This Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate fall comfort food with its soft texture and subtle pumpkin flavor. The pumpkin puree gives the bread a beautiful color and a hint of natural sweetness, while the slow rise ensures a light, airy crumb. Baked to perfection in a cast iron pan, it features a crisp, golden crust and a tender interior, making it the perfect companion to your favorite fall dishes or simply enjoyed with a spread of butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe: This pumpkin bread is easy to make with just a handful of ingredients and yields a rustic, homemade loaf that’s perfect for autumn. The long, slow rise in the fridge brings out deep flavors, and the pumpkin puree keeps the bread moist and tender. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, with a beautiful loaf that’s ideal for any fall meal.
Perfect Occasion: This pumpkin bread is perfect for cozy autumn breakfasts, afternoon snacks, or as a side dish for soups and stews. It's also great for sharing with loved ones during fall gatherings or as a homemade gift to brighten someone's day. Warm slices of this bread are perfect for any occasion that calls for a comforting, homemade treat.
Decoration Tips: For a rustic finish, dust the top of the dough with flour before baking or sprinkle with pumpkin seeds. You can also score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife to create a decorative pattern. Serve with honey butter, cinnamon spread, or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra autumnal flavor.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 400g 0 flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 6g salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4g dry brewer’s yeast
- 200ml water
- 100g pumpkin puree
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and dry brewer’s yeast. Gradually add the water and pumpkin puree, stirring until a dough forms. Knead the dough by hand or in a stand mixer for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let the dough rise at room temperature for 30 minutes. After this initial rise, place the dough in the fridge and let it rest for 12 hours to develop the flavor and texture.
- Fold the Dough: After 12 hours, take the dough out of the fridge and give it two folds. Stretch and fold the edges of the dough over toward the center. Let the dough rest for 60 minutes at room temperature, covered.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F) and place a cast iron pan in the oven to heat. Once hot, carefully transfer the dough to the pan. Score the top of the dough if desired.
- Bake the Bread: Cover the cast iron pan with its lid and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the lid, reduce the oven temperature to 180°C (350°F), and bake for another 10 minutes until the bread is golden brown and fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy with your favorite spreads or alongside your favorite fall dishes.
This Pumpkin Bread is soft, delicious, and perfect for cozy fall moments. Enjoy it fresh from the oven or with your favorite autumn meals!