Pumpkin Pie Bread is an enchanting treat that brings the cozy flavors of autumn right to your table, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone eagerly awaiting a slice. This delightful yeast bread marries the warm, spiced essence of pumpkin pie with the soft, fluffy texture of freshly baked bread, creating a harmonious blend that’s perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re serving it as a centerpiece for your holiday brunch or simply enjoying a slice with a pat of real butter, this bread is sure to become a family favorite, especially loved by toddlers and kids. 🎃🍞✨
Let’s dive into the process of making this scrumptious Pumpkin Pie Bread, step by step, so you can bring this seasonal delight to life in your own kitchen. We’ll be using a bread machine to simplify the process, ensuring that even beginner cooks can achieve perfect results with ease. 🥖
Pumpkin Pie Bread Recipe
Prep Time:
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Initial Preparation | 7 minutes |
Cook Time:
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bread Machine Baking | 4 hours |
Total Time:
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Complete Process | 4 hours 7 minutes |
Ingredients
To create this Pumpkin Pie Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients measured out and ready to go:
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 9 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup bread flour
- 2 1/2 cups canned pumpkin (pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
- 6 tablespoons warm water (not hot, just comfortably warm)
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
These quantities are carefully balanced to yield one perfect loaf, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. 🍞✨
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out precisely. This will streamline the process and ensure you don’t miss any crucial components. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature, as this will help it incorporate smoothly into the dough.
Step 2: Load the Bread Machine
The order in which you add the ingredients to the bread machine is important for achieving the best results. Generally, bread machines recommend adding the liquid ingredients first, followed by the dry ingredients, with the yeast being added last. However, it’s always a good idea to refer to your specific bread machine’s manual for any unique instructions. Here’s a general guideline for loading the ingredients:
- Liquid Ingredients: Begin by adding the canned pumpkin, warm water, and eggs to the bread machine pan.
- Dry Ingredients: Next, add the whole wheat flour, bread flour, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt.
- Butter: Place the softened butter in small pieces, distributing them evenly over the flour mixture.
- Yeast: Finally, create a small well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the active dry yeast. This keeps the yeast separate from the liquid ingredients until the mixing process begins.
Step 3: Set the Bread Machine
Close the lid of the bread machine and select the appropriate settings. For this recipe, you’ll want to set the machine for a 1 1/2 lb loaf. Depending on your machine, you may have a specific setting for sweet bread or a similar program. If in doubt, a basic bread setting should work just fine.
Step 4: Start the Machine and Walk Away
Press start on your bread machine and let it do its magic! The machine will mix, knead, and bake the dough over the next few hours, filling your home with a delightful aroma that will surely tempt you to sneak a peek. However, resist the urge to lift the lid, as this can disrupt the baking process and affect the final outcome.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the bread machine beeps to signal the end of the baking cycle, carefully remove the bread pan from the machine. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it helps the bread set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Step 6: Serving Suggestions
Now comes the best part – slicing and enjoying your homemade Pumpkin Pie Bread! This bread is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a smear of real butter. For an extra treat, consider pairing it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream. It also makes an excellent base for French toast or bread pudding, adding a delightful twist to these classic dishes.
Nutritional Information
This Pumpkin Pie Bread not only tastes divine but also offers a wholesome profile that makes it a nutritious addition to your meals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its nutritional content:
- Calories: 2285.5 kcal
- Fat: 32.9 g
- Saturated Fat: 15.1 g
- Cholesterol: 468.8 mg
- Sodium: 2823.6 mg
- Carbohydrates: 440.3 g
- Fiber: 25.4 g
- Sugar: 126 g
- Protein: 62.2 g
These values reflect the entire loaf, making it easy to divide by the number of slices you serve to determine the per-serving nutritional content.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Pumpkin Pie Bread
1. Pumpkin Purée Selection
Ensure you use pure canned pumpkin purée rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices that can alter the flavor and texture of your bread.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients
Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a more consistent dough and even baking.
3. Warm Water
The water should be warm but not hot, ideally around 110°F (43°C). Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it can slow down the yeast activation.
4. Spice Adjustments
Feel free to experiment with the spice blend to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves can enhance the autumnal flavor profile.
5. Checking Dough Consistency
During the initial kneading phase, take a quick peek at the dough. It should form a smooth, elastic ball. If it appears too wet or dry, you can adjust by adding a little flour or water, respectively.
6. Storage and Freshness
Store the cooled bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. If you find yourself with leftovers, this bread freezes well. Simply slice it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag.
Variations to Explore
1. Nutty Addition
For a delightful crunch, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. Simply mix them in during the initial kneading stage.
2. Dried Fruits
Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of natural sweetness that complements the spiced pumpkin flavor beautifully.
3. Glaze It Up
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk can be drizzled over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
With these detailed steps, tips, and variations, you’re all set to create a loaf of Pumpkin Pie Bread that not only looks stunning but tastes absolutely divine. This bread is a celebration of the season’s best flavors, a warm hug in every bite, and a delightful treat that your family, especially the little ones, will adore. So, roll up your sleeves, fire up that bread machine, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Happy baking! 🎃🍞✨
