Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 72 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 1 hr 50 mins
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A fun and festive pumpkin-shaped bread that’s soft inside, golden outside, and perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving. This unique bread is shaped using kitchen twine to create pumpkin sections and finished with a cinnamon stick stem for a charming autumn centerpiece.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 egg (optional for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk, sugar, and instant yeast. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
  2. Prepare Dough: Stir in the melted butter and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing to form a soft dough.
  3. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  4. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the Pumpkin: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a round ball. Wrap kitchen twine loosely around the dough in several sections to create the look of pumpkin ridges.
  6. Apply Egg Wash: Brush the surface of the dough with beaten egg to give the bread a beautiful golden crust after baking.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dough on a baking sheet and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
  8. Cool and Decorate: Allow the bread to cool slightly on a wire rack. Carefully remove the twine and insert a cinnamon stick into the top center of the bread to resemble a pumpkin stem.

Notes

  • For a healthier variation, substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
  • After baking, brushing the bread with melted butter will give it a shiny, appetizing finish.
  • If you prefer, omit the egg wash to keep the bread vegan-friendly.
  • Ensure the milk is warm (around 110°F or 43°C) to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 30 mins
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenmartha.com/easy-pumpkin-shaped-bread-recipe/