This may not what a lot of people think of when they think of pumpkin bread, but it might be your new favorite! Unlike the usual quick bread, this yeast-based version creates an incredibly soft and tender loaf with a beautiful braided design. The pumpkin puree brings subtle sweetness and moisture to keep the bread irresistibly soft and flavorful without being overpoweringly pumpkin-y.

Why Our Recipe

  • A totally different take on pumpkin bread with a super soft yeast-based loaf.
  • Pumpkin adds moisture and keeps the bread super soft, with only a subtle sweetness for pumpkin flavor.
  • This super pretty loaf is also surprisingly easy to make!
An overhead view of a braided pumpkin bread loaf.

It may seem pretty fancy to have a braided loaf, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. Even beginners will feel comfortable making this loaf. It’s perfect for serving with a meal, on a holiday, giving as a gift, or enjoying with a bowl of soup. It’s a bread that will for sure steal the show!

Ingredient Notes

  • Instant Dry Yeast: Make sure to use instant which doesn’t require proofing in water before adding to the dough. If you only have active dry yeast, dissolve the same amount in the warm water for 5-10 minutes until frothy before proceeding.
  • Warm Water: You want the water to be between 100-110℉ to activate the yeast without killing it. It should feel warm to the touch, like a bath.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
  • Warm Milk: Similar to the water, the milk should be 100-110℉ to help the yeast thrive. Whole milk adds richness, but you can use any milk variety.
  • Butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice molasses touch, but you can also use granulated sugar in the same amount.
  • All-Purpose Flour: You may need between 3 1/2 to 4 cups of flour depending on the moisture in the pumpkin puree. Start with 3 1/2 cups and gradually add more as needed to achieve a soft dough. Bread flour can also be used.
  • Egg (for brushing): The lightly beaten egg gives the bread its shiny golden-brown finish. You could skip the step, but it sure does look pretty.

Braiding Bread

This recipe creates a beautiful braided loaf with a 3-strand braid. It seems intimidating, but once you break it down, it is a lot more approachable. Once the dough has risen, it’s divided into three equal pieces. They don’t have to be super precise, but try to make them roughly the same.

Roll into ropes: Each portion is rolled into ropes that are about 18 inches long. They should end up being roughly the same thickness. You then lay the three ropes side by side on a baking sheet, pinching the ropes together at one end to hold them together.

Start braiding: Cross the right rope over the middle rope, then cross the left rope over the new middle rope. Continue this pattern, alternating sides until you reach the end. Pinch the bottom ends together to seal the braid.

That’s it! Easy peasy!

An overhead view of a braided pumpkin bread that has been sliced.

Serving Suggestions

With Soups and Stews: The soft, slightly sweet bread is absolutely heavenly served with soups and stews. Some of our favorites to serve it with are potato leek soup, butternut squash soup, and beef stew.

Holiday Side: Since it’s so pretty, it’s the perfect addition to your holiday table. Serve it as a side with your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, along with roasted turkey or ham.

French Toast: Slice the bread and use it to make French toast! It’s an amazing bread to use for this breakfast favorite.

Storage Instructions

Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container or plastic bag for up to 3 days. This will keep the bread soft and prevent it from drying out.

To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature before serving.

More delicious bread recipes…

Watch the video below where Rachel will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.