Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This warm, hearty Pumpkin Bread recipe blends the savory flavors of roasted pumpkin with a rich, slightly tangy olive oil touch. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or an autumn gathering, this bread is simple to make and even more delightful to taste. Here’s how you can recreate this rustic, beautifully shaped bread at home.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Active dry yeast | 4g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 500g |
| Fresh pumpkin (peeled) | 400g |
| Malt | 5g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 20g |
| Fine salt | 10g |
| Pumpkin seeds | 15g |
| Water | 100g |
| Fresh rosemary | 2 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~38g |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sodium | ~300mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin
Start by cleaning the pumpkin. Cut it into wedges, remove the seeds and the fibrous bits inside, and peel off the skin. Once your pumpkin is prepped, place a pot on the stove with water and add the rosemary sprigs for added aroma. Put the pumpkin wedges into a steaming basket, cover, and steam for about 30 minutes. The pumpkin should become tender yet firm to the touch, ideal for incorporating into the bread dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
While the pumpkin steams, prepare the dough. In a stand mixer, sift the flour, yeast, and malt together. Attach the dough hook and turn the mixer to low speed. Gradually add the water, ensuring that it is at room temperature. Mix until everything comes together, then increase the speed slightly and continue kneading for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
Once the dough is well-formed, sprinkle the salt over the mixture and knead again for another 2 minutes, allowing the salt to fully incorporate. Add the olive oil in a slow stream, letting the dough absorb the oil completely.
Step 3: Knead and Fold
Lightly flour your work surface, then transfer the dough onto it. Begin the folding process: fold the sides of the dough towards the center, then fold the top and bottom edges inward, similar to wrapping a present. Shape it into a ball, sealing the edges tightly.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place your dough ball in a warm place, such as an oven with the light on or a turned-off oven, and let it rise for at least 3 hours. The dough should double in size during this time, becoming light and airy.
Step 5: Shaping the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it and transfer it to a floured work surface. Perform another round of folding to reinforce the dough’s structure. Shape it into a tightly sealed ball again, carefully crafting it into a round shape that resembles a pumpkin. This is where you can get creative, gently pinching the dough to form a more pronounced pumpkin-like look.
Step 6: Add the Pumpkin Seeds
Lightly mist the surface of the dough with water to help the pumpkin seeds stick. Then, press the seeds into the dough, decorating the top and any creases where the pumpkin shape has been formed. These seeds will add a lovely crunch to the bread once it’s baked.
Step 7: Baking the Pumpkin Bread
Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Place a baking tray with water on the bottom of the oven to create humidity, which is crucial for the bread’s rise during the first 20 minutes of baking. Place the bread in the oven and bake it at this temperature for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the tray of water and lower the oven temperature to 190°C (375°F). Continue baking for another 35 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and has a hollow sound when tapped on the bottom.
Step 8: Cooling
Once your pumpkin bread is done, let it cool on a wire rack. The bread will develop a deliciously moist texture and a subtly sweet flavor from the pumpkin.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Choose a sweet pumpkin variety for the best flavor, such as sugar pie pumpkins or even roasted butternut squash.
- Customize your seeds by adding sunflower seeds or sesame seeds if you prefer a different texture.
- Try a longer rise for even fluffier bread—let the dough rise overnight in the fridge for added depth of flavor.
This pumpkin bread is an absolute showstopper for fall gatherings or family dinners, and its subtly sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with warm soups, stews, or a cup of tea. Enjoy this fall-inspired bread straight from the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for an added touch of indulgence!
