Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

$- Canned pumpkin puree Canned pumpkin puree is the star of this recipe. It adds moisture and flavor. You can also use fresh pumpkin, but canned is easy and quick. - Cream cheese Cream cheese gives the bread a rich and creamy texture. Make sure it is softened before mixing. This helps it blend easily into the batter. - Sugars and oil Brown sugar adds depth and sweetness. Granulated sugar balances this sweetness. Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist and tender. - Eggs and dry ingredients Three large eggs bind the ingredients and help the bread rise. The dry ingredients include flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. - Optional mix-ins Chopped walnuts or pecans can add crunch and flavor. Feel free to mix in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Adjust these to suit your taste! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter. Ensure all sides are coated for easy removal later. - In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese until smooth. You want it creamy and free of lumps. - Add the canned pumpkin, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until everything is well blended and smooth. - Add the eggs to the cream cheese mixture one at a time. Mix well after each egg. This helps keep the batter light and fluffy. - In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger together. This ensures they are evenly mixed and ready to fold in. - Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix, folding gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense bread. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish. - Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. - After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To make your cream cheese pumpkin bread perfect, avoid overmixing the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. If you mix too much, the bread can become dense and tough. The correct baking time is key. Bake your bread for about 60 to 70 minutes at 350°F (175°C). To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. For a great presentation, slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice touch. You can also serve it with whipped cream cheese on the side. This makes each slice even more delightful. Consider pairing your bread with toppings like pumpkin spice butter or maple syrup. These flavors complement the pumpkin and cream cheese nicely. One common mistake is using cold ingredients. Always let your cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend better and gives a smoother batter. If you live at a high altitude, you may need to adjust your recipe. Bake times and ingredient amounts can change. Follow local baking guidelines to ensure success. {{image_4}} If you need a gluten-free version, use a blend of gluten-free flours. Almond flour and coconut flour work well together. You can also try a store-bought gluten-free flour mix. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. To make this bread lighter, reduce the sugar by half. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of some oil. This swap keeps the bread moist while cutting calories. For a boost in nutrition, add pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds. They add fiber and healthy fats. Want to spice things up? Try adding more spices. A pinch of allspice or cloves can deepen the flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips or dried fruit. These add sweetness and texture, making every bite exciting. - How to store leftovers: Let the bread cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the bread fresh and moist. - Tips for freezing: For longer storage, slice the bread first. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven. - How long it lasts at room temperature: Cream cheese pumpkin bread can last 2 to 3 days at room temperature. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. - Refrigeration vs. freezing: In the fridge, it lasts about a week. Freezing extends the life to 2 to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it well! Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Start by roasting or steaming it until soft. Then, mash it until smooth. You will need about 1 cup of fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Just remember to drain any extra moisture to keep the bread from becoming too wet. You can check if the bread is done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. It usually takes about 60 to 70 minutes in the oven. Absolutely! If you want to make more, just double each ingredient. Use two loaf pans or a larger pan. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may change with a larger batch. If you need a substitute, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. Both will give a creamy texture. However, the flavor will change slightly, so keep that in mind when making your choice. Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature. It pairs well with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream cheese. For a cozy touch, enjoy it with a hot drink like coffee or tea. This blog post covered every step to make cream cheese pumpkin bread. We explored key ingredients, mixing methods, and baking tips. You learned about storing leftovers and variations for dietary needs. Remember, avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients can make a huge difference. Don't hesitate to experiment with flavors and mix-ins. This recipe is simple and fun. Trust your instincts in the kitchen, and enjoy baking. Your creation will be a hit!$

Get ready to savor the fall with this delicious Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread recipe! This moist and flavorful bread combines creamy cheese with pumpkin puree, spices, and a touch of sweetness, perfect for cozy gatherings. Discover the easy step-by-step instructions and treat yourself to a slice of autumn delight. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this seasonal favorite!

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Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring all sides are coated.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.

Add in the canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to the cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Add the eggs, one at a time, to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition until completely blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger until they are well combined and aerated.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently folding them in. Mix until just combined to ensure that the bread remains tender. Take care not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 10 slices

- Presentation Tips: For serving, slice the bread and present it warm or at room temperature. Consider dusting the top with powdered sugar for a festive touch, or serve with a dollop of whipped cream cheese beside the slices for an indulgent experience!