Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread

So, we were in the mood for something warm and cozy. You know, that fall feeling? That’s when we baked this Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread.

It’s soft inside, crusty outside. And the spice? Oh, it smells amazing. Like fall just walked into the kitchen.

We slice it thick and spread on butter. Sometimes honey too. It’s the kind of bread that makes you slow down.

Wanna try it? Let’s bake it together. You’re gonna love how easy it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Taste of Fall in Every Bite: With the warmth of pumpkin and the cozy spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove, this bread embodies the flavors of fall.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using just a few pantry staples, you can create a stunning, flavorful loaf that looks and tastes gourmet.
• No Kneading Required: This is a no-knead bread recipe, which means minimal effort and maximum results.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this bread is versatile enough to pair with both sweet and savory dishes.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before diving into the recipe, here are the tools you’ll need to make this delicious pumpkin spice artisan bread:

• Large Mixing Bowl: To combine the ingredients and allow the dough to rise.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of the ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Dough Hook: To mix the dough gently without overworking it.
• Dutch Oven or Baking Stone: For baking the bread and achieving that perfect golden crust.
• Kitchen Towel or Plastic Wrap: To cover the dough while it rises.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the bread after baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fall-inspired bread (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Snacktivist Foods Artisan Bread Mix (16oz bag): The base of this bread is a pre-mixed artisan bread blend that gives you a head start in the kitchen. This bread mix contains a perfect balance of flour, salt, and other dry ingredients.
• Warm Water (1 ¼ cups): This will help activate the yeast and ensure the dough rises beautifully.
• Instant-Rapid Rise Yeast (2 ½ tsp): Yeast is key to making the bread rise and achieve that perfect airy texture.
• Pumpkin Puree (½ cup): Adds moisture to the dough and infuses it with rich pumpkin flavor.
• Cider Vinegar (1 tsp): Helps the dough rise by adding a bit of acidity, resulting in a fluffier texture.
• Sugar (1 TBSP): A little sugar goes a long way to boost the yeast activation and balance the flavors.
• Pumpkin Spice or Garam Masala (1 TBSP): The perfect spice blend that brings the fall flavors to life.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread

• Add Nuts or Seeds: For added texture, you can mix in some roasted pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or pecans for a crunchy bite.
• Use Maple Syrup: Substitute sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness that complements the pumpkin spice flavor.
• Add Dried Fruit: Incorporate some dried cranberries or raisins for a burst of sweetness and a beautiful contrast in flavor.
• Try Other Spices: If you prefer a more intense spice profile, you can increase the cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. Alternatively, try adding ground ginger for an extra kick of warmth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast

To begin, combine the warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large mixing bowl. Stir the mixture gently and let it sit for 5 minutes to activate the yeast. You should see the yeast begin to foam and bubble, indicating it’s ready to go.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the pumpkin puree, cider vinegar, and pumpkin spice (or garam masala) to the yeast mixture. Stir everything together until the wet ingredients are fully combined. The pumpkin puree will give the dough a lovely orange color and a touch of sweetness, while the spices add that perfect seasonal flavor.

3. Combine with the Bread Mix

Now, pour in the Snacktivist Foods Artisan Bread Mix into the wet ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or dough hook until the ingredients are just combined into a sticky dough. It’s important not to overwork the dough, as this could result in a denser loaf.

4. Let the Dough Rise

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes. During this time, the dough will double in size, becoming light and airy. If you prefer, you can leave the dough to rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours for a longer fermentation, which will develop even more complex flavors.

5. Preheat the Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside the oven while it’s preheating. This will create the perfect environment for a golden, crispy crust. If you’re using a Dutch oven, be sure to also place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the pot for easy removal.

6. Shape the Dough

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently shape the dough into a round or oval shape, depending on your preference. Be careful not to deflate the dough too much, as you want to maintain that airy, soft texture inside.

7. Score the Bread

Before baking, use a sharp knife or bread lame to score the top of the dough. This helps the bread expand as it bakes and gives it that rustic artisan look. You can make a simple cross pattern, or get creative with your scoring design.

8. Bake the Bread

Baking in a Dutch Oven:

1. Carefully transfer the dough into the preheated Dutch oven. If you’ve used parchment paper, it should lift easily.
2. Cover the Dutch oven with its lid and bake for 25 minutes. This traps steam inside, giving the bread that perfect, chewy crust.
3. After 25 minutes, remove the lid and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
4. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack.

Baking on a Baking Stone:

1. If you’re using a baking stone, preheat it inside the oven along with a baking sheet or pizza stone.
2. Once the oven is ready, slide the bread onto the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

9. Let the Bread Cool

After baking, allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This gives the structure of the bread a chance to set and ensures you get that perfect slice.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread

This pumpkin spice bread is incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy it in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas for serving and enjoying your freshly baked bread:

• Warm with Butter: A simple slice of warm pumpkin spice bread with a pat of butter is comforting and delicious.
• For Toasting: Toast slices and spread them with a drizzle of honey, or top with your favorite jam.
• In Sandwiches: Make a savory sandwich with cream cheese, turkey, and a drizzle of cranberry sauce for a fall-inspired twist.
• As French Toast: Use slices of this bread for French toast and top with maple syrup and fresh berries for a hearty breakfast.
• With Cream Cheese or Nut Butters: Spread a thick layer of cream cheese, peanut butter, or almond butter for a satisfying snack.

Storing Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread

• At Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bread within 2-3 days, store it in a sealed container or bread box at room temperature. The bread will stay fresh and soft.
• Freezing: If you want to store the bread longer, slice it and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply toast it or warm it in the oven.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content of this pumpkin spice artisan bread, assuming 12 slices per loaf:

Nutrient	Amount (Per Slice)
Calories	130
Carbs	26g
Protein	3g
Fat	2g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	4g

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion size.

Conclusion

This Pumpkin Spice Artisan Bread is the perfect recipe to usher in the fall season. It’s fragrant, flavorful, and so easy to make – even if you’ve never baked bread before! With its soft, moist interior and crispy crust, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. Plus, it makes your home smell like heaven while it’s baking!