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

4.4 from 29 reviews

  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 2 hours (including rising time)
  • Yield: 1 loaf
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A festive pumpkin-shaped bread that’s soft, fluffy, and perfect for fall celebrations. This decorative and fun bread is surprisingly easy to make, featuring a soft texture and subtle sweetness that can be enjoyed as a sweet or savory treat.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups bread flour
  • 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
  • 3 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 large egg

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and sugar, then sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until the mixture is frothy and yeast is activated.
  2. Mix and Knead: In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the melted butter, egg, and the activated yeast mixture. Mix until a rough dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Dough: Punch down the dough gently and shape it into a round loaf. Use kitchen string to loosely tie segments around the loaf, mimicking pumpkin sections. Make sure the string is loose enough to allow the dough to expand but tight enough to maintain shape.
  5. Second Rise: Cover the shaped dough and let it rise for another 30 minutes until slightly puffed.
  6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the shaped dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. Cool and Decorate: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Carefully remove the kitchen string. For decoration, add a cinnamon stick on top to serve as the pumpkin stem.

Notes

  • Add a cinnamon stick on top for a festive pumpkin stem decoration.
  • Can be served sweet with butter and jam or savory with cheese and herbs.
  • Ensure milk is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
  • Use bread flour for better structure and texture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Seasonal

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