Pumpkin Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat ๐
As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, itโs time to embrace the cozy flavors of fall. One of the best ways to celebrate this season is by baking a batch of cute pumpkin bread! Not only does this treat capture the essence of autumn, but its adorable pumpkin shape makes it an exciting addition to any festive gathering.
Why Pumpkin Bread?
Pumpkin bread is more than just a seasonal delight; itโs a warm hug in food form. Packed with the rich flavors of pumpkin spices, this bread is a delicious way to enjoy the health benefits of pumpkin. Here are a few reasons why you should whip up a pumpkin-shaped bread this fall:
- Health Benefits: Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious choice for your treats.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, with a dollop of a jam, or as a base for your favorite fall sandwich.
- Perfect for Sharing: Its charming shape makes it an ideal gift for friends, family, or neighbors.
Ingredients You Will Need To Create Cute Pumpkin-Shaped Bread
- Milk
- Yeast
- Flour
- Salt
- Sugar
- Pumpkin spice
- Pumpkin puree
- Oil
- Egg
You will also need:
- Cooking twine
- Parchment paper
Hereโs a simple yet delightful recipe to create your own pumpkin bread thatโs sure to wow your guests
Pumpkin Bread: The Perfect Fall Treat ๐
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1 packet dry yeast (or 2 tsp)
- 3 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup oil
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Step 1: Activate the Yeast
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, or until frothy. This shows that the yeast is active.
- Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and pumpkin spice.
- Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, and the frothy yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.
- If needed, gradually add more flour until the dough is smooth and slightly sticky but manageable.
- Step 3: Knead the Dough
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until itโs elastic and smooth.
- Place the kneaded dough in a bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into equal portions (about 8-10 pieces).
- Step 4: Shape Pumpkin Bread with Cooking Twine
- Shaping your pumpkin bread with cooking twine not only gives it an adorable pumpkin shape but also adds a rustic touch to your fall baking. Hereโs a step-by-step guide on how to do it
- Shape the Dough into Balls:
- Take each piece of dough and roll it into a smooth ball using the palms of your hands. Make sure there are no cracks on the surface for a nice presentation.
- Create the Pumpkin Shape:
- Take a piece of cooking twine (approximately 24-30 inches long) for each ball of dough.
- Place twine in small bowl filled with oil
- Place the twine underneath the dough ball, centering it so that the string will wrap around the center.
- Wrap the Dough:
- Pull the twine up and over the top of the dough ball, creating a loop around it.
- Make sure the twine is tight enough to create indentations but not so tight that it squashes the dough.
- Cross the twine over each other, creating an “X” shape on top of the dough.
- Create the Ridges:
- Continue wrapping the twine around the dough ball, making sure to space the loops apart evenly.
- The twine will create the visible ridges of a pumpkin as it bakes.
- Tie Off the Twine:
- Once you have wrapped the dough ball in twine several times, tie the ends together with a simple knot.
- Let Them Rise Again:
- Place the twine-wrapped dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with a kitchen towel to let them rise for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the bread to expand and take form.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Brush pumpkins with milk and bake 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove the Twine:
- Once baked and slightly cooled, carefully cut the twine away from the bread. Be gentle to avoid tearing the bread.
- Place cinnamon stick in the middle of every pumping for realistic look.
- Brush some oil for extra shine
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Your beautifully shaped pumpkin bread is now ready to be served!