Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Loaf Recipe with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
This Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Loaf with Cream Cheese Glaze is a delightful twist on traditional cinnamon rolls, combining the seasonal flavor of pumpkin with sweet cinnamon and pecans. It’s a perfect fall treat, soft and tender with a rich cream cheese glaze that adds a luscious finish.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dough
- 2 ¼ tsp (1 package) (1/4 ounce/7g) dry active yeast
- 1 cup (240ml) warm water (between 120-130F)
- 1/4 cup (50g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk
- 1 egg
- 5 tbsp (75ml) melted butter, plus 1 tbsp (15ml) for greasing
- 2 tsp (10ml) vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (50g) dried cranberries
- 4 ½ cups (540g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp (7.5ml) salt
Filling
- 3 tbsp (30g) brown sugar
- 3 tbsp (30g) white sugar
- 1 ½ tsp (7.5ml) cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (15ml) orange zest
- ½ cup (75g) pecans, chopped
- 3 tbsp (45ml) melted butter
Cream Cheese Glaze
- ¼ cup (60 ml) whipped cream cheese
- 1 tbsp (7 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) milk
- Activate Yeast: Add dry yeast, sugar, and warm water to a large mixing bowl. Whisk together and let it sit for 5 minutes until the mixture becomes cloudy and foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: To the yeast mixture, add pumpkin puree, milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly to combine, then stir in dried cranberries. Set aside.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients in 1 cup increments, mixing with a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a cohesive dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a ball and knead 8-10 times until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Grease a large clean bowl with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Place the dough inside, cover with a clean dishtowel or plastic wrap, and set in a warm place to let it double in size for about 1 hour.
- Prepare Filling: Combine brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and chopped pecans in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Prepare Loaf Pan: Spray a 9”x 5” loaf pan with baking spray and line parchment paper along the long sides with overhangs to aid in easy removal.
- Roll and Fill Dough: Once the dough has risen, place it on a floured surface and roll into a 9×15 inch rectangle. Spread melted butter evenly over the dough, then sprinkle the prepared filling mixture on top.
- Shape the Loaf: Starting from one short end, roll the dough tightly into a log. Slice the log lengthwise into two pieces. Twist the two pieces together with the filling side facing up, exposing the filling in parts. Place the twisted loaf into the prepared pan, tucking ends under if necessary. Let rise uncovered for another 30 minutes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and well risen.
- Make Glaze: While the bread cools in the pan, whisk together whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk if needed.
- Finish: Remove the loaf using parchment overhang onto a cooling rack. Drizzle cream cheese glaze over the top with a fork to create pretty drippings. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- The pumpkin puree can be homemade or canned, but ensure it is pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans or substitute with seeds.
- The parchment paper overhang is essential to remove the loaf easily without damage.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th loaf)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: pumpkin cinnamon roll loaf, pumpkin bread, cinnamon roll bread, cream cheese glaze, fall dessert, holiday bread