Are you ready to embrace the autumn season with a warm, comforting, and utterly delicious treat? Then look no further than this Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread! This easy recipe is perfect for cozy nights in, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet craving. Forget those store-bought loaves; this homemade version is bursting with pumpkin spice flavor and unbelievably tender, pull-apart goodness. It’s the perfect blend of quick dinner ideas and a satisfying dessert, making it a winner in our book.
Ingredients:
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For the Bread:
- 1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough, thawed (or 1 cup of your favorite homemade bread dough)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
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For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Pumpkin Mixture
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This is a crucial step for easy removal of your delicious pull-apart bread.
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In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated. This creates the flavorful heart of our pumpkin pull-apart bread.
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Stir in the melted butter and beaten egg until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assembling the Pull-Apart Bread
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On a lightly floured surface, gently roll out the thawed bread dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If using homemade dough, follow your preferred recipe for preparing it.
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Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough. Make sure to cover the entire surface for maximum flavor in every bite.
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Starting from one of the shorter sides, tightly roll the dough into a log.
Baking and Serving the Delicious Pumpkin Bread
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Cut the log into 1-inch slices. Arrange the slices in the prepared baking pan, cutting sides up, to create a pull-apart effect.
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In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the bread slices. Adding the pecans or walnuts at this stage is optional but highly recommended for extra crunch and flavor.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the topping is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving. This cooling period allows the bread to set and makes it easier to pull apart.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned.
- Don't overbake the bread, or it will become dry.
- Let the bread cool slightly before serving to allow it to set properly.
- This bread is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
Variations:
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to the pumpkin mixture for a delightful twist.
- Substitute pecans or walnuts with other nuts like almonds or macadamia nuts.
- Drizzle a cream cheese frosting over the cooled bread for an extra touch of decadence.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 300-350 Fat: 12-15g Saturated Fat: 7-9g Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 20-25g Protein: 5-7g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
This Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe for a warm and inviting treat perfect for autumn. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and best recipes. Happy baking!