Imagine a tender, spiced pumpkin loaf with a luscious cream cheese filling at the center, topped with a perfectly crisp and buttery streusel. This pumpkin loaf is a celebration of fall in every bite, combining warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin. The creamy middle adds a delightful surprise, while the crunchy streusel topping brings everything together with a perfect textural contrast. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf will fill your home with the irresistible scents of autumn and satisfy any craving for seasonal comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This: You’ll absolutely adore this pumpkin loaf because it hits all the right notes: rich, moist, sweet, and spiced. The combination of pumpkin and warming spices creates a perfectly cozy flavor profile, while the creamy, tangy cream cheese filling takes this loaf to the next level of indulgence. Plus, the streusel topping adds a layer of crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft loaf underneath. This recipe is not only delicious, but also vegan-friendly, making it a treat that everyone can enjoy. Best of all, it’s easy to make, so you can whip up this stunning loaf with little effort, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because.
Perfect Occasion: This pumpkin loaf is perfect for any fall occasion. Whether you’re heading to a cozy gathering, contributing to a Thanksgiving spread, or simply treating yourself on a brisk autumn morning, this dessert is a show-stopper. The loaf is also great as a breakfast treat with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or as a comforting afternoon snack. Its impressive look and flavor make it a perfect dessert to share with friends and family at potlucks or get-togethers, but it’s equally perfect for enjoying solo on a quiet, cozy day.
Decoration Tips: For an extra-special touch, consider adding a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top once the loaf has cooled. This gives the loaf a beautiful, finished look, perfect for serving at a brunch or holiday table. You could also garnish the top with a few extra chopped walnuts or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a more decadent presentation. Serving the slices on a rustic wooden board or a vintage-style plate enhances the fall aesthetic. If you’re serving this as a dessert, pair it with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon each of nutmeg, allspice, ground ginger, and salt
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin purée
- 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed + 6 tablespoons water)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup neutral oil (such as olive oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup cold vegan butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions:
- Begin by preparing the flax eggs. Combine 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- In a large bowl, combine all of the bread ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, salt, pumpkin purée, flax eggs, apple cider vinegar, neutral oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the cream cheese filling: vegan cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Pour half of the pumpkin batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Next, pour the cream cheese filling over the pumpkin batter, spreading it out into an even layer. Finally, pour the remaining pumpkin batter on top of the cream cheese filling, and smooth the top layer.
- To prepare the streusel topping, cut the cold vegan butter into small cubes. In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, white sugar, chopped walnuts, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter and, using your hands, combine the ingredients until you form a crumbly mixture with some larger clumps remaining.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the top of the loaf.
- Bake the loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 55-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.
- Once the loaf has cooled, slice and enjoy the delicious combination of pumpkin, cream cheese, and crunchy streusel!
Enjoy!