Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread – A Cozy, Fall-Inspired Treat

Fall baking is all about warmth, comfort, and the cozy aroma of spices filling your kitchen. This Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread delivers all that and more. It’s soft, moist, and layered with rich cream cheese, sweet maple, and aromatic cinnamon. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, giving it as a gift, or enjoying a slice with coffee, this bread will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Cranberry Pecan Pumpkin Bread Recipe for another fall loaf you’ll love.

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Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread

The perfect blend of pumpkin butter and cream cheese

What sets this bread apart is the use of spiced pumpkin butter instead of plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin butter has a more concentrated flavor and thicker consistency, which helps create a moist, flavorful loaf. Combined with a rich, tangy cream cheese swirl, every bite hits that balance between sweet and creamy.

Moist texture and warm fall spices

Thanks to ingredients like maple syrup, coconut oil, and pumpkin pie spice, this quick bread stays tender and moist. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a light crunch that complements the soft crumb, creating a delightful contrast of textures.

Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

It’s versatile enough to serve warm with butter at breakfast, sliced for dessert after dinner, or wrapped in parchment and ribbon as a thoughtful fall treat for friends or neighbors.

Key Ingredients That Make This Pumpkin Bread Irresistible

Pumpkin butter vs pumpkin puree – what’s the difference?

While both come from the same squash, pumpkin butter is simmered with spices and sweeteners until thick, like a fruit preserve. It has less water content than puree, resulting in a denser, more flavorful bread. This makes a big difference in both texture and taste.

Discover great ideas like our Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe that also use pumpkin butter for that extra fall flavor.

Cream cheese swirl – how it enhances flavor and texture

The swirled cream cheese layer gives the bread a cheesecake-like vibe. When gently mixed into the batter, it creates pockets of tangy richness that melt into the crumb. It’s not overpowering but just enough to add interest and indulgence.

Maple syrup, coconut oil, and cinnamon sugar for natural sweetness

Instead of refined sugar, maple syrup sweetens the loaf naturally while enhancing those warm autumn notes. Coconut oil keeps the bread moist without being greasy, and the final sprinkle of cinnamon sugar before baking adds a bakery-style finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking the Perfect Pumpkin Butter Bread

Prepping your pans and mixing the batter

Start by buttering and lining two standard loaf pans (9×5 inches) with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix pumpkin butter, pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and salt, mixing just until combined—don’t overmix or the bread may turn tough.

Creating the cream cheese swirl

Divide the batter between the two pans. Then, drop spoonfuls of melted cream cheese (4 ounces per loaf) over the batter. Using a paring knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter without overdoing it. You want ribbons of cream cheese throughout.

Check out our Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars for more cream cheese and pumpkin pairings.

Cinnamon sugar topping and baking times

Sprinkle each loaf with 2–4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar, then spoon the remaining batter over the top and finish with another sprinkle. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set. Let cool on a wire rack—or serve warm with honey butter if you just can’t wait.

Don’t miss our Apple Bread Pudding Recipe for another cozy fall bake worth your oven time.

Tips for Making the Best Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread

How to avoid overbaking or underbaking

Pumpkin bread is thick and moist, so timing is key. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, but start checking at the 38-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s ready. If using ceramic or glass pans, you may need an extra 5 minutes.

For best results, rotate your pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Ingredient swaps (gluten-free, dairy-free options)

Need to make this recipe fit your dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps:

• Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free version.
• Swap the cream cheese for plant-based cream cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) for a vegan twist.
• Use vegan butter or avocado oil instead of coconut oil.

Want more cozy bakes? Don’t miss our Caramel Apple Fritter Bread Recipe, a fall favorite with no dairy required.

Storage and freezing tips for longer freshness

This bread stays moist for days, which makes it ideal for meal prep or gifting. To store:

• Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Extend freshness to 7 days (just warm before serving).
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp and warm in the oven or microwave for best flavor.

Variations and Creative Twists on Pumpkin Butter Bread

Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit

Mix ½ cup of mini chocolate chips, chopped pecans, or golden raisins into the batter before pouring into pans. These add a burst of flavor and a chewy or crunchy texture that complements the creamy swirl and warm spices.

Check out our Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls Recipe if you love pumpkin paired with chocolate or cream cheese.

Make mini loaves or muffins for gifting

Divide the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for a giftable treat or portion-controlled snack. Bake minis for 25–30 minutes, and muffins for 18–22 minutes. Wrap cooled loaves in parchment and tie with twine for the perfect fall hostess gift.

Serve with salted honey butter or whipped cream cheese spread

Take it up a notch by serving warm slices with a pat of salted honey butter or a lightly sweetened whipped cream cheese spread. It’s simple to make: just whip cream cheese with a splash of maple syrup and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion – Your New Favorite Fall Quick Bread

There’s something magical about the comforting aroma of warm spices and rich pumpkin filling your home on a crisp fall day. This Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Butter Bread is more than just a seasonal bake—it’s a slice of autumn in every bite. With its moist texture, sweet cream cheese swirl, and cinnamon sugar topping, it’s the kind of recipe that’ll become part of your fall traditions for years to come.

Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch, holiday table, or as a cozy snack with coffee, this bread is guaranteed to impress. Don’t be surprised if it disappears in one sitting.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Pumpkin Pie Dip Prefect Recipe for your next autumn get-together.

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