Description
A Halloween pumpkin-shaped bread loaf is a delightful, festive bread that combines a slightly sweet flavor with a golden, soft texture. Shaped to resemble a pumpkin, this loaf is perfect for Halloween gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or any autumn celebration. The bread dough is infused with the natural sweetness of pumpkin purée, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that is both beautiful and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Bread Dough
3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
2¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk (about 110°F / 43°C)
¼ cup pumpkin purée (unsweetened)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened or melted
1 large egg, room temperature
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For Decoration
Kitchen string or twine (unflavored, oven-safe)
1 pecan half, cinnamon stick, or pretzel rod (for the pumpkin “stem”)
Optional: egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp milk) for shine
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and spices.
Add pumpkin purée, egg, butter, and yeast mixture.
Mix until a soft dough forms — add a bit more flour if sticky.
Knead on a floured surface (or with a dough hook) for 8–10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Form into a ball.
Place in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down dough and form back into a smooth ball.
Lay 4 pieces of kitchen twine on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a star pattern (like a snowflake ✴️).
Lightly oil the strings so they won’t stick to the bread.
Place the dough ball in the center and gently tie each string over the top, loosely — creating 8 “sections.”
Do not tie too tightly — the dough will expand!
Cover loosely and let rise for 30–45 minutes, until puffy.
Brush with egg wash for a shiny crust.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Cool for 10 minutes, then carefully snip and remove the strings.
Insert a pecan half, cinnamon stick, or pretzel rod in the center for the pumpkin stem.
Notes
This festive Halloween Pumpkin-Shaped Bread Loaf is as fun to look at as it is to eat! Soft, fluffy, and lightly spiced, it’s perfect for seasonal breakfasts or party tables. Add a touch of pumpkin seeds on top or serve with a sweet butter glaze for extra flair.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
Keywords: Pumpkin-shaped bread, Halloween bread loaf, festive pumpkin bread, fall pumpkin bread loaf