The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. 🍂 Growing up, pumpkins weren’t as common in Greek kitchens as they are in the U.S., but when I first visited my cousin in New York years ago, she made this incredible pumpkin bread with a cheesecake center. The aroma filled the house cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked pumpkin blending into the kind of scent that makes you want to hug someone.
I couldn’t stop thinking about it! When I returned to Crete, I tried to recreate it in my little kitchen. My grandmother peeked over my shoulder as I mixed the pumpkin puree and cream cheese filling she smiled and said, “Ah, you’re baking happiness.” And truly, she was right.
This pumpkin bread with cheesecake center is moist, creamy, and comforting. The sweet pumpkin spice and the rich cheesecake swirl create a magical balance. It’s ideal for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or gifting to friends. Plus, it’s simple enough that even beginner bakers can pull it off beautifully.
If you’re searching for a pumpkin bread recipe that stands out one that’s more than just pumpkin and spice this cheesecake version will win your heart. ❤️
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread with Cheesecake Center
- 🎃 Moist and flavorful: Thanks to pumpkin puree and brown sugar.
- 🍰 Creamy center: A smooth cheesecake layer adds richness.
- 🕒 Easy to make: Just mix, layer, and bake no fancy tools needed.
- 🍁 Perfect for fall gatherings: It looks beautiful and tastes like autumn.
Whether you’re sipping coffee on a cool morning or baking for Thanksgiving, this recipe brings warmth and joy with every slice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pumpkin Bread Batter
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla, and mix until creamy and lump-free. Set aside this will be your delicious cheesecake center.
Step 3: Mix the Pumpkin Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice.
In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, oil, milk, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix you want a tender loaf!
Step 4: Layer It Beautifully
Pour half of the pumpkin batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Then gently spread the cheesecake filling on top make sure it doesn’t touch the sides of the pan for a neat center.
Finally, spoon the remaining pumpkin batter over the top and smooth the surface.
Step 5: Add a Little Crunch (Optional)
If you’d like, sprinkle chopped pecans or raw sugar on top for texture and a rustic look.
Step 6: Bake It to Perfection
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the pumpkin layer (not the cheesecake) comes out clean.
If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper. Cool completely before slicing this helps the cheesecake center set perfectly.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This pumpkin bread with cheesecake center tastes amazing on its own, but here are some ways to make it even better:
- Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. 🍯
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly morning. ☕
- Wrap individual slices for gifting they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days.
🧁 Recipe Card
⏱️ Time:
Prep: 15 min | Bake: 65 min | Total: 80 min
🧂 Ingredients:
Pumpkin bread batter, cream cheese filling, optional nuts
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Mix pumpkin batter and cheesecake filling separately.
- Layer pumpkin-cheesecake-pumpkin in a loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 60–70 min. Cool completely before slicing.
📝 Notes:
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Make sure ingredients are at room temperature.
- For a spiced twist, add a pinch of cardamom or allspice.
🍽️ Nutrition (Per Slice):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 5g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 14g | Sugar: 19g
Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Center
- Avoid overmixing: It keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- Use room-temperature ingredients: They blend more smoothly.
- Don’t rush cooling: The cheesecake layer needs time to firm up.
- Add swirls for fun: Gently swirl the top layer with a toothpick for a marbled look!
Conclusion 🌸
Baking this pumpkin bread with cheesecake center always fills my kitchen with warmth not just from the oven but from the memories it brings. Each slice tastes like fall, with creamy, comforting layers that melt in your mouth.
Whether you’re baking it for family brunch, a festive dessert table, or simply a cozy treat for yourself, it’s one of those recipes that turns ordinary moments into something special.
From my Cretan kitchen to yours may this pumpkin bread fill your home with love, laughter, and the scent of autumn spice. 🍂💛
Short 100-Word Version
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! This Pumpkin Bread with Cheesecake Center is one of my favorite cozy bakes moist, creamy, and filled with autumn flavor. 🎃 Inspired by my cousin’s American recipe, I’ve perfected it with a tender pumpkin batter and a rich cream cheese layer. It’s easy, beautiful, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for coffee mornings, Thanksgiving, or whenever you crave something sweet and comforting. Try it once, and it’ll become your new fall favorite! 🍁
