Chocolate Pumpkin Cream Cheese Swirl (Print)

Moist chocolate pumpkin bread with creamy swirl. Ideal for cozy breakfasts or dessert. Yields 10 tender slices.

# Components:

→ Chocolate Pumpkin Bread

01 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
09 - 1 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
13 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
14 - 1/4 cup milk
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

→ Cream Cheese Swirl

16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
18 - 1 large egg
19 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
04 - Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
05 - In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
06 - Pour half of the chocolate pumpkin batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface. Spoon cream cheese mixture evenly on top. Add remaining batter and gently swirl using a knife for a marbled pattern.
07 - Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges mostly clean or with a few moist crumbs.
08 - Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Transfer loaf to a wire rack until completely cooled before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • uses canned pumpkin so it is easy to make any time of year
  • ultra moist with just the right amount of chocolate
  • creamy swirl sets it apart from basic pumpkin breads
  • crowd pleaser for brunch or gifting
02 -
  • this fall quick bread is high in fiber and makes your kitchen smell better than any candle
  • the cream cheese swirl is not just pretty with every bite tasting like frosting tucked inside
  • it stays moist for days in the fridge and freezes beautifully
03 -
  • Do not overmix your batter or the bread can become dense and heavy. Always use room temperature cream cheese for a perfectly smooth swirl. If you prefer an extra chocolaty loaf stir in a handful of chocolate chunks before baking. Oven temperatures can vary so keep watch toward the end of baking and rely on the toothpick test for doneness. Line your pan with enough parchment for easy bread removal every time.
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