Pumpkin Yeast Bread
This recipe makes two loaves of fluffy, lightly sweetened and seasoned pumpkin yeast bread, perfect for making sandwiches or cinnamon toast
This recipe makes two loaves of fluffy, lightly sweetened and seasoned pumpkin yeast bread, perfect for making sandwiches or cinnamon toast
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons oil (i use canola)
- â½ cup (120 ml) warm (not hot) water
- â¾ cup (180 ml) milk room temperature (i use whole)
- â¼ cup (60 ml) honey
- 1 cup (225 gm) pumpkin puree
- 4-1/2-5 cups (595-650 gm) all-purpose flour
- 2-1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- â¼ cup raw pepitas
- Carbohydrate 2.33520666666667 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.278173333333333 g
- Fiber 1.27766666666667 g
- Protein 2.3053 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0363533333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (6g)
- Sodium 3.02933333333333 mg
- Sugar 1.05754 g
- Trans Fat 0.0860733333333334 g
- Calories 18 calories
Step-by-step
- Pour the warm water into the bowl of a stand mixer and sprinkle the yeast over top of it.
- Allow the yeast to dissolve, about 5 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk, honey, and oil.
- Add the pumpkin puree and stir to combine.
- Add two cups of flour, the salt, and the pumpkin pie spice to the wet ingredients and stir until well integrated.
- Add an additional 2-1/2 cups of flour and, using the dough hook, knead the bread on medium speed for about 5 minutes or until the bread starts to become stretchy.
- Add additional flour to the bowl during the kneading process to get the dough the right texture. You are looking for a wet dough that pulls away slightly from the sides of the bowl.
- Grease a large bowl and place the dough in it, covered with a piece of plastic wrap, to rise until doubled in size, about 1-1/2 hours.
- If the dough seems to have a hard time rising, move the bowl to a slightly warmer area of the kitchen.
- Once doubled in size, dump the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into two equal pieces.
- Gently pat each piece of dough into a loaf-pan shaped rectangle and fold the two long edges to meet in the center of the dough.
- Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat.
- Fold the dough once more and gently form it into a loaf-shaped log.
- Place the dough into a greased loaf pan (8.5? X 4.5? X 2.75?) and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Allow each loaf to rise a second time for about 45 minutes until the dough has domed an inch above the top of the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon of water.
- Brush a thin layer of this egg wash over top of each loaf and sprinkle with the pepitas.
- Place dough pans in the oven and immediately decrease the heat to 375 degrees.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the top of each loaf is golden brown and sounds a bit hollow when tapped.
- Cool in the pan on a cooling rack for ten minutes and then remove each loaf from the pan to continue cooling on their own.
- Once cooled completely, wrap in a bread bag or a large sheet of aluminum foil to keep fresh!
- Loaves can be frozen after baking if desired.
My Pumpkin Yeast Bread Journey: A Home Baker's Tale
As a busy working mom, finding time for hobbies can be a challenge. But baking, for me, isn't just a hobby; it's a form of stress relief and a way to connect with my family. The aroma of freshly baked bread fills our home with warmth and comfort, creating a haven from the daily grind. This particular recipe, my Pumpkin Yeast Bread, has become a family favorite. It's not just delicious; it's a testament to the simple joys of creating something beautiful and nourishing from scratch. The soft, fluffy texture, the subtle sweetness balanced by warming spices – it's the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence.
The process itself is surprisingly therapeutic. There’s something deeply satisfying about kneading the dough, watching it rise, and then seeing it transform into golden-brown loaves in the oven. It's a reminder that even the simplest acts can bring immense satisfaction. This bread is perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, served alongside a cup of steaming coffee or a mug of hot cocoa. It also makes fantastic sandwiches, its moist crumb providing the ideal base for any fillings. I've experimented with various additions, from cranberries and pecans to chocolate chips, but the classic pumpkin spice version remains my absolute favorite.
Beyond the personal satisfaction, baking this bread has become a way to share love and connection with others. I often bake extra loaves to share with neighbors, friends, and family. The simple act of gifting homemade bread carries a unique sentiment, a gesture of care and warmth that resonates far beyond the deliciousness of the bread itself. It's a small act, but it brings immense joy, both to the giver and the receiver. It's a reminder that even in our busy lives, we can still find time to nurture relationships and share kindness.
Beyond the recipe: The journey of creating this pumpkin yeast bread is more than just following steps; it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection. The process of measuring, mixing, and kneading is a meditative practice for me, a time to disconnect from the outside world and focus on the present moment. The result? Not just delicious bread, but also a sense of peace and accomplishment.
I encourage you to try this recipe yourself. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to slow down, embrace the process, and savor the simple pleasures of home baking. The time spent in the kitchen, the aroma of spices filling the air, the warmth of a freshly baked loaf – these are the things that make life truly sweet.
Tips and Tricks: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices or add-ins! A little bit of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can enhance the flavors even further. And don't forget the importance of letting the dough rise properly. This is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture.
Baking this bread is a journey; a journey that combines tradition, creativity and a good dose of self-care. I encourage you to embark on this culinary adventure yourself and let the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin yeast bread fill your home with the same warmth and happiness it brings to mine.
