Autumn Delight Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Yeast Bread
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of fall with this Autumn Delight Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Yeast Bread. This hearty loaf is a unique twist on traditional pumpkin bread, featuring yeast as the leavening agent for added texture and depth. With the comforting aromas of pumpkin, spices, and melted chocolate chips, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Though yeast breads can be a bit challenging for novice bakers, this recipe provides clear instructions to help you master the art of bread-making. Taste the essence of autumn with each slice of this delightful loaf, making it a wonderful addition to your seasonal baking repertoire. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter for an extra treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 1/4 - 3 3/4 cups (Measure accurately, using more at the end if needed)
active dry yeast
2 packages (Activate with warm liquid)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (Use fresh for better flavor)
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (Use fresh for better flavor)
ground cloves
1/8 - 1/4 teaspoon (Use to taste)
milk
3/4 cup (Heat until warm)
packed brown sugar
1/4 cup (Pack tightly when measuring)
margarine or butter
2 tablespoons (Melt in the warming milk)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (Use fine salt for better incorporation)
canned pumpkin
1/2 cup (Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pie filling)
walnuts or pecans
3/4 cup (Chop if necessary; can be toasted for flavor)
chocolate chips
3/4 cup (Use semi-sweet or dark for richer flavor)
milk
for brushing on top (None)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1-1/2 cups of flour, yeast, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
2
In a 1-quart saucepan, gently heat the milk, brown sugar, margarine (or butter), and salt over medium heat until the mixture reaches 120°F to 130°F (just warm) and the margarine is nearly melted.
3
Pour the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture, then add the canned pumpkin.
4
Using an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the mixture on low speed for 30 seconds, ensuring to scrape the sides of the bowl as needed. Then, increase the speed to high and beat for an additional 3 minutes.
5
Stir in the walnuts (or pecans), chocolate chips, and gradually mix in the remaining flour until the dough is pliable but not too stiff.
6
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes, gradually incorporating enough remaining flour to achieve a smooth and elastic consistency.
7
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl, turning it once to coat the surface with grease.
8
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place until it doubles in size, about 30 to 45 minutes.
9
Once risen, punch the dough down gently to release air. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and cover with a cloth to rest for 10 minutes.
10
Meanwhile, lightly grease an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.
11
Shape the rested dough into a loaf and place it in the prepared pan. Cover and let it rise again until doubled, about 25 to 30 minutes.
12
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Before baking, brush the top of the loaf with milk for a beautiful golden crust.
13
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. If it begins to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes.
14
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
15
Serve and enjoy your delightful Autumn Delight Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Yeast Bread!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Delight Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Yeast Bread?
It is a hearty, unique loaf that uses yeast as a leavening agent to provide added texture and depth to traditional pumpkin bread flavors.
How does this recipe differ from standard pumpkin bread?
Unlike most pumpkin breads which are quick breads, this recipe uses active dry yeast, creating a bread with a more traditional loaf texture.
What are the primary flavors in this bread?
The bread features a blend of pumpkin, chocolate chips, and spices including ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.
How many packages of yeast are needed?
This recipe requires 2 packages of active dry yeast.
What spices are used for the pumpkin spice flavor?
The recipe calls for ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
What temperature should the milk and sugar mixture reach?
The mixture should be heated until it reaches between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use either 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
What type of pumpkin should I use?
You should use pure canned pumpkin rather than pumpkin pie filling.
How much flour is required in total?
The recipe uses between 3 1/4 and 3 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour.
What is the recommended kneading time?
The dough should be kneaded for 6 to 8 minutes until it achieves a smooth and elastic consistency.
How long is the first rising period?
The first rise takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes in a warm, draft-free place.
What does it mean to 'punch the dough down'?
Punching the dough down gently releases the air that has built up during the first rising period.
How long should the dough rest after being punched down?
The dough should rest for 10 minutes before being shaped into a loaf.
What size loaf pan is needed for this recipe?
You will need an 8x4x2-inch loaf pan.
How long is the second rising period?
The shaped loaf should rise for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until doubled in size.
At what temperature should the bread be baked?
The bread should be baked in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The baking time is between 35 and 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the top.
What should I do if the bread is browning too quickly?
If the bread browns too fast, cover it loosely with foil for the final 10 to 15 minutes of baking.
Should I brush the top of the loaf with anything?
Yes, brush the top of the loaf with milk just before baking to achieve a golden crust.
What kind of nuts can be added?
You can add 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
What type of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended for a richer flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?
While yeast breads can be challenging, the recipe provides clear instructions specifically designed to help master bread-making.
How should the bread be cooled?
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Can this bread be toasted?
Yes, it is delicious when toasted and served with a pat of butter.
How much canned pumpkin is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of canned pumpkin.
What mixer attachment should be used?
An electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment is recommended for the initial mixing stages.
What should the dough consistency be like?
The dough should be pliable but not too stiff after the ingredients are combined.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed for this pumpkin yeast bread.
What is the best way to enjoy this bread?
It is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.