Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of fall and the comforting twist of a classic cinnamon roll, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze. This delightful treat marries moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a luscious cinnamon swirl and finishes it off with a silky cream cheese glaze that simply melts in your mouth. Every bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spice, and that irresistible creamy topping that makes this bread a standout for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack you’ll want to savor again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With surprisingly simple ingredients, this recipe comes together beautifully to create those rich flavors and tender textures we love. Each component plays its part: the pumpkin purée adds moisture and subtle sweetness, the cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice deliver cozy warmth, and the cream cheese glaze brings that tangy finish.

• 1 cup pumpkin purée: This is the heart of the bread, providing moisture and that signature pumpkin flavor.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness without overpowering the spices.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar: Deepens flavor with its molasses notes and keeps the bread tender.
• ½ cup vegetable oil: Ensures a moist crumb without heaviness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and help the bread rise.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the sweet aroma and enriches flavor.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Provides lift and lightness.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to evoke fall vibes.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds extra warmth to the bread layer.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar (for swirl): Creates that sticky-sweet cinnamon ribbon.
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for swirl): Key to the classic cinnamon roll flavor swirl.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for swirl): Binds the swirl ingredients and adds richness.
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (for glaze): The star of the glaze, giving it smooth tanginess.
• ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and thickens the glaze just right.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds depth to the glaze flavor.
• 1-2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts the glaze consistency for perfect drizzling.

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well and line it with parchment paper to ensure the bread lifts out easily after baking. This prep step saves a lot of cleanup and maintains the bread’s perfect shape.

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until you have a uniformly smooth mixture. This blend infuses every bite with rich, moist texture and sweetness, setting the stage for those autumn spices to shine through.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the bread, which guarantees consistent flavor and texture.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a tender crumb is the goal here, and overworking the batter can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Swirl

In a small bowl, stir together packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until fully combined. This swirl is what makes this bread so special—the sweet sticky cinnamon streak adds a beautiful visual and a burst of flavor in each slice.

Step 6: Layer the Batter and the Cinnamon Swirl

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly spoon half of the cinnamon swirl mixture on top. Take a knife and gently swirl the mixture through the batter to create those inviting cinnamon ribbons. Repeat this layering and swirling with the remaining batter and cinnamon mixture. These layers are the hallmark of the Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze, giving it that irresistible cinnamon roll effect inside the pumpkin loaf.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. The bread will rise beautifully and develop a golden crust, offering a soft and flavorful bite. After baking, let it cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by beating softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches a drizzle-worthy consistency. This glaze is what elevates this bread from simply delicious to utterly swoon-worthy.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

Once the bread is fully cooled, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top. Each slice reveals the beautiful cinnamon swirls and gets kissed by that shiny, tangy glaze—ready to be enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea.

How to Serve Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze

Garnishes

To make your Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze even more delightful, sprinkle a few chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for added crunch. For a festive touch, a light dusting of cinnamon or a few pumpkin seeds can create a stunning visual and complementary flavor.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with creamy toppings like whipped butter or mascarpone cheese. For a complete fall-inspired breakfast, serve alongside fresh fruit salads or a warm bowl of spiced apple compote. It’s also fantastic with a steaming mug of chai tea or hot apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the bread thick and stack it with layers of cream cheese frosting in between, creating a quick pumpkin bread “cake.” Alternatively, cut the loaf into cubes, toast them lightly, and serve with a small pot of warm cinnamon-spiced cream cheese dip—perfect for a party or brunch gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy over a few mornings or afternoons.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread over a longer period, freezing is a great option. Wrap the fully cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds. This will soften the bread and revive the cream cheese glaze’s luscious texture, making every bite feel freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and is convenient to use. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand?

No worries! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in equal parts. This personalized blend can be adjusted to your taste and is just as delicious.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, though it may slightly change the bread’s texture. Use the same amount and enjoy the buttery twist!

How thick should I swirl the cinnamon sugar mixture?

A light to moderate swirl is best. You want to create visible cinnamon ribbons throughout the bread without mixing it all the way through, giving you those signature cinnamon roll pockets of flavor.

Is it necessary to cool the bread completely before glazing?

Yes, cooling the bread fully ensures the glaze doesn’t melt into the bread and lose its drippy, creamy consistency. Patience here leads to prettier presentation and better texture.

Final Thoughts

Friends, if you want a cozy, show-stopping treat that warms both the heart and the home, you absolutely must try this Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese Glaze. It’s easy to make, bursting with seasonal flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles whether shared at breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up. I promise, once you try it, this recipe will be a beloved staple in your kitchen too!

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