There is something simply magical about the Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe that makes it a staple for cozy mornings or festive gatherings. Soft, fluffy dough infused with rich pumpkin puree and warming spices is layered with a sweet cinnamon brown sugar mixture and pecans, then baked to golden perfection. The crowning glory is the luscious caramel sauce drizzled on top, creating a gooey, irresistible treat that pulls apart effortlessly. This bread is a celebration of autumn flavors wrapped up in a tender, shareable loaf guaranteed to bring smiles and warm hearts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is surprisingly straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and that beautiful autumnal color. From the smooth pumpkin puree adding moisture and softness to the punch of cinnamon and nutmeg, everything works together perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 ½ cups): The sturdy base that creates a soft, yet structured dough.
- Active dry yeast (1 packet, 2 ¼ tsp): Essential for that light, airy rise.
- Warm milk (½ cup, about 110°F): Helps activate the yeast while keeping the dough tender.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and feeds the yeast.
- Salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Large egg (1): Adds richness and binds the dough together.
- Unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): For tenderness and deep buttery flavor.
- Pumpkin puree (1 cup): The star ingredient providing moistness, flavor, and that gorgeous color.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings warmth and classic pumpkin spice vibes.
- Ground nutmeg (½ tsp): Adds a hint of earthy spice that enhances the pumpkin.
- Ground ginger (¼ tsp): Introduces subtle zing to round out the spices.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): For the rich caramelized sweetness in the filling.
- Chopped pecans (½ cup, optional): Adds crunch and nutty depth, but feel free to skip if you prefer plain.
- Caramel sauce (1 cup): The luscious topping that seals this bread’s place in your heart.
How to Make Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining warm milk and granulated sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s frothy and bubbly. This not only proves that your yeast is alive but ensures a wonderfully light dough.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This simple step distributes the salt evenly and preps the base for your dough’s magic.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients with Dry
Add the frothy yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and pumpkin puree to the flour mixture. Stir everything gently until a loose dough begins to form. That velvety orange hue and fragrant pumpkin spice scent will have you daydreaming already.
Step 4: Knead Into Elastic Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Kneading develops the gluten that gives the bread its lift and perfect pull-apart texture.
Step 5: First Rise
Grease a bowl with a bit of butter, place your dough inside, and cover it with a damp cloth. Set it in a warm spot to rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. Watching the dough grow is always a little thrill.
Step 6: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
While the dough rises, blend the brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a medium bowl. This aromatic blend will be the sweet heart of your pull apart bread.
Step 7: Roll Out the Dough
Punch down the risen dough and roll it onto a floured surface into a rectangle about half an inch thick. This even surface will carry your filling perfectly in each layer.
Step 8: Layer Butter and Sugar Spices
Brush the dough with melted butter, then sprinkle your prepared brown sugar spice mixture evenly. Optionally, scatter chopped pecans for an extra crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
Step 9: Cut into Strips and Stack
Slice the dough into 1-inch strips, then stack these strips atop one another. This stacking is what makes pulling the bread apart so satisfying afterward.
Step 10: Create Dough Squares
Cut the stacked strips into 1-inch squares. These little squares will become the layers that puff up separately, allowing the irresistible pull-apart effect.
Step 11: Arrange in Loaf Pan
Grease a loaf pan and place the dough squares inside, layering them evenly. This layered assembly gives the bread its classic, shareable form.
Step 12: Second Rise
Cover the pan again and let the dough rise another 30 minutes, shaping up for a beautiful, fluffy loaf.
Step 13: Preheat and Bake
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and fragrant, filling your kitchen with that irresistible scent.
Step 14: Drizzle the Caramel
Remove the hot bread from the oven and immediately drizzle it generously with warm caramel sauce. The sauce will melt into every crevice, giving each bite a luscious finish.
Step 15: Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This rest time helps the caramel set ever so slightly for the perfect texture.
How to Serve Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Though the bread shines on its own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chopped pecans on top can elevate its presentation. If you want a dash of color and freshness, a sprig of mint or an edible flower adds a lovely touch.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of rich coffee or spiced chai tea for breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more substantial brunch, serve alongside creamy yogurt or whipped mascarpone for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing this recipe to a gathering, try serving the bread warm in a festive basket surrounded by small ramekins of extra caramel sauce and whipped cream. Alternatively, slice the loaf into portions and serve with seasonal fruit to create a stunning display that invites guests to indulge.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store the leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep it soft, you might want to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Freezing
This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To warm leftover Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe, pop individual slices or the whole loaf into a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel also works for a soft, cozy bite.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is a convenient choice year-round. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
Is it necessary to use pecans?
Pecans add a wonderful crunch and nuttiness, but if you have allergies or prefer a smoother bread, feel free to leave them out. The bread will still be delicious without them.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce can be used and if you have a favorite recipe, it’s a delightful personal touch. Store-bought caramel sauce works well too and saves time.
What if I don’t have warm milk at 110°F?
Warm milk helps activate the yeast without killing it. If it’s too hot, the yeast can die; too cool and it won’t activate properly. Use your finger to check the temperature—it should feel warm but not hot.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely. Doubling the ingredients and using two loaf pans or a larger pan works well. Just be sure to watch the baking time as it might vary slightly with size.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe has a special way of wrapping you in the comforting flavors of fall, filled with warm spices and sweet caramel that feels like a hug in bread form. I can’t recommend it enough for your next breakfast, brunch, or cozy night in. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite recipes to share and savor with loved ones.
Print
Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 35m
- Total Time: 1h 35m
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Caramel Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread is a soft, sweet, and irresistibly gooey treat perfect for fall. Made with pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, the dough is layered with a brown sugar mixture and optional pecans, then baked until golden. Drizzled with rich caramel sauce, this bread is a delightful combination of tender, spiced bread and luscious caramel perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
- ½ cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Additional melted butter for brushing
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Activate the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and granulated sugar, then sprinkle the yeast on top. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt evenly to prepare for the dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the frothy yeast mixture, egg, melted butter, and pumpkin puree to the flour mixture. Stir until a rough dough begins to form.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic, which helps with gluten development.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
- Prepare the Filling Mixture: While the dough rises, in a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger thoroughly for the spiced filling.
- Shape the Dough: Once risen, punch down the dough to release air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle about ½ inch thick.
- Add Filling: Brush the surface of the rolled dough with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the brown sugar-spice mixture on top. Optionally, sprinkle chopped pecans over the sugar mixture for extra texture and flavor.
- Cut the Dough: Cut the dough into 1-inch wide strips, and stack the strips on top of each other carefully.
- Cube the Stacked Dough: Cut the stacked strips into 1-inch squares, forming the pull apart pieces.
- Arrange in Loaf Pan: Grease a loaf pan and arrange the dough squares inside, layering them neatly as you go to create a stacked pull-apart bread effect.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf pan with a cloth again and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes to get puffy before baking.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Bake: Bake the pull apart bread for 30-35 minutes or until it turns a lovely golden brown color on top and is cooked through.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Immediately after removing the bread from the oven, drizzle warm caramel sauce evenly over the top, allowing it to soak into the crevices.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack for further cooling. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the milk used for yeast activation is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor or choose your favorite store-bought option.
- The bread is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Adding pumpkin puree makes the bread moist; be careful not to add extra liquid to avoid overly sticky dough.
