Caramel Cream Cheese Bread

Ingredients

2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, room temperature

4 eggs, room temperature

1/2 cup caramel topping

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease two 9×5-inch loaf pans with butter or non-stick spray.

Cream together butter, cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl or mixer, then, one at a time, beat in eggs and vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon until combined. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated.

Pour ¼ of the batter into each greased baking dish. Spoon ¼ cup caramel topping on top of the batter and swirl, keeping it away from the edges of the pan.

Gently add the remaining batter on top of the caramel layers.

Place in oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove from oven and let cool before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 16 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought caramel topping or should I make my own?

You can use store-bought caramel topping for convenience, but if you prefer, you can make your own caramel sauce.

Homemade caramel can add a rich and authentic flavor to the bread.

Just ensure that the caramel is of good quality for the best taste.

Can I use salted butter in this recipe?

While unsalted butter is commonly used in baking to control the salt content, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand.

However, you may want to reduce or omit the additional salt in the recipe to avoid over-salting.

Can I use a different type of flour, such as whole wheat or gluten-free flour?

You can experiment with different types of flour, but keep in mind that it might alter the texture and flavor of the bread.

Whole wheat flour can result in a denser bread, and gluten-free flour may require additional adjustments in moisture and binding agents for optimal results.

Can I use a different size of baking pan?

The recipe specifies using two 9×5-inch loaf pans.

If you use a different size, the baking time and texture of the bread may vary.

Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bread to ensure it’s baked through.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bread?

Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Just fold them into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pans.

Can I use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese for this recipe?

Using reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese may alter the texture and flavor of the bread slightly, as cream cheese contributes to both richness and moisture.

You can try it, but the result might be different from the original recipe.

Is there a substitute for caramel topping?

If you don’t have caramel topping, you can make your own caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream.

Alternatively, you can use other sweet toppings like fruit preserves or even chocolate spread for a different flavor twist.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, but keep in mind that gluten-free flours often behave differently than regular flour.

You may need to adjust the quantities and other ingredients to achieve the desired texture and taste.

Can I freeze the Caramel Cream Cheese Bread?

Yes, you can freeze this bread for later consumption.

Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or gently reheat slices in the oven.