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Pumpkin Yeast Bread Recipe (Loaf or Rolls)

Indulge in the irresistible aroma and flavors with this homemade Pumpkin Yeast Bread recipe. This easy-to-follow recipe combines the rich, earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the fluffy texture of freshly baked bread. Perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a warm and comforting treat.

This recipe was originally posted on November 10, 2015, so it was time for an upgrade. I’ve added some new photos and clarified some steps. No changes were made to the recipe.

Loaf of soft bread sliced on a cutting board

Fall on the horizon makes me think of harvest. Growing up in a rural community, we often shared the task of putting up fruits and vegetables so we could make delicious recipes including this easy pumpkin yeast bread recipe.

I don’t go to all of that work anymore, and rely on the Farmer’s market or in this case, canned pumpkin from the grocery store.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Yeast Bread Rolls

Fluffy bread. Pumpkin Yeast Bread is so light and tender.

Versatility. You can make two loaves, one loaf, and 16 rolls, or you can make all rolls.

Beauty. The color of this bread is perfect for my Thanksgiving table or any Fall meal.

Equipment Needed to Make Yeast Pumpkin Bread

  • Instant Read Thermometer. Test the temperature of the bread.
  • Loaf Pan. The pan is your preference, but you can use any pan that works to form a loaf or rolls.
  • Muffin Tin. Make three small balls of dough per muffin tin to make cloverleaf rolls.
  • Round Pan. Fill the pan with individual rolls.
An unbaked loaf of Pumpkin Yeast Bread with individual rolls in the background.

Yeast Bread Vs. Quick Bread

What is Quick Bread?

Quick bread doesn’t mean quick as in fast. Quick bread uses leavening agents other than yeast or eggs such as baking soda and baking powder. This is a yeasted bread recipe which means it uses yeast to rise.

Ingredients for your Pumpkin Yeast Bread Recipe

Ingredients used to make pumpkin yeast rolls
  • Instant Yeast.
  • Milk. Make this pumpkin bread recipe dairy-free by replacing the milk with any milk alternative or even water.
  • Large Egg.
  • Pureed Pumpkin. You can use fresh pumpkin puree or canned pumpkin. Don’t use canned pumpkin pie filling. That’s a very different product.
  • Vegetable Oil. Canola oil will also work.
  • Unbleached All-Purpose Flour.
  • Brown Sugar. You can substitute all or a portion of brown sugar with white sugar. Dark brown sugar gives this bread a touch of molasses flavor but light brown sugar works just as well.
  • Salt.
  • Ginger.
  • Cardamom.

Please note, that the printable recipe card has ingredient quantities, complete instructions, and nutritional information. The following is a quick overview of the recipe.

How to Make Pumpkin Yeast Bread

Step One. Mix all of the ingredients in one large bowl. Hand mix.

Step Two. Knead for eight minutes.

Step Three. Let the dough rise and double.

Step Four. Gently deflate and divide your pan of choice.

Step Five. Let the dough rise again.

Step Six. Bake the bread.

Step Seven. Cool completely before storing.

A loaf of Pumpkin Yeast Bread with individual rolls in the background.

How long should you knead bread?

While some bread recipes become dense if they’re not kneaded long enough, this pumpkin bread recipe requires minimal kneading.

What to Serve With Your Pumpkin Yeast Bread Rolls

These lovely rolls are the perfect addition to any Fall or holiday meal! They taste so incredible you will want to make them again and again. We especially love this delicious bread with soups and chili, especially our Award Winning Chili.

Substitutions and Additions

This bread is a sweetened bread. I added cardamom and ginger which went well with the brown sugar used to sweeten this bread. You could add cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pumpkin pie spice blend.

Raisins, dried cranberries, and nuts (walnuts, pecans) would work well in this bread. I recommend no more than 1 cup of combined add-ins. Bread can also be topped with oats or seeds such as poppy seeds.

Front view of a loaf of sliced bread madewith pumpkin

How To Reheat & Store Pumpkin Yeast Bread

Best Way To Store Yeast Pumpkin Bread

Store completely cooled bread or rolls in well-wrapped plastic wrap at room temperature or freeze.

How Long Will This Pumpkin Yeast Bread Recipe Last In the Fridge? 

Keep leftover rolls in the refrigerator in a sealed plastic bag.

Can I Freeze/Thaw Pumpkin Bread?

Yes. You can freeze cooked rolls or raw dough in sealed freezer-quality plastic bags for up to three months. Thaw to eat or cook.

How To Reheat Pumpkin Yeast Bread Rolls

Place leftover rolls on a plate in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds to reheat them and enjoy warm.

Uncut loaf of bread on a cooling rack

Pumpkin Yeast Bread FAQs

What kind of oil do you use for pumpkin bread?

I recommend using a neutral cooking oil such as canola or vegetable. Coconut oil would also be a great substitution.

Why did my pumpkin loaf not rise?

Any time a yeast bread doesn’t rise, the yeast is the most likely culprit. Expired yeast is common. Yeast can also get killed when it is stored near the cooktop in your kitchen or becomes overheated during the mixing process. Make sure the liquids you use are lukewarm and not hot enough to kill the yeast.

Should I Sift flour for pumpkin bread?

While sifting can improve the texture of some pumpkin bread recipes, it’s not necessary for this recipe.

Tips to Make the Perfect Yeast Pumpkin Bread

Do not over-knead the bread. Too much kneading will cause the bread to be tough or chewy, or potentially not rise correctly.

If you have a “proof” setting on your oven, it will work perfectly to raise the dough the first time, and raise your bread or rolls the second time. Make sure to adjust the rack in the oven to allow the dough to double in size.

Using an Instant Read Thermometer ensures that the bread is perfectly baked at 190ºF.

Other Recipes You Will Love

Don’t Forget To Come Back And Let Me Know How Your Pumpkin Yeast Bread Turned Out!

A 3/4 view of a Yeast Pumpkin Bread loaf.

Pumpkin Yeast Bread Recipe

Author: Hostess At Heart
Light and delicious Pumpkin Yeast Bread makes a beautiful addition to any meal. This recipe is easy, versatile, and perfect for your holiday table. You can make delicious loaves, rolls or both!
5 from 8 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Keyword: Pumpkin Yeast Bread
Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tbsp instant yeast
  • 1/2 cup milk lukewarm
  • 1 large egg
  • 1-1/2 cups pureed pumpkin fresh or canned
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6-1/2 cups Unbleached All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2-1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom

Instructions
 

  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Hand mix until dough holds together. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, approximately 8 minutes.
  • Place dough in a large lightly greased bowl. Cover with plastic wrap that has been lightly greased, and allow to rise for 60-75 minutes or until doubled.
  • Gently deflate, and turn out on to a lightly greased work surface. Divide in half.
  • Shape each half into a loaf and place into 9×5 inch loaf pans. Alternatively, shape half into a loaf and the other half into 12 to 16 rolls, which can be placed into two 8″ greased round pans or into a 9″x13 pan. Or, make all dough into 24 to 32 rolls.
  • Preheat oven to 350 °F. Cover the pans and allow to rise another 45 minutes, or until doubled.
  • Bake loaves 30-35 minutes or rolls 20 minutes, or until bread registers 190°F with an instant read thermometer.
  • Remove from the oven and turn out onto a baking rack. Cool completely.
  • Store completely cooled bread or rolls in well-wrapped plastic wrap at room temperature or freeze.

Notes

Adapted from King Arthur Flour

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 155mgPotassium: 72mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1219IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 1mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

This recipe was calculated using the exact brands and measurements I used to make this recipe. If you are following a strict diet please note changing anything will cause the nutritional info to change. My calculations are intended as a guide only.

Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!
Top view of a sliced pumpkin bread loaf.

This pumpkin bread is perfect for your holiday table. this year? Another recipe idea for your holiday table would be Herb Topped Sweet Potato Biscuits.
This recipe was developed for my Bread Baker’s blogging event. Take a look at what my fellow bakers bake for their Family Feast Breads.

#BreadBakers is a group of bread-loving bakers who get together once a month to bake bread with a common ingredient or theme. Follow our Pinterest board right here. Links are also updated each month on this home page.

We take turns hosting each month and choosing the theme/ingredient.

If you are a food blogger and would like to join us, just send Stacy an email with your blog URL to [email protected].

Looking for more bread recipes? Here’s some beautiful bread perfect for any table.

Recipe Rating




emma

Thursday 29th of September 2022

you changed "king arthurs flour" recipe from TWO eggs, to ONE egg... the dough was quite hard. I'm going to try the original recipe at "king arthur flour"

Julie Menghini

Thursday 29th of September 2022

I didn't have that experience Emma but you are free to add another egg.

Michaela Kenkel

Thursday 18th of August 2022

I LOVE pumpkin season and pumpkin bread is the best!! I had never made it other than a quick bread so I was excited to try this and we LOVED it!! You have the best bread recipes!!

Julie Menghini

Saturday 20th of August 2022

Thank you, Michaela! I love pumpkin season too!

Nikki

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

Made one loaf and am freezing the rolls. The loaf is so fluffy and delicious.

Julie Menghini

Saturday 20th of August 2022

That's what I do too! Thank you!

Tristin

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

We love this pumpkin bread! Can't wait to make it again in the fall!

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

Thank you! It's perfect for fall!

Ann

Tuesday 16th of August 2022

I'm in charge of bread this Thanksgiving so I gave this a test run and it is so amazing! Everyone is going to lose their mind!

Julie Menghini

Wednesday 17th of August 2022

Thank you, Ann! It's easy and delicious.

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