The AMAZING Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread

There is an undeniable, cozy magic that happens when pumpkin and warm spices bake together. For many, that scent is the definition of the holiday season. While pumpkin pie gets all the glory, my personal favorite is something simpler, something softer, something perfect for soaking up gravy or slicing for a festive breakfast: homemade Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread.

I used to think that any yeast bread involving pumpkin was overly complicated—dense, heavy, and tricky to get right. My early attempts resulted in brick-like loaves that defeated the purpose of a soft dinner roll.

Then, I cracked the code.

This Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread recipe is AMAZING because it uses the pumpkin puree not just for flavor, but for moisture. The pumpkin keeps the crumb incredibly tender and soft, resulting in a loaf that is light, fluffy, and has a beautiful, pale orange hue. The yeast works perfectly with the moisture and sugar, guaranteeing a wonderful rise every time.

This recipe is a must-pin for anyone searching Thanksgiving recipes because it provides a fresh, comforting alternative to traditional rolls. If you are looking for an easy yeast bread that will become your new holiday signature, this cozy pumpkin bread recipe is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a holiday powerhouse on Pinterest because it satisfies the strong seasonal demand for pumpkin bread recipes while offering the approachable technique of an easy yeast bread.

The AMAZING Softness of the Crumb

Unlike quick bread versions, which can be dense, the yeast and pumpkin puree in this recipe create an exceptionally soft, pillowy crumb. The pumpkin’s natural moisture interferes with gluten development just enough to make the final texture tender and light. This is the quality that makes it stand out among other holiday baking recipes.

Perfect Flavor Balance

This bread hits the sweet spot between a savory dinner roll and a fully sweetened dessert. We use just enough brown sugar and warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger) to evoke the classic pumpkin pie flavor, but it remains balanced enough to serve alongside turkey and gravy. It’s the ultimate two-in-one Thanksgiving recipe.

An Easy Yeast Bread That Rises Reliably

Using a stand mixer (though not required) simplifies the kneading process, and the sugar and warm milk provide the perfect environment for the yeast to thrive. The dough is slightly tacky, making it easy to handle and virtually guaranteeing a beautiful rise. This removes the intimidation factor often associated with yeast bread.

Functional and Beautiful

The golden-orange color of this pumpkin bread recipe makes it an incredibly beautiful addition to any fall table. It’s excellent for making ahead of time, slicing for toast, or serving as pull-apart rolls, making it a highly functional holiday baking solution.

Ingredients and Instructions: The Secret to a Soft Dough

The key to this Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread is using warm liquids and high-quality pumpkin puree to ensure a tender, moist dough.

The Basic Instructions:

1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm milk, 1 teaspoon of the brown sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix Wet: Whisk in the remaining brown sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, salt, and all spices until combined.
3. Add Flour: Gradually add the flour, 1 cup at a time, mixing with a wooden spoon or a dough hook. Switch to kneading once the dough pulls away from the sides.
4. Knead: Knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and slightly tacky.
5. First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, turn to coat, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
6. Shape & Second Rise: Punch the dough down. Shape into one loaf or 12–15 rolls and place in a greased pan. Cover and let rise again for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Bake: Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for a loaf) or 20–25 minutes (for rolls), or until deeply golden brown.
8. Cool: Brush with melted butter immediately upon removal. Let cool before slicing.

The AMAZING Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread

This soft and fragrant Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread is enriched with pumpkin puree, warm cinnamon, and raisins. With a golden crust and tender crumb, this comforting loaf brings the cozy flavors of fall right from your oven.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 3 hours hrs

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 35 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• ⅓ cup warm water about 105°F / 40°C
• 1 cup brown sugar divided
• 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour 180g
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup unsalted butter ¼ cup softened + ¼ cup for greasing pan
• 1 large egg whisked
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

Equipment

• stand mixer with dough hook
• large bowl
• 6-cup bundt pan
• oven
• tea towel
• measuring cups and spoons
• spatula

Method

 

1. In a small bowl, combine warm water (about 105°F), ¾ cup of brown sugar, and yeast. Stir until the sugar dissolves and let stand for 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes foamy.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture, pumpkin puree, ¼ cup softened butter, and whisked egg. Knead with a dough hook on medium speed for 7–10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Add raisins to the dough and mix for another minute until evenly incorporated. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean tea towel, and let rest for 40 minutes.
4. Grease a 6-cup nonstick bundt pan with remaining butter. Sprinkle the bottom with the remaining brown sugar and cinnamon powder. Turn dough out onto a floured surface, gently press to release gas, form a log, and place in the prepared bundt pan.
5. Cover again and let the dough rest for another 40 minutes while preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the bread comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
7. Allow the bread to cool for a few minutes before removing from the mold. Slice and serve warm, optionally with butter or honey.

Notes

Tips: Always check that your yeast is fresh—if it doesn’t foam during proofing, it’s expired. Water should be about 105°F (40°C): warm to the touch but not hot. Substitute raisins with dried cranberries or add chopped toasted nuts for extra texture. For a spiced twist, replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice.

Step by Step: Mastering the Softest Pumpkin Bread Recipe

The key to the AMAZING texture of this Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread is twofold: using pumpkin for moisture and avoiding adding too much flour during the kneading process. My early yeast breads were often dense because I added too much flour in fear of sticky dough.

Here is the detailed, human-written guide to mastering this spectacular easy yeast bread:

Step 1: Thickening the Pumpkin (The Moisture Control)

Pumpkin puree straight from the can can be quite watery. For the best, lightest crumb, you must reduce some of that moisture. Either gently simmer the pumpkin puree in a small saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, or line a sieve with a coffee filter and let the puree drain for 30 minutes. This small step prevents the dough from being overly wet and guarantees a perfect rise.

Step 2: The Soft Dough Principle

This is the most crucial step for achieving a soft crumb. You want a soft, slightly sticky dough. Do not add more flour just because the dough sticks slightly to your hands. A firm dough yields a hard, dense loaf. Use only just enough flour to allow you to handle the dough without it completely sticking to your fingers. The natural fats in the pumpkin and butter will prevent the need for excessive flour.

Step 3: Proper Kneading Technique

Kneading for the full 5–7 minutes is vital for developing the gluten structure needed for a tall, fluffy loaf. If using a stand mixer, let it knead on medium-low speed. If kneading by hand, use the heel of your hand to push and stretch the dough. The dough should eventually become smooth, elastic, and pass the windowpane test (the dough stretches thinly without tearing).

Step 4: The Warm, Draft-Free Rise

Yeast thrives in warmth. Place your bowl of dough in a warm, draft-free spot for the first rise. If your kitchen is cold, turn your oven on to 200°F for a minute, then turn it off, and place the covered bowl inside. The second rise (after shaping) is just as important—don’t skip it! A properly proofed loaf or roll will look puffy and will bake into a much softer final product.

Step 5: Post-Bake Butter Finish

Immediately after removing the hot loaf or rolls from the oven, brush the entire surface with melted butter. The heat of the bread will sizzle and absorb the butter, which seals in moisture and ensures the crust remains soft. This simple act transforms the texture and adds a beautiful, glossy shine, making this an AMAZING holiday baking side dish.

Variations, Serving, and Storage FAQs

This core Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread recipe is easy to adapt to any holiday need, securing its place as an ideal Thanksgiving recipe side.

Delicious Variations to Try:

• Cinnamon Swirl Bread: After the first rise, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Spread with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Roll the dough up tightly like a jelly roll, slice, and bake in a loaf pan for an incredible breakfast treat.
• Pumpkin Cranberry Bread: Fold in $1/2$ cup of dried cranberries and $1/4$ cup of chopped toasted pecans during the last minute of kneading.
• Savory Herb Rolls: Omit the brown sugar and cinnamon. Add 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary and sage to the dough for a savory herb roll perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.
• Cinnamon Glaze: For a sweet dessert loaf, whisk together $1$ cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.

Serving Suggestions:

This cozy pumpkin bread recipe is versatile for any time of day:

1. Thanksgiving Dinner: Serve as pull-apart rolls alongside softened honey butter.
2. Holiday Breakfast: Slice the loaf and toast it lightly, serving with cream cheese or apple butter.
3. Leftover Turkey: This bread makes the most incredible sandwiches for using up leftover Thanksgiving turkey and cranberry sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: Your New Signature Thanksgiving Recipe

The Sweet Pumpkin Yeast Bread is the perfect blend of seasonal flavor and baking simplicity. It’s the AMAZING easy yeast bread that guarantees a soft, flavorful, and incredibly moist loaf every time.

By embracing this simple pumpkin bread recipe, you free up your holiday to focus on guests, knowing that a basket of warm, perfect bread is just minutes away.

Pin this easy yeast bread today and make your Thanksgiving table truly memorable!