10/24/11

pumpkin bread w/ cream cheese filling



I have to admit, I've never been a big fan of cake mixes, bread mixes for fear of crappy taste. But hands down this instant pumpkin bread mix from Trader Joe's is really good. Has really good pumpkin flavor and definitely not too sweet. It rises perfectly and holds up well to add in's. I've experimented with this bread mix before, adding in chips, spices, nuts and now cream cheese swirl. It's really good. And if you're strapped for time this is it; so quick and easy to assemble, the only long part is the baking. I've made the cream cheese swirl with espresso and plain using a hint of vanilla extract. Feel free to experiment here. One could even add in pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese filling; just taste test as you go along as pumpkin pie spice is strong and can dominate flavor fast.
I also love the Trader Joe's Gingerbread mix--come see what I did to that one!
Gingerbread cupcakes with white chocolate-cream cheese ganache

quick & easy pumpkin-cream cheese swirl breadad 1

quick & easy pumpkin-cream cheese swirl bread

As you can clearly see it's a moist bread. Give this one a go, I'm certain you'll love it no matter how you kick it up.



pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling
print recipe

Pumpkin bread batter:
1 box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread
A dash or two of cinnamon

Cream cheese filling:
8 ounces cream cheese, very soft
Pinch of salt
1 egg yolk
3-4 TB white sugar (more if you like it sweet)
If you want espresso flavor use a ½ of a Starbuck’s Via
If you want plain flavor use 1 oversize teaspoon vanilla extract
If you want pumpkin pie flavor use a couple dashes of pumpkin pie spice blend

Mix bread mix according to directions on box. Set aside. Preheat oven to what it says on box.
In a separate bowl mix the cream cheese with the egg yolk, salt and flavor of your choice. Mix well.

Spray a bread loaf pan with non stick spray. Pour in half the batter, then dollop the middle with clumps of the cream cheese mixture; don’t let the cream cheese mixture go to the ends as it will run out as it bakes. Cover top with remaining batter. Bake according to box directions. You’ll know when it’s done when you see light brown edges and the bread mix when tested with toothpick comes out clean. Don’t test the middle of the bread is it has the cream cheese and no batter.
You have to let this cool for a while before slicing as the cream cheese filling needs to firm up.

35 comments:

  1. I loved your last post but this one is so much better! I can't resist to eat something that has cream cheese on top or inside a really good cake

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  2. i would've never thought to use the via packs!!! i have more of them at home - what else can i use them in???

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  3. You are the second person I've heard say this bread mix is awesome. I must try. The cream cheese filling is a great semi homemade touch!

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  4. See, I AM a mix person. Love this one!!!

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  5. Trader Joes makes great mixes! The vanilla cake mix is good also! Looks delish.

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  6. I love baking with VIA! A girl after my own heart. Love it!

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  7. Good to know not all box mixes are the devil. I made this from scratch once and it was soooo addictive.

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  8. I just purchased this mix and was thinking of putting a cream cheese icing on top. I'm probably going to do this cream cheese tunnel instead! Looks great!

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  9. Another post? You are on a roll.
    Damn trader joes...why, oh, why won't they come to Tampa????
    Love this missy!

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  10. Yum. This looks really yummy! I always love pumpkin desserts. The special filling just brings it over the top.

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  11. Honestly, I think you could put cream cheese frosting inside ANYTHING and I'd think it was the bee's knees. (yes, I really just said that.) I've seen the cream cheese filled muffins around the blogosphere but I like the idea of a loaf better. No portion control. :P

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  12. Yup, this is perfect with coffee!

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  13. This looks awesome! Wish I had a Trader Joe's nearby...

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  14. I have those Via packs at home. I will have to try this out. I will have to pick up that mix. The William-Sonoma pumpkin mix is very good as well.

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  15. That is one really nice looking pumpkin bread with that cream cheese filling!

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  16. those TJ baking mixes are frickin BOMB!
    I remember trying the madagascar vanilla cake and brownie mix...absolutely delicious. I wish my oven wasn't still broken, otherwise I'd bake that pumpkin cake mix in a heartbeat~ Splendid recipe idea btw!
    xoxo Diana

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  17. Un coeur bien tendre et bien garni
    Je te souhaite un excellent mercredi
    Valérie

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  18. Wow! This looks amazing. I cannot wait to try it. I love pumpkin and have made several pumpkin recipes lately.

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  19. I love that you added espresso, great idea! That pumpkin bread looks perfect.

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  20. Oh my goodness... my mouth is watering as I look at this! Keep up the cream cheese inspired desserts that you do so well! They're my all-time favorites.

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  21. I have to say, I do really like TJ's products. I've never tried one of their mixes - Good to know that they're not overly sweet! That cream cheese filling must be amaaaaazing!

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  22. mmmm, the cream cheese innards have me. LOVE. i'll have to pick up a box next time i'm around tj's...

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  23. Damn, I wish we had a Trader Joe's. That is one moist cake.
    This looks so good, I'm going to try it with my pumpkin bread recipe.

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  24. Pumpkin bread with cream cheese?!? Match made in heaven!

    I am super jealous with your TJ's goods. There's not even one, or anywhere remotely close to Orlando :(

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  25. I went to Trader Joe's this week, saw a box of pumpkin bread mix and all I could think about was this recipe. Can't wait to make it!!!

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  26. it's the amazing cream cheese tunnel! great twist on pumpkin bread, dawn--you're so creative!

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  27. Woman... you do this to me every time I visit your blog. I think I am not hungry then WHAM I see one of your recipes and I have a sudden craving for whatever you just made. Right now, it's pumpkin bread with cream cheese filling. UGH!

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  28. You are a clever girl with this one. GREG

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  29. oh wow! that bread looks heavenly!

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  30. This looks great! I've been thinking of trying that Trader Joe's box mix, I'm glad to hear such good reviews!

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  31. Now i have to make a special trip to TJ's. Love the cream cheese tunnel!

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  32. This looks amazing! I LOVE cream cheese and pumpkin together. I think they were meant to be together...

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  33. I hate to be the type that can't bake anything as directed, but I'm seeking your advice anyway. I, too, adore the TJs pumpkin bread mix, and I've used it as muffins, and once frosted with a glorious orange cream cheese frosting as a cupcake. I love that it's not too sweet, but I've noticed that it doesn't really meet others' expectations when frosted and called a cupcake. I think my next attempt might include an additional couple tablespoons of sugar. Would I be setting myself up for failure if I also tried to boost the airiness with an extra teaspoon of baking powder?

    Obviously I could also just try any of the fabulous from-scratch recipes out there, but there's a box of mix in my cupboard screaming to be used!

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  34. Alannah: you could take the baking mix and run it thru the food processor to aerate it or easily sift it a couple times instead.
    but i also think adding a 1/2 ts or more of baking powder might help a lot actually. good luck!

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