a dip, or a filling inside Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese. You could even swirl it into muffins or pancakes for extra flavor.

How to jazz up pumpkin bread mix?

To make store-bought pumpkin bread mix taste homemade, try folding in nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. Adding a homemade cream cheese filling layer before baking transforms the texture and flavor. You can also top it with a cinnamon streusel or pumpkin seeds for a bakery-style finish.

What to put on bread with cream cheese?

Sweet toppings like fruit jam, honey, or maple syrup complement cream cheese beautifully. For something more indulgent, add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or granola. If you’re serving Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese, try warming it slightly and adding a pat of cinnamon butter for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.

Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese – 9-Step Moist & Easy Bake Guide

Description

A nostalgic fall favorite, this moist pumpkin bread with a creamy, tangy cream cheese center is a comforting classic. Easy to make and filled with cozy spices, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or sharing.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar (for cream cheese layer)
1 egg (for cream cheese layer)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.
Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the loaf pan. Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over it. Top with the remaining pumpkin batter.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For a stronger cream cheese layer, double the filling recipe. Let the bread sit overnight for deeper flavor. Slices freeze well individually for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American