If you’re craving a cozy, autumn-inspired treat that combines the best of cinnamon rolls and pumpkin bread, you’re in for a delicious surprise with this Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of moist, spiced pumpkin bread swirled with a sweet cinnamon filling and topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Every slice offers layers of comforting flavors and a texture that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply indulging yourself with a sweet snack, this recipe is destined to become a favorite staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry staples and a few fall-inspired ingredients is all it takes to whip up this incredible bread. Each component plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of moist texture, warm spice, and that irresistible cinnamon swirl.
- All-purpose flour: Serves as the foundation, giving the bread structure and tenderness.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the bread rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the flavor complexity.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves: These warm spices define the aromatic pumpkin bread taste.
- Canned pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, richness, and that lovely autumn vibe.
- Granulated and brown sugar: The perfect duo for sweetness and a hint of molasses depth.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a tender crumb.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft for days.
- Milk and vanilla extract: Provide subtle creaminess and enhance the warm flavors.
- Cinnamon swirl ingredients (sugar and cinnamon): Inject a sweet, cinnamony surprise right inside the loaf.
- Cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (for the glaze): Combine for a silky, tangy glaze that perfectly crowns the bread.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread will release easily once baked. Setting up your baking vessel ahead makes the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Whisk dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These spices and leavening agents come together to create that classic pumpkin bread flavor and texture we all adore. Give them a good whisk to evenly distribute every bit of warmth and lift.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, blend together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients well will give you the moist, richly flavored base that makes this pumpkin bread so irresistible and tender.
Step 4: Combine dry and wet mixtures
Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients right until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing here; a few lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the bread light instead of tough.
Step 5: Create the cinnamon swirl
Mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. This simple mixture packs a punch of sweetness and spice that transforms a slice from ordinary pumpkin bread into a cinnamon roll-inspired delight.
Step 6: Layer and swirl the batter
Pour half of your pumpkin bread batter into the prepared loaf pan, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly across it. Pour the remaining batter on top, and use a knife to gently swirl the cinnamon layer into the batter. This step gives you those beautiful swirls reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll.
Step 7: Bake your bread
Bake the loaf for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time ensures a perfectly cooked bread with moist crumb inside. Once done, let your loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps it set up just right before glazing.
Step 8: Prepare the cream cheese glaze
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until you achieve a drizzling consistency that will glide effortlessly over your cooled pumpkin bread, adding a creamy, tangy finish.
Step 9: Glaze and enjoy
Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. This final touch adds not just flavor but visual appeal, turning your loaf into a showstopper perfect for sharing… or keeping all to yourself!
How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few whole cranberries can also add a festive touch and extra texture.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait to balance the richness of the bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice and toast the bread lightly to bring out its flavors, then spread a touch of butter or your favorite nut butter on top. You can even cut the loaf into mini portions to serve as part of a breakfast platter or dessert buffet—everyone will love the cinnamon roll-inspired swirl and the creamy glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed preserves the moisture and stops the bread from drying out.
Freezing
This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil and then a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It keeps well for up to three months, so you can bake ahead and enjoy autumn flavors anytime.
Reheating
To revive that freshly baked feel, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. You can add a little extra drizzle of cream cheese glaze or butter for a decadent treat all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin well, then drain excess moisture so your bread batter isn’t too wet. The canned variety is simply convenient and consistent, but fresh pumpkin will bring wonderful flavors too.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even applesauce as a healthier alternative. Each will slightly change the texture and flavor, but your bread will still turn out moist and delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the eggs for flax or chia egg substitutes, use a plant-based milk, and replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative for the glaze. The spices and pumpkin flavor remain the star of the show.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Definitely. Just spoon the batter into a greased muffin tin, swirl in the cinnamon sugar, and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Muffins are perfect for on-the-go treats and still showcase the classic flavors beautifully.
How thick should I drizzle the cream cheese glaze?
It’s up to you! For a silky glaze that adds a subtle sweetness, keep it thin and drizzle lightly. If you want a richer experience, let your glaze be a bit thicker and more generous—it’s always a welcome addition to this bread.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe that makes every bite feel like a celebration of fall. Its perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and creamy glaze brings warmth straight from your oven onto your table. Baking this bread is not only a delightful kitchen adventure but also a guaranteed way to brighten anyone’s day. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious seasonal masterpiece—you’ll be so glad you did!
