Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling

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Warm, spiced, and incredibly comforting, this Pumpkin Bread with Maple Cream Cheese Filling is the kind of fall-inspired treat that makes the whole house smell like a cozy bakery. The bread itself is moist and rich with pumpkin flavor, gently sweetened and enhanced by aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Nestled in the center is a luscious maple cream cheese filling that adds tangy sweetness and a delightful contrast to the soft crumb of the bread.

Topped with a few walnut halves for crunch and a drizzle of maple glaze (if you’re feeling extra indulgent), this pumpkin loaf is perfect for sharing—whether at a holiday brunch, afternoon coffee break, or just a quiet morning with a good book. It’s more than just a baked good—it’s a bite of autumn wrapped in comfort and flavor.

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Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread With Maple Cream Cheese Filling

For the pumpkin bread:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the maple cream cheese filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional topping:

• Walnut halves
• Maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup mix)

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Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread comes out cleanly. Set it aside while you mix the ingredients.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These spices give the bread its signature warm flavor, so make sure they’re well combined.

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Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

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Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense.

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Step 5: Make the Maple Cream Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with maple syrup, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This will be the sweet, creamy surprise nestled in the middle of your loaf.

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Step 6: Assemble the Loaf

Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the batter and gently spread it to the edges. Add the remaining pumpkin batter on top and smooth the surface.

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Step 7: Bake the Bread

Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 8: Add Toppings (Optional)

Once cooled, top with walnut halves and a light drizzle of maple glaze if desired. This adds a crunchy texture and a pretty finish that makes the loaf look just as good as it tastes.

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Estimated Nutrition (per slice, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: ~290
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 270mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 36g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 21g
• Protein: 4g

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this pumpkin bread without the filling?

Absolutely! Just skip the cream cheese layer and bake the pumpkin batter on its own for a classic spiced loaf.

2. What can I use instead of maple syrup in the filling?

Honey or agave syrup can work, though the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use powdered sugar for a more traditional sweet cream cheese layer.

3. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?

Yes, just make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bread soggy.

4. How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. Be mindful not to overbake.

5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?

Definitely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

7. What’s the best way to serve this bread?

It’s delicious as is, but a light warm-up in the microwave or toaster oven makes it extra cozy. Pair it with coffee or a pumpkin spice latte!

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it and bake in two loaf pans. Great for gifting or freezing one for later!

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