4 Ingredient Pumpkin Yeast Bread

This 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Yeast Bread is a delightful fusion of aromatic pumpkin puree, velvety milk, bubbling yeast, and versatile all-purpose flour. This pumpkin yeast bread is simplicity at its finest. Perfectly soft with a hint of pumpkin, every slice evokes the warmth and comfort of the season. Crafting fresh bread has never been this easy or this flavorful!

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Half of bread on a wooden table near a kitchen towel.

Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, freshly baked bread with a soft and compact core that practically melts in your mouth. Well, grab your apron and get ready to knead, because today, we’re diving headfirst into the enchanting realm of pumpkin yeast bread from only 4 simple ingredients!

Now, I know what you might be thinking. Pumpkin in bread? Oh yes, my friends, this isn’t your ordinary loaf. This is a magical concoction of pumpkin puree, yeast, all-purpose flour, and a touch of milk that will transport your taste buds to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Picture that satisfying crunch as you bite into the crispy crust, releasing a symphony of irresistible aromas. Can you smell it? Trust me; it’s like a warm hug from your grandma’s kitchen.

Serve it alongside hearty soups and stews, and watch it soak up all the flavors like a culinary sponge. Or, take it to the next level by turning it into a base for bruschetta that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

So, are you ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into this breadventure? Grab those ingredients, dust off your apron, and let’s make some magic together.

Your kitchen is about to become a haven of pumpkin-scented dreams, and your taste buds are in for a treat!

Table of Contents hide

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

📋 Recipe Card:

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

With only four simple ingredients – pumpkin puree, yeast, all-purpose flour, and milk – this recipe takes the intimidation out of bread-making. It’s a fantastic choice for beginners and busy folks who crave homemade bread without the fuss.
As the bread bakes, your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible scent of warm pumpkin and freshly baked bread. It’s like a cozy autumn hug in culinary form, making your home feel even more inviting.
This pumpkin yeast bread isn’t just a one-trick pony. It’s a versatile superstar that can be paired with soups, and stews, turned into bruschetta, or used as a base for sandwiches. Its adaptability means it’s always ready to complement your culinary creations.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a freshly baked loaf of bread from your oven. It’s a moment of accomplishment and pure joy, and this recipe offers that feeling in spades.
Want to impress your friends and family with your baking prowess? This recipe’s got you covered. They’ll be wowed by the delicious results, and you’ll secretly know it was a breeze to make.
Pumpkin is a beloved fall flavor, and this bread recipe allows you to embrace the season in a unique and delicious way. It’s perfect for autumn gatherings or simply savoring the flavors of fall at home.

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

All-purpose flour, pumpkin puree, milk and yeast on a white marble table.

Pumpkin puree provides moisture, flavor, and a hint of sweetness to the bread. You can substitute it with butternut squash puree or sweet potato puree for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Yeast is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise and gives it that airy, fluffy texture. You can substitute active dry yeast with instant yeast at a 1:1 ratio, or you can use a sourdough starter (adjusting the recipe accordingly) for a different flavor profile and longer fermentation.
All-purpose flour provides structure and helps give the bread its characteristic crumb. You can substitute it with bread flour for a slightly chewier texture or whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier flavor.
Milk adds moisture, richness, and tenderness to the bread. You can substitute it with non-dairy milk like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk for a lactose-free version. Alternatively, you can use water, which will yield a slightly less rich but still delicious bread.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Quick Note: This recipe can be prepared manually, but to simplify things, I recommend using a stand mixer as the dough tends to be quite sticky.

Take the bowl from the stand mixer and add the pumpkin puree and milk, both of which should be warmed to around 100°F (39°C).

Pro Tip: Be careful not to make the milk and puree too hot because we’ll be adding the yeast shortly, and if it’s too hot, it might lose its properties.

A mixture of pumpkin puree and milk in a metal pan.

Ensure a thorough blending of the wet ingredients, combining them until they form a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.

Then, add the yeast and mix thoroughly until it dissolves into the liquid.

Dried yoast over a mix of pumpkin puree and milk.

Add the flour and salt, then start kneading with the help of the stand mixer.

All-purpose flour over a mix of pumpkin puree and milk.

The dough will be quite firm but still a bit sticky. Avoid adding too much flour to prevent the bread from becoming too tough.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.

4 Ingredient Pumpkin Yeast Bread on a white marble table.

Give the dough another quick mix with the stand mixer. Folding it twice will enhance flavor and result in a fluffier core. Don’t skip the second folding step.

Cover it with plastic wrap and let the dough rise one more time.

Then, generously flour your work surface and carefully transfer the dough onto it using a spatula, making sure to remove all of it from the bowl.

Divide the dough into two portions if you want to achieve two medium-sized loaves like mine. If you prefer smaller loaves, divide the dough into as many pieces as you’d like.

Keep in mind that the baking time will be shorter for smaller loaves.

Two pieces of yoast pumpkin dough on a marble table.

On a well-floured surface, with floured hands, shape the portions of dough into small balls.

Then, place the dough balls into the baking pans you’ve chosen, ensuring they are generously dusted with flour beforehand.

Allow the bread to rise again for approximately 30 minutes.

Then, bake for 1 hour or until it will become nicely golden in a preheated oven at the highest temperature.

Pro Tip: To achieve a crispy crust on the bread, place a baking sheet on the lowest oven rack. Just before baking, pour boiling water onto the baking sheet.

2 baked yoast pumpkin bread on a traybake.

Quick Note: To ensure it’s ready, remove the bread from the pan and tap the bottom; if it sounds hollow, it’s done.

Allow the bread to cool thoroughly, then shake off any excess flour. Now, it’s time to slice and serve your freshly baked bread.

Pumpkin bread new two halves of pumpkin bread.

This bread pairs perfectly with your favorite dishes or as a base for bruschetta. Enjoy!

Slice of bread with cream cheese and pumpkin seeds on a wooden cutting board.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Classic Pumpkin Bread Slice: Start with a thick, warm slice of your freshly baked pumpkin yeast bread. Slather it generously with creamy, salted butter, allowing it to melt into every nook and cranny. Pair it with a steaming cup of your favorite tea or a velvety cappuccino for the ultimate cozy indulgence.
Savory Bruschetta Base: Slice your pumpkin bread into manageable bruschetta-sized pieces. Toast them lightly until they’re golden brown and just a touch crispy. Top each slice with a generous spread of creamy goat cheese or ricotta. Finish with a drizzle of honey, a sprinkle of fresh rosemary, and a few toasted pine nuts for an irresistible appetizer.
Hearty Soup Companion: Serve warm, thick slices of your pumpkin bread alongside a steaming bowl of your favorite soup, be it a creamy pumpkin soup, a hearty minestrone, or a rich tomato bisque. The bread’s soft interior will soak up the soup’s flavors, creating a comforting and satisfying pairing.
Sandwich Sensation: Create a gourmet sandwich by layering thinly sliced roast turkey or chicken, crisp lettuce, and ripe tomatoes between two slices of your pumpkin bread. Enhance the flavor with a spread of cranberry mayo or Dijon mustard for a tantalizing taste sensation.
Toasted Breakfast Bliss: Start your day with a breakfast treat by toasting a slice of pumpkin bread. Top it with creamy Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, and a handful of toasted pecans or granola for added crunch. It’s a breakfast that feels like dessert but with a wholesome twist.
Cheese and Charcuterie Platter: Slice your pumpkin bread into thin rounds and add them to your cheese and charcuterie platter. It pairs beautifully with creamy Brie, sharp cheddar, or aged Gouda and complements the flavors of your favorite cured meats.

😻 Other Recipes You May Enjoy

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

When using pumpkin puree, make sure it’s well-drained to avoid excess moisture in your dough. We want that perfect balance of pumpkin flavor without making the bread too wet.
When working with yeast, ensure your liquid (in this case, milk) is at the right temperature – around 100°F (39°C). Too hot, and you’ll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won’t activate. It’s all about finding that sweet spot for a perfectly risen bread.
While mixing the dough, add the flour gradually. This allows you to gauge the right consistency. You want the dough to come together and become slightly sticky but manageable. Don’t rush; let it take its time.
Give your dough the time it deserves to rise. It should double in size, which usually takes around 1-1.5 hours. But remember, patience is key. It’s all about letting nature and yeast work their wonders.
Shape your dough into a beautiful loaf before the second rise. A simple round or oval shape is perfect, and you can get creative with some decorative slashes on top for a rustic touch.
For that irresistible crust, create a steamy environment in your oven. Preheat a baking sheet on the bottom rack while the oven heats up. Just before you pop your bread in, pour hot water onto the hot baking sheet. This steamy dance will give you that perfect crust.
Keep an eye on your bread as it bakes; it’s a bit like a suspenseful movie. It should turn a lovely golden brown. If it’s browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Once your masterpiece is out of the oven, resist the temptation to slice it immediately. Allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle, and you’ll be rewarded with a better texture.

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

What if My Dough Is Too Sticky During Kneading?

If your dough feels excessively sticky while kneading, resist the urge to add too much extra flour. Instead, lightly flour your hands and the work surface, and continue kneading. It should gradually become smoother and less sticky. A slightly tacky dough is normal and will yield a softer bread.

How Can You Tell When the Dough Has Risen Enough?

The dough should double in size during the first rise, which typically takes about 1-1.5 hours. You can check if it’s ready by gently poking it with your finger. If the indentation remains and doesn’t spring back, it’s ready for the next step.

How Do I Get a Really Crispy Crust on the Bread?

To achieve a crispy crust, create a steamy environment in your oven. Preheat a baking sheet on the bottom rack while the oven heats up. Just before you put your bread in, pour hot water onto the hot baking sheet. The steam will help create that perfect crust during baking.

Can I Freeze This Bread?

Yes, you can freeze this pumpkin bread! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or reheat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes.

📋 Recipe Card: