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Pumpkin Challah

Deliciously Soft Pumpkin Challah for Cozy Fall Evenings

This cozy Pumpkin Challah marries soft bread with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, perfect for fall evenings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rise Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 slices
Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

  • stand mixer
  • mixing bowl
  • baking sheet
  • Kitchen towel
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Dough

  • 5.75 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour the perfect foundation for your soft and fluffy Pumpkin Challah
  • 0.5 cups Granulated Sugar adds sweetness for balance
  • 2.25 teaspoons Instant Yeast ensures a light, airy rise
  • 1.5 teaspoons Table Salt enhances flavor while controlling fermentation
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon infuses cozy warmth into the dough
  • 1 cups Lukewarm Water activates the yeast for a perfect rise
  • 0.5 cups Pumpkin Purée delivers moistness and a lovely autumnal flavor
  • 0.25 cups Vegetable Oil keeps the bread tender and enriches texture
  • 1 large Large Egg helps bind ingredients and adds richness

For the Egg Wash

  • 1 large Beaten Egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for a glossy finish

Instructions
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Challah

  • Prepare the dry ingredients by whisking together flour, sugar, instant yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Mix the wet ingredients by whisking together lukewarm water, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
  • Combine wet and dry mixtures until a shaggy dough forms, scraping down the sides of the bowl.
  • Knead the dough for about 6 minutes in a stand mixer or 10 minutes by hand, incorporating remaining flour until elastic.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm area for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.
  • Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  • Shape the dough by dividing it into two pieces and forming one piece into a rectangle.
  • Roll the dough tightly from one edge and pinch the seam to seal, then elongate into a rope.
  • Coil the rolled dough loosely on the prepared baking sheet, tucking the end underneath.
  • Allow the shaped loaves to rise for about 1 hour at room temperature.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) as the loaves rise.
  • Brush the tops of the loaves with the egg wash for a shiny finish.
  • Bake the loaves for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.
  • Cool completely on a rack before slicing.

Notes

Use a kitchen scale for accurate flour measurements to ensure a light and fluffy texture. Proper kneading is key for gluten development.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 80mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
Keyword bread baking, cozy desserts, Fall Recipes, holiday baking, Homemade Bread, Pumpkin Challah
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