Get ready to impress your family and friends with a delightful twist on traditional bread—Easy Pumpkin Shaped Bread! This charming loaf not only brings the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin to your table but also adds a festive touch that’s perfect for any gathering or holiday celebration. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can create a stunning centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into this fun baking adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup warm water
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, active dry yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- Add melted butter and pumpkin puree to the yeast mixture, stirring until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon until a soft dough begins to form.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes elastic and smooth.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a round pumpkin-like form, creating ridges around the sides to resemble a pumpkin's segments.
- Place the shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for an additional 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional: Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife to enhance the pumpkin shape and create detailed ridges.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Tips
- Activate the Yeast Properly: Make sure your warm water is between 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C) to activate the yeast effectively. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, and if it's too cold, it won't activate.
- Knead Thoroughly: Kneading the dough for 8-10 minutes is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Don’t rush this step!
- Perfect Pumpkin Shape: When shaping the dough into a pumpkin, use your hands to create ridges. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps the bread bake evenly.
- Keep it Warm: For the best rise, place the dough in a warm, draft-free area. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on your oven for a few minutes, then turning it off and placing the dough inside to rise.
- Score for Style: Scoring the top of the dough before baking allows for better expansion and adds a decorative touch. Use a sharp knife to create a design that mimics the natural ridges of a pumpkin.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is perfectly baked, tap the bottom of the loaf—if it sounds hollow, it’s ready!
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set and makes for cleaner slices.Enjoy your baking experience, and don't forget to share your pumpkin bread creations with friends and family!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
