Picture the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg swirling through your kitchen, as a golden loaf of Pumpkin Swirl Bread bakes to perfection.
This cozy dessert is a breeze to make, offering a delightful blend of spices and pumpkin that evokes warmth and indulgence.
As the dough rises and transforms, you’ll witness simple ingredients turning into something truly special.
Let’s bring this delightful bread to life and enjoy its irresistible charm together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
Here’s a timeline to efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pumpkin Swirl Bread:
- Reading & Gathering Ingredients (10 minutes)
- Start by reading through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- Prep Work (30 minutes)
- 5 minutes: Combine warm water and yeast in a mixing bowl and let it sit.
- 10 minutes: Measure and prepare the other ingredients while the yeast is activating.
- 5 minutes: Mix sugar, flour, salt, and melted butter into the yeast mixture.
- 5 minutes: Knead the dough on a floured surface.
- 5 minutes: Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it.
- First Rise (1 hour)
- Place the dough in a warm spot and let it rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Use this time to clean up the prep area and prepare the pumpkin mixture.
- Prep Pumpkin Mixture (10 minutes)
- Combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
- Cook over low heat until combined.
- Punch Down & Roll Dough (15 minutes)
- Punch down the risen dough.
- Roll it out on a floured surface and spread the pumpkin mixture over it.
- Shaping & Second Rise (1 hour)
- Roll the dough into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let it rise for another hour.
- Preheat Oven (10 minutes)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is in its second rise.
- Bake (45 minutes)
- Bake the bread for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool (10 minutes in pan, additional cooling on rack)
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Add sugar, 3 cups of flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface, adding more flour if necessary.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and cook over low heat until combined.
Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough.
Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan.
Cover and let the dough rise for another hour.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
Serving Tips
- With a dollop of whipped cream: Add a touch of indulgence and creaminess to each slice.
- Paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea: The warmth complements the spices in the bread beautifully.
- Topped with cream cheese frosting: Transform it into a decadent dessert with this rich addition.
- Served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: A delightful pairing that enhances the sweetness and spice.
- Drizzled with maple syrup: Accentuates the autumn flavors for a perfect seasonal treat.
Storage
To store Pumpkin Swirl Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Alternatively, refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing
To freeze Pumpkin Swirl Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
Store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To reheat Pumpkin Swirl Bread, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
Final Thoughts
Creating Pumpkin Swirl Bread is a delightful experience that combines warm autumn spices with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread.
This recipe requires a modest amount of preparation and baking time, yet the results are rewarding.
The process allows you to infuse your kitchen with the scents of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating an inviting atmosphere.
Make certain to follow the resting times for the dough to guarantee a perfect rise and fluffy texture.
Whether enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack, this bread pairs wonderfully with butter or a drizzle of honey.
With each bite, you’ll experience the swirl of flavors that make this bread a seasonal favorite.
Experimenting with spice levels can further personalize the loaf to your taste, making each batch uniquely yours.
This Pumpkin Swirl Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s an opportunity to bring the cozy essence of fall into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Instant Yeast Instead of Active Dry Yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. Reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons. Mix it directly with flour. Skip the 5-minute waiting period since instant yeast doesn’t require proofing. Proceed with the recipe as usual.
How Can I Make the Bread Vegan-Friendly?
Replace butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based pumpkin puree. Confirm brown sugar is vegan. Substitute yeast with a vegan-friendly equivalent. Adjust spices if desired. These changes maintain texture and flavor while keeping it vegan.
Is There a Gluten-Free Version of This Recipe?
To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Confirm the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. Check yeast and spices for gluten. Follow the same steps, adjusting flour quantity for dough consistency.
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Bread?
You can add nuts or raisins by incorporating 1/2 cup into the dough before the first rise. Guarantee even distribution. Lightly toast the nuts for extra flavor and plump the raisins in warm water to soften them.
What Can I Substitute for Pumpkin Puree?
You can substitute pumpkin puree with an equal amount of sweet potato or butternut squash puree. Make certain the substitute is smooth and similar in moisture content. Adjust spices to balance flavor. Always test for consistency before baking.

Pumpkin Swirl Bread
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast, and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add sugar, 3 cups of flour, salt, and melted butter to the yeast mixture, and mix until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes on a floured surface, adding more flour if necessary.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and cook over low heat until combined.
- Punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a floured surface.
- Spread the pumpkin mixture evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly into a log and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Cover and let the dough rise for another hour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.