2 cups all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 large egg, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese & Caramel Swirl:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg yolk
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup caramel sauce or dulce de leche, plus more for drizzling
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, mix egg, milk, oil, and vanilla.
Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined — do not overmix.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the bread batter into the prepared pan.
Dollop half of the cream cheese mixture over the batter, then drizzle with half of the caramel sauce.
Repeat with remaining batter, cream cheese, and caramel.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the layers together.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Once completely cool, drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
Slice and enjoy!
👩🍳 Pro Tips for a Flawless Loaf
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth filling
Don’t Over-swirl: A few gentle figure-eight motions are enough to create beautiful ribbons
Check for Doneness: If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool before slicing to maintain those gorgeous layers
Add Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for extra crunch
🍴 Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas:
Warm with a pat of butter
Topped with whipped cream and extra caramel
As a decadent French toast base
With a hot cup of coffee or chai tea
Storage:
Room Temperature: Keep wrapped for up to 2 days
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
Why This Recipe Works
The cream cheese layer bakes into a rich, tangy ribbon that perfectly balances the sweet caramel and tender vanilla bread. By layering and gently swirling, you create a stunning visual effect and ensure every bite has the perfect ratio of bread to filling.
Common Questions
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Any good-quality caramel sauce or dulce de leche will work beautifully.
What if my cream cheese layer sinks?
Make sure your cream cheese mixture is thick (not runny) and avoid over-swirling.
Can I make this without eggs?
For the bread, you can use a flax egg, but the cream cheese layer needs the egg yolk for structure.
How do I prevent a soggy middle?
Be sure to bake until a toothpick comes out clean and let the bread cool completely before slicing.
Final Slice
This Caramel Cream Cheese Bread is more than a recipe—it’s a little moment of joy, a swirl of comfort, and a guaranteed way to make any day feel special. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, it’s a bake you’ll return to again and again.
Now we’d love to hear from you!
What’s your favorite swirled or filled bread? Do you have a go-to caramel brand or homemade sauce recipe? Share your baking stories and tips in the comments below! 👇
