Name: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); 3/4 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter); 1/2 cup maple syrup (use 3/4 cup for a sweeter loaf); 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 8 ounces cream cheese, melted; 1/2 cup cinnamon sugar; 4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature; 2 tablespoons honey; Pinch of salt

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread is a cozy treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a spiced, moist loaf. The cream cheese swirl adds a luscious richness, while the cinnamon sugar topping gives a delightful crunch. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal flavors in a homemade bread.

A thick, rectangular loaf of pumpkin bread with a rough, cinnamon-sugar crust on top sits on a wire rack over a white marbled surface. The loaf is sliced into three uneven pieces, each showing a dense, moist, bright orange interior with a visible layer of melted butter in the middle. The crust is darker brown with a crumbly texture, and the butter glistens warmly on the slices. Next to the bread is a rustic black knife with a wooden handle and some star anise scattered nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought)

1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

3/4 cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter)

1/2 cup maple syrup (use 3/4 cup for a sweeter loaf)

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

8 ounces cream cheese, melted

1/2 cup cinnamon sugar

4 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

2 tablespoons honey

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Butter two 9×5 inch bread pans to prevent sticking.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin butter, pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined.

Step 3: Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Divide half of the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.

Step 5: Spoon teaspoon-sized amounts of melted cream cheese over the batter in each pan (use about 4 ounces per pan). Using a sharp paring knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter.

Step 6: Sprinkle 2 to 4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar over each pan.

Step 7: Evenly spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer in each pan. It’s okay if some cream cheese is still visible.

Step 8: Sprinkle another 2 to 4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar on top of each pan.

Step 9: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.

Step 10: While the bread bakes, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, mix the softened salted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 11: Remove the bread from the oven and let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with the honey butter spread on top for extra indulgence.

Tips & Variations

For a richer loaf, substitute melted coconut oil with melted butter.

Adjust the maple syrup amount to control sweetness; 3/4 cup will make it sweeter.

Swap pumpkin pie spice with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves if you prefer fresh spices.

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for added texture.

If you don’t have cream cheese, try mascarpone or ricotta as a swirl alternative.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin butter for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pumpkin butter works wonderfully and can add a personalized flavor to the bread.

What’s the best way to swirl the cream cheese without deflating the batter?

Spoon small dollops of melted cream cheese on top of the batter, then use a sharp paring knife or skewer to gently swirl it in a figure-eight or circular motion without stirring too vigorously.