Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread

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By: Julie Blanner17 Comments
Updated: 10/17/22

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Pumpkin cheesecake bread is an incredible fall treat. Combine everything you love about the soft and fluffy texture of pumpkin bread with a decadent sweet and savory cheesecake filling, and you’ve got the fall dessert of your dreams.

If you love my classic pumpkin pound cake recipe, you’re going to love this pumpkin cheesecake bread! It’s quick and easy to throw together, oh-so-delicious, and brings the warmest, coziest flavors of fall together into one incredible dessert.

A white platter with a loaf of sliced pumpkin cheesecake bread.

I love fall baking so much that I often struggle to decide what to make. Fall cookies? Check. Pumpkin cheesecake? Check. Cakes… breads… pies. You name it and I love it!

Sometimes the best way to approach this baking dilemma is to simply combine the best of both worlds. That’s what this pumpkin cheesecake bread is… the best of all those fall flavors we crave!

A marble surface with a small white plate with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake bread.

It’s all at once sweet and fluffy, rich and decadent, and all-around bursting with fragrance and joy. Don’t skip this pumpkin cheesecake bread – I promise you won’t regret it!

Table of Contents

If you love everything pumpkin, you’re going to love my Complete Pumpkin Dessert Guide. This FREE dessert recipe round-up features all my very best pumpkin recipes – be sure to pin and save for later!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread

It’s so fragrant. All those warm fall spices create the most delicious aromatic scent in your kitchen!
Easy to make. Intimidated by cheesecake? Try this pumpkin cheesecake bread instead!
Browned butter makes everything better. Trust me on this… that nutty, fragrant rich addition takes this cheesecake bread to a whole new level!
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, desserts, fall gatherings and of course, Thanksgiving.

A white platter with a loaf of pumpkin cheesecake bread.

Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread Ingredients

All purpose flour – All purpose flour, no need to sift.
Salt – A hint of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Baking soda – One of two leavening agents in this bread to ensure it rises beautifully.
Baking powder – The leavening agent for this quick bread recipe that ensures a nice even rise.
Ground cinnamon – For fragrance and flavor.
Ground cloves – So deliciously warm and spicy.
Ground nutmeg – The perfect foil to the cinnamon here- the combination of spices gives this pumpkin cheesecake bread the feel of old-fashioned pumpkin pie!
White granulated sugar – White granulated sugar makes this bread delightfully sweet. Optional: sprinkle sugar over the loaf just before baking for a shimmery finish.
Brown sugar – packed
Butter- melted, salted or unsalted works, but I like to use salted!
Eggs – The binding agent.
Pumpkin – Using real pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) in this bread recipe eliminates the need for oil or milk – it creates so much moisture.

A marble surface with ingredients for pumpkin cheesecake bread.

Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese – softened. Learn how to soften cream cheese right here!
Sour cream – to add a little tang to this filling. Sub with Greek yogurt if you prefer.
Egg – for binding and creating the custard cheesecake style.
White granulated sugar – for sweetening.

Variations

Instead of the spices listed here, try pumpkin pie spice in their place.
Add a teaspoon of homemade vanilla extract to the cheesecake filling for even more flavor.

A gold loaf pan filled with baked pumpkin cheesecake bread.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Bread

Preheat oven to 325° F. Grease 1.5 pound loaf pan using baking spray. Read my complete guide to loaf pan sizes here.
Brown butter. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Swirl (don’t stir) to cook evenly. As it begins to melt, it will start to foam. Watch carefully as the color turns brown and you start to smell a nutty aroma {3-5 minutes}. Remove from heat to prevent burning, set aside and allow to cool.
In medium mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. Set aside.
In large mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine sugar, brown sugar and brown (or melted) butter.
Add pumpkin and eggs and beat 3 minutes.
Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture until just combined.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, egg and sugar until smooth.
Pour half of the batter into loaf pan. Top with cheesecake filling. Cover with remaining batter and swirl.
Bake 1 hour 20 minutes and until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean (see below for alternative baking times).
Allow to cool completely on a baking rack before slicing.

Alternative Baking Methods

Miniature Loaf Pan – 40 minutes (great for gifting, makes 8)
Ornate Loaf Pan – 60 minutes
2 – 1 Pound Loaf Pans – 1 hour 5 minutes
1.5 Pound Loaf Pan – 1 hour 20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

Spread with a little honey butter for an extra decadent treat.
Even better, sprinkle with my cinnamon sugar and you’ll be in heaven!

Recipe Tips

Spray with my favorite baking spray for a clean release.

Recipe Shortcuts

Learn how to soften cream cheese quickly

How long can cream cheese sit out?

Cream cheese can only sit out on your counter for two hours. It’s made of milk and is meant to be refrigerated.

Why is my pumpkin bread not cooking in the middle?

If the center of your bread isn’t setting, it could be that your temperature is too high or your pan is to deep. Try tenting with aluminum foil so you allow the center to cook without browning the edges too much.

How to Store

At Room Temperature – Don’t leave this cream cheese pumpkin bread out on the counter for more than two hours. Because of the cheesecake filling this bread needs to be refrigerated!
Refrigerate – You can store this bread tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze – Cool your pumpkin cheesecake bread completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to six months. Leave on counter overnight to thaw.