Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Spread – Soft, Spiced & Simply Irresistible

The Story & Introduction

Hi, I’m Inaya, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. 🍂 Growing up, the smell of freshly baked bread was a comforting part of my childhood. My grandmother often made sweet loaves using whatever was in season figs, oranges, even zucchini! But when pumpkins arrived at the market, she’d always bake the most heavenly pumpkin bread. The aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves would fill the kitchen, mixing with laughter and the hum of conversation.

That memory inspired my Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Spread a simple, heartwarming treat that brings autumn to your table no matter where you live. It’s moist, spiced just right, and has that soft, comforting crumb that pairs perfectly with a creamy, tangy spread.

Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, this pumpkin bread feels like a warm hug. 💛 It’s easy to make, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell like happiness.

If you’re searching for the best pumpkin bread recipe or a cozy fall bake to impress, this is it. Let’s make magic in the kitchen! ✨

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pumpkin Bread 🍞

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• ⅓ cup Greek yogurt (for that tender texture!)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Spread 🧀

• 6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for extra fluffiness)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Leave a bit hanging over the edges it’ll make it easier to lift the bread out later.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

This blend of spices is the heart of the bread it gives that irresistible fall flavor that makes pumpkin bread so comforting.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, Greek yogurt, both sugars, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The Greek yogurt adds a little tang and keeps the bread extra moist without being heavy.

4. Combine Wet & Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix a few streaks of flour are okay. The batter should be thick but smooth.

5. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Make the Cream Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, and heavy cream (if using). Whip until light and fluffy.
Store it in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice of pumpkin bread. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra cozy touch. 🍯✨

Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Use fresh pumpkin puree if you can it makes the flavor deeper and less sweet.
• Don’t overbake remove it as soon as the toothpick comes out clean.
• For a nutty twist, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• Want it dairy-free? Swap Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt and use vegan cream cheese.
• This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly and store up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Serve this pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect for:

• Breakfast with a cup of Greek coffee ☕
• A cozy afternoon tea
• Thanksgiving brunch with friends
• Or as a thoughtful homemade gift wrapped in parchment and tied with string 🎁

If you want to go fancy, serve it slightly toasted with a dollop of cream cheese spread and a sprinkle of crushed walnuts.

Recipe Card

🕒 Time

• Prep: 15 minutes
• Cook: 55 minutes
• Total: 1 hour 10 minutes

🧂 Ingredients

• Listed above under “Ingredients You’ll Need”

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare loaf pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients.
3. Mix wet ingredients separately.
4. Combine wet and dry until just mixed.
5. Bake 50–60 minutes.
6. Cool completely.
7. Prepare cream cheese spread and serve.

📝 Notes

• Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer flavor.
• Add chocolate chips for a dessert-like twist.
• Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually.

🍽️ Nutrition (per slice)

• Calories: ~220
• Carbs: 28g
• Fat: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 15g

Conclusion

Baking this Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Spread is like bottling up the cozy spirit of autumn. 🍁 From the first whiff of cinnamon in your kitchen to that first warm bite, it’s a simple recipe that feels like home.

This is one of those recipes I make when I want to slow down the kind that reminds me why I fell in love with baking in the first place. It’s tender, perfectly spiced, and that cream cheese spread? It’s the creamy little detail that makes everything better.

So go ahead, bake this pumpkin bread for yourself, your family, or your friends. Share a slice, share a story, and let your kitchen smell like joy. 💛

Short 100-Word Story Version

Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete, where I learned the beauty of simple, cozy baking from my grandmother. This Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Spread reminds me of those autumn mornings filled with cinnamon and laughter. It’s soft, moist, and perfectly spiced, with a creamy sweet spread that melts into every bite. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast or a cozy evening snack, it brings warmth and comfort to your kitchen. Bake it, share it, and taste the joy of homemade love. 🍂💛