Cream Cheese Caramel Swirl Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Cream Cheese Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf with a sweet caramel swirl that adds a delightful touch. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it combines creamy cheese with a tender crumb that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (size large)
- 2 cups milk (Whole or 2%)
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease two 1-pound loaf pans and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the two eggs, milk, and vegetable oil together until well blended.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until moist and combined.
- Step 5: Pour half of the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, white sugar, and one large egg until smooth. Spoon this cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter in the loaf pans, focusing on the center.
- Step 7: Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese layer, leaving some space for the bread to rise.
- Step 8: Drizzle a stripe of caramel sauce over the top of the batter and gently swirl it with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few crumbs from the cream cheese layer.
Tips & Variations
- For extra richness, use whole milk instead of 2% milk.
- Try adding chopped nuts or cinnamon to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for a deeper, buttery flavor.
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
Storage
Store the bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to 1 week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast lightly for a crispy edge.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Cream cheese works best for its smooth texture and mild tang, but you could try mascarpone for a similar effect. Hard cheeses are not recommended as they will alter the texture and flavor significantly.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
PrintCream Cheese Caramel Swirl Bread Recipe
This Cream Cheese Bread is a delightful sweet loaf featuring a tender, moist batter swirled with a luscious cream cheese filling and a touch of caramel sauce. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this bread combines the rich flavors of brown sugar and cream cheese, baked to golden perfection in a standard oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 2 one-pound loaves 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 4 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk (Whole or 2%)
- ⅔ cups vegetable oil
Cream Cheese Filling
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cups white granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
Additional Topping
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (store bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Pans and Oven: Grease two 1-pound loaf pans thoroughly and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or with a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, milk, and vegetable oil until well blended for a smooth batter base.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until the batter is moist and combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Pour Batter into Pans: Pour half of the prepared batter into the greased loaf pans, creating an even layer as a base.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium mixing bowl or using a stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and egg until smooth and creamy for a rich filling.
- Add Cream Cheese Layer: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto the center of the batter in each loaf pan to create a creamy swirl inside the bread.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Pour the remaining batter over the cream cheese mixture in the pans, leaving some space for the bread to rise during baking.
- Add Caramel Swirl: Drizzle a stripe of caramel sauce over the top of the batter in each pan and use a knife to gently swirl, creating a decorative and flavorful topping.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the bread (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for easier mixing and better texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- If you don’t have caramel sauce, a simple homemade caramel or even honey can be used as a substitute.
- Check the bread at 45 minutes, as oven times may vary; if the top browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
- Allow the bread to cool before slicing for clean cuts and better flavor development.
Keywords: Cream Cheese Bread, sweet bread loaf, caramel swirl bread, cream cheese swirl, homemade bread, dessert bread, breakfast bread

