This mini pumpkin cream cheese bread is like a warm hug in fall form! It has a soft and moist texture, filled with pumpkin and swirls of creamy cheese that make every bite special.
Baking it fills the house with cozy pumpkin spice smells. I love sharing these little loaves with friends, or sometimes I just keep them all to myself—no judgment here! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin puree is super convenient and works great. If you find fresh pumpkins, roasting and blending them is a delicious alternative. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling!
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend gives your bread its signature flavor. If you don’t have it, mix 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves as a homemade substitute.
Cream Cheese: You can use any kind of cream cheese, but full-fat gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is typical, but you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor or coconut sugar for a healthier option. Just remember, it might change the texture slightly.
How Do You Achieve a Perfect Cream Cheese Swirl?
The cream cheese swirl is the star of this bread and is easy to master! Follow these tips to get it just right:
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix and create a smooth texture.
- After spooning the cream cheese mixture into the batter, gently use a knife or toothpick to swirl it into the pumpkin batter without mixing completely. You want swirls, not a fully blended mixture!
- Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect before baking; the oven will help set the swirl nicely. Aim for a marbled effect!
Remember, the key here is to keep things gentle to maintain that beautiful contrast of flavors. Enjoy baking this delightful bread!
Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow for another 10 minutes to cool in the pans and then a bit longer on a wire rack. In total, you’ll be looking at about 1 hour for the whole process from start to finish—totally worth it for that cozy fall flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread bakes evenly. Prepare six mini loaf pans by greasing and flouring them, or you can line them with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to mix it all together until everything is well blended.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add in the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix with a spatula or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it fluffy!
5. Prepare the Cream Cheese Swirl:
In another bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it together with the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until it’s creamy and smooth—this will be the delicious swirl in your bread!
6. Layer the Batter:
Spoon about a tablespoon of the pumpkin batter into each mini loaf pan. Then, add about a teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture on top of the pumpkin batter in each pan.
7. Repeat the Layering:
Repeat the layering process once more, adding more pumpkin batter and then more cream cheese mixture. Don’t worry about it looking perfect; the swirling comes next!
8. Create the Swirl:
Using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the cream cheese mixture into the pumpkin batter, creating a lovely marbled effect. Don’t mix too thoroughly; we want to see those pretty swirls!
9. Bake the Bread:
Place your mini loaf pans in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, insert a toothpick into the pumpkin part; it should come out clean. It’s okay if there’s a little moistness from the cream cheese swirl!
10. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the mini loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their texture!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your mini pumpkin cream cheese breads are now ready to be served! They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, making them the perfect treat for fall gatherings or cozy mornings.
This recipe yields six delightful mini loaves. Each one has a soft, tender crumb with a creamy swirl that makes every bite a treat. Enjoy the flavors of fall in every slice! 🍂
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh pumpkin, roast a small pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth. Make sure to measure out 1 cup after it’s prepared. Just ensure it’s pure pumpkin and not mixed with seasonings or sugar!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mini breads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the loaves wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese with Greek Yogurt?
While Greek yogurt can work as a lighter substitute, it will change the flavor and texture a bit. To maintain the creaminess, try using thick Greek yogurt, and consider adding a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness of cream cheese.
What is the Best Way to Serve Mini Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread?
This bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. It’s also wonderful alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy treat!
