Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread recipe is the perfect fall treat! It combines rich pumpkin flavor with cinnamon, brown sugar, and a sweet glaze for an irresistible dessert or breakfast option. Whether you’re celebrating Halloween, Thanksgiving, or simply craving a cozy, homemade bread, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. With simple ingredients like pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and active dry yeast, you can create a soft, fluffy bread that pulls apart into layers. Topped with a decadent cinnamon glaze, it’s an ideal way to enjoy pumpkin season. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few key ingredients. Perfect for sharing at fall gatherings, brunches, or cozy family moments, this pull-apart pumpkin bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Pumpkin bread, fall dessert, cinnamon glaze, and easy pumpkin recipe are all key phrases that will help this recipe shine in search engines, drawing in food lovers seeking seasonal, homemade treats.

Ingredients

for the Pumpkin Bread:

• 3/4 cup warm milk (not hot)
• 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 4 Tbsp granulated sugar (divided)
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1-2 Tbsp (465 grams) *See note on measuring
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 2 Tbsp melted unsalted butter (divided; 1 Tbsp for batter, 1 Tbsp to grease pans)
• 1/2 tsp salt

for the Pumpkin Bread Filling:

• 7 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (divided: 6 for the filling, 1 Tbsp to brush tops)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed (64 grams)
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

for Cinnamon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 5-6 Tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half

What You’ll Need:

• 2 Bread Pans
• Electric stand mixer (or knead by hand)
• Rolling pin

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Instructions

for Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread:

1. Activate the Yeast: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 3/4 cup warm milk with 1/2 Tbsp active dry yeast. Let it sit for 7 minutes to activate the yeast.
2. Add Ingredients: Whisk in 1/2 cup flour and 2 Tbsp sugar, followed by 3/4 cup pumpkin puree. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 25-30 minutes (or at room temperature for 35-45 minutes). The mixture will become puffy.
3. Mix the Dough: Whisk in 1 large egg, 1 Tbsp melted butter, the remaining 2 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt. Attach the dough hook and on medium speed (speed 2), add the remaining 3 cups of flour gradually, one-half cup at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly so. If necessary, add 1-2 extra tablespoons of flour. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead on medium speed for 10 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour (or at room temperature for 2 hours), until doubled in size.
4. Prepare the Dough for Rolling: Dust a clean surface with flour and place the dough in the center. Sprinkle the dough with a little flour to prevent sticking, then roll it out into a 16″x10″ rectangle.
5. Add the Filling: Dot the dough with 6 Tbsp softened butter and spread evenly. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 Tbsp cinnamon, and 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered dough.
6. Roll and Slice: Starting with the longer side of the dough, tightly roll it up. Pinch the ends slightly to make them more uniform, then slice the roll in half. Cut each half into 1″ pieces, keeping the dough rounds connected at the base (do not cut all the way through). Grease two bread pans with 1/2 Tbsp melted butter each. Transfer the dough pieces into the pans, placing them connected side down. Gently pull the slices apart to create a layered effect. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes (or at room temperature for 1 to 1 1/2 hours), until puffed.
7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350˚F. Brush each loaf with 1/2 Tbsp melted butter and bake for 22-25 minutes (23 minutes is ideal). The bread should be golden brown on top. Let the bread cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
8. Make the Cinnamon Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 5-6 Tbsp heavy cream or half-and-half to reach your desired glaze consistency.
9. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled slightly, apply the glaze generously over the top of each loaf while still in the pan.

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Tips:

• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon and level the flour when measuring to ensure the proper texture of the dough.
• Let the Dough Rise in a Warm Spot: A slightly warm oven (turned off) is ideal for allowing the dough to rise efficiently.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring the egg and butter to room temperature for better incorporation into the dough.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Add Nuts: Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
• Different Glaze: If you prefer a more classic glaze, you can replace the cinnamon glaze with a simple vanilla glaze.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and cream to make this pull-apart pumpkin bread dairy-free.

FAQs:

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?
No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar. Use plain pumpkin puree for the best results.

How do I store the pull-apart pumpkin bread?
Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, after kneading the dough, you can refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before continuing with the recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

This Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread is perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting dessert. Serve it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, or alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Pull-Apart Pumpkin Bread is a delightful, gooey, and flavorful treat. With layers of cinnamon sugar filling, buttery dough, and a sweet glaze, it’s the ultimate fall dessert. It’s easy to make, perfect for sharing, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any occasion. The pumpkin flavor is subtle yet comforting, and the pull-apart style makes it a fun and interactive treat.