Name: Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin butter (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling); ¾ cup melted coconut oil (or melted butter); ½ cup maple syrup (use ¾ cup for a sweeter loaf); 3 large eggs; 1 tbsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; ½ tsp kosher salt; 8 oz cream cheese, melted; ½ cup cinnamon sugar; 4 tbsp salted butter, at room temperature; 2 tbsp honey; Pinch of salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 11 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share my Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe with you because it’s one of those cozy, fall-inspired treats that feels like a warm hug in bread form. The luscious pumpkin butter and pumpkin puree come together perfectly with a sweet cinnamon sugar swirl and creamy pockets of melted cream cheese, making every bite a delicious surprise. Whether you’re sipping on morning coffee or gathering with friends, this bread fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings a little extra joy to the table.

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

What really captivates me about this recipe is how the flavors beautifully balance each other. The pumpkin butter and puree deliver a rich, deep autumn essence, while the cinnamon sugar swirl adds just the right touch of spice and sweetness. Then the cream cheese melts into soft, tangy ribbons that break through the sweetness, adding an utterly dreamy contrast. Every slice feels comforting yet exciting, like a festive treat that’s homemade with love.

Another reason I hold this recipe close is how incredibly easy it is to prepare. The ingredients are simple and pantry-friendly, and the method is straightforward — just a few steps and about an hour in the oven. I love making this for weekend breakfasts, brunches, or even holiday gatherings because it doesn’t require endless effort but delivers that special “wow” factor. Honestly, this bread stands out because it tastes gourmet, but everyone will think you spent all day baking it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal rectangular baking pan with one layer of orange pumpkin batter inside. On top of the batter, there are several uneven dollops of white cream spread across the surface. To the left, there is a partial view of another metal pan filled with the same pumpkin batter and white cream dollops. The pans are placed on a textured beige-brown fabric surface, with dried orange flowers resting nearby. The overall look is cozy and autumn-themed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the rich texture, vibrant color, and warm flavors that define this bread. From the creamy pumpkin butter to the perfectly spiced pumpkin pie blend, everything comes together to make comfort food at its finest.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Pumpkin butter: The star ingredient that infuses the bread with luscious, naturally sweet pumpkin flavor.
Canned pumpkin puree: Provides moisture and that unmistakable smooth pumpkin texture without any added spices.
Melted coconut oil or butter: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the bread.
Maple syrup: Sweetens with a deep, woody flavor that perfectly complements pumpkin and cinnamon.
Eggs: Bind everything together and create a soft, structured loaf.
Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out all the spices.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread, giving it body and structure.
Baking powder and baking soda: Provide the necessary lift for a light and fluffy texture.
Pumpkin pie spice: The cozy spice mix that sets the autumn tone with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances sweetness, making flavors pop.
Cream cheese: Melted and swirled in for gooey pockets of tangy richness.
Cinnamon sugar: Sprinkled generously for a delightful spiced crunch and extra sweetness.
Honey butter: A simple yet irresistible topping combining salted butter and honey for finishing.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prepare two 9×5 inch bread pans by generously buttering them to prevent sticking and to add richness to the crust.

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin butter, canned pumpkin puree, melted coconut oil or butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together until completely smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, and kosher salt—to the wet mixture. Gently fold until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.

Step 4: Divide half of the batter evenly between the two prepared bread pans. This is the first layer before adding the cream cheese swirl.

Step 5: Spoon teaspoon-sized dollops of the cream cheese over the batter in each pan, using half the cream cheese per pan (about 4 ounces each).

Step 6: Using a sharp paring knife, gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter to create beautiful ribbons throughout.

Step 7: Sprinkle 2-4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar evenly over the cream cheese swirled batter in each pan. This adds a wonderful cinnamon crunch after baking.

Step 8: Spoon the remaining batter over the cinnamon sugar layer, distributing it evenly. It’s okay if some cream cheese remains visible on top.

Step 9: Sprinkle an additional 2-4 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar on top of the batter to finish the layers.

Step 10: Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, or until the centers are just set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 11: While the bread bakes, prepare the honey butter. In a small bowl, combine the room temperature salted butter, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whip until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Once baked, remove the breads from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Enjoy warm slices with a generous smear of the honey butter for the ultimate cozy treat!

Servings and Timing

This Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe yields 16 generous servings—perfect for sharing with family and friends! The prep time is about 15 minutes, making it easy to whip up even on busy mornings. Bake time is roughly 45 minutes, for a total time of around 60 minutes from start to finish. I recommend letting it cool a bit before slicing, but you can also enjoy it warm right out of the oven for that melty, comforting experience.

How to Serve This Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe

A rectangular loaf cake with a rough, textured, golden brown crust sits on a black wire cooling rack over a white marbled surface. The cake's top has a crack running down the center, with swirls of melted light yellow butter pooling inside the fissure, giving a shiny, glossy look. To the left of the cake, there is an old knife with a dark handle resting on the rack. In the top left corner, part of a white cup with dried orange flowers is visible, and around the scene, whole star anise pods add a rustic touch. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this pumpkin bread fresh and warm, slathered with that luscious honey butter to enhance every bite. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a creamy chai latte, creating a perfect autumn breakfast or afternoon snack ritual. For festive gatherings, I like slicing it thick and arranging the pieces on a pretty platter garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a few fresh cranberries or chopped pecans on the side.

This bread also shines as a companion to brunch spreads alongside scrambled eggs, spiced sausage, or even a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness. If you’re hosting a holiday party, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple glaze for an elegant twist. Room temperature slices work well for gifting, wrapped in wax paper and tied with twine for a charming, homemade touch.

For beverage pairings, I’m a fan of spiced mulled cider or sweet sparkling wine to complement the cinnamon and pumpkin notes. The bread is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature; chilling it tends to mute the flavors and compromise the delightful texture that makes it so special.

Variations

If you want to play around with this recipe, I suggest swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make a gluten-sensitive version that still tastes fantastic. Using vegan butter and flax eggs can easily make this loaf dairy-free and vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor or moisture.

You can also experiment with different spices to customize the profile: try adding nutmeg, cloves, or even a pinch of ginger for a more complex pumpkin pie spice vibe. For a twist, folding in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds crunch and nuttiness that I adore. If you’re craving more sweetness, drizzle a maple glaze or cream cheese frosting atop the cooled bread for a dessert-worthy treat.

Instead of baking in bread pans, I sometimes like to bake this batter in a muffin tin for portable pumpkin cinnamon cream cheese muffins, which bake faster and are perfect for breakfast on the go!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

To keep your pumpkin butter bread fresh, I store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. It stays wonderfully soft and moist at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerating will extend freshness for about a week, but be sure to bring slices back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully and is a lifesaver if you want to prepare ahead. I wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, it keeps well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw slices overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe is by warming slices gently in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300° F for 8-10 minutes. This method crisps the edges slightly while keeping the center soft and melty. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes make it a bit soggy, so I prefer warming in the oven whenever possible. Adding a little honey butter after reheating elevates the experience to deliciously fresh.

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

I don’t recommend using pumpkin pie filling because it contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and sweetness level of the bread. Stick with plain canned pumpkin puree for the best results!

How do I prevent the cream cheese from sinking to the bottom?

To keep the cream cheese swirling nicely in the bread, make sure to dollop it over the first layer of batter and only gently swirl with a knife instead of mixing it in completely. Also, using cream cheese at room temperature helps it hold its shape better during baking.

Can I make this bread vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan cream cheese, replace eggs with flax or chia eggs, and swap butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and moist.

What’s the difference between pumpkin butter and pumpkin puree?

Pumpkin butter is thicker and sweeter with added spices and sugar, while pumpkin puree is simply cooked and mashed pumpkin without any added ingredients. This recipe uses both to achieve a perfect balance of flavor and moisture.

How long does this bread keep once baked?

When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend its lifespan to up to a week, though I find it tastes best within the first couple of days.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Cream Cheese Swirled Cinnamon Pumpkin Butter Bread Recipe a try because it’s one of my absolute favorite ways to embrace all the cozy flavors of fall. It’s simple to make, bursting with pumpkin and spice, and filled with those irresistible cream cheese ribbons that make every bite special. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this bread always brings a smile to my face and I’m sure it will do the same for you!