Autumn's arrival brings the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice, and what better way to celebrate than with this unbelievably moist and flavorful cream cheese pumpkin loaf? This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. It's a simple, healthy, and incredibly delicious homemade treat that's ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy recipe for a quick dinner side or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your loaf bakes evenly and releases easily.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step combines the dry ingredients for even distribution in the batter.
Making the Batter:
- In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. A stand mixer or hand mixer works well here, but you can also whisk vigorously by hand.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
- Gently fold in the softened cream cheese until it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking and Serving:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the loaf from crumbling as it cools.
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pumpkin Loaf:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and cream cheese helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough loaf. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the loaf is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and prevents the loaf from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Spiced glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or cream over the cooled loaf.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
This delicious cream cheese pumpkin loaf is a perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. Its moist texture and comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a special treat. Enjoy!