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Soft Pumpkin Spice Bread Loaded with Cream Cheese Swirls and Sweet Glaze
This pumpkin spice pull-apart bread combines the best flavors of fall with soft layers of pumpkin-spiced yeast dough wrapped around a luscious cream cheese filling. Topped with a sweet glaze, this bread pulls apart easily, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert for family gatherings or special fall celebrations.
Why Pumpkin Spice Pull-Apart Bread Works
The yeast dough stays soft and tender while the filling provides sweet, tangy cream cheese richness balanced by pumpkin and warm spices. Pull-apart slices make serving easy and fun. The drizzle glaze adds beautiful shine and sweetness finishing this crowd-pleaser.
Pumpkin Spice Pull-Apart Bread with Cream Cheese Filling
Prep Time: 20 Minutes + Rising Bake Time: 40 Minutes Makes: 12 ServingsDough Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm milk (100°F)
- 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
Sweet Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Make the Dough:
- In stand mixer bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit 5-7 minutes until bubbly.
- Add pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, egg, butter, and 3 cups flour. Mix with dough hook on low speed until combined.
- Gradually add remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until dough pulls from sides, not sticky.
- Knead on medium speed 6-8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Transfer dough to greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm spot until doubled, about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Prepare the Filling:
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth.
- Cover and chill until dough ready.
Assemble Bread:
- Punch down dough, turn onto floured surface, roll into 16×12 inch rectangle.
- Spread cream cheese filling evenly over dough.
- Cut dough into 12 equal squares (3 rows x 4 columns).
- Stack squares and place vertically into greased 8×4 inch loaf pan.
- Cover and let rise until nearly doubled, about 45 minutes.
Bake & Glaze:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread uncovered 35-40 minutes until golden and cooked through. Cover loosely with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool 10 minutes in pan, then invert onto serving plate.
- Whisk powdered sugar, vanilla, and enough milk to drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle glaze over warm bread. Serve warm or room temperature.
Tip: For stronger rise, warm milk slightly and proof yeast in it before adding other ingredients. Use freshly ground spices for maximum flavor. Cream cheese filling should be softened but not melted.
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Expert Tips for Success
Dough Rising and Texture
Allow full double rise for light, tender bread. Kneading develops gluten for structure while pumpkin keeps crumb moist.
Layering and Assembly
Cream cheese layer should be spread evenly to prevent sliding while stacking. Vertical pan placement creates pull-apart effect easily.
Glaze Consistency
Adjust milk to create smooth drizzling glaze, not watery or too thick. Drizzle when bread is warm for best absorption.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
- Serve slices warm with coffee or hot chocolate for cozy brunch.
- Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on cream cheese layer for crunch.
- Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for dessert style.
- Substitute maple syrup in glaze for brown sugar flavor.
