Golden Autumn Harvest Bread
Embrace the warmth of autumn with this delightful Golden Autumn Harvest Bread. Infused with the natural sweetness of pumpkin or butternut squash, this savory bread boasts a stunning golden hue, courtesy of saffron and turmeric. A hint of cinnamon and ginger lingers in the background, adding depth without overwhelming the flavors. Perfect for an afternoon snack, served with warm butter, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews, this bread will surely become a favorite in your home. Whether you opt for canned or fresh squash, the result is a beautifully textured, moist bread that captures the essence of fall with every slice.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked pumpkin or pureed butternut squash
3/4 cup (cooked or pureed)
water
1 cup (warm)
butter or coconut oil
1 tablespoon (softened)
flour
4 cups (all-purpose)
salt
1 teaspoon (fine sea salt)
brown sugar
2 teaspoons (lightly packed)
fast rising yeast
1 1/2 teaspoons (instant)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
ginger
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
saffron
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (1/2 in dough and 1/4 in glaze)
pumpkin seeds
1 1/2 tablespoons (optional)
egg
1 (beaten)
Instructions
1
In the bread machine bowl, combine the water and the cooked pumpkin or pureed butternut squash.
2
Add the softened butter or coconut oil.
3
Carefully add the flour on top, making sure to keep the salt, sugar, and yeast in separate corners of the bowl.
4
Sprinkle the salt in one corner, the brown sugar in another, and the yeast in a third corner of the bowl to prevent them from interacting directly at the start.
5
Next, add the cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and turmeric.
6
Set the bread machine to the dough cycle and press start. If your machine has a dried fruit cycle, it will beep when it’s time to add any optional pumpkin seeds.
7
Once the dough cycle is complete, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently punch it down and shape it into a round mound. Use your fingers to gently press down the center.
8
Cover the dough mound with oiled plastic wrap and let it rise for 45 minutes in a warm place.
9
While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10
In a small bowl, blend the egg with the turmeric to create a glaze.
11
After the rising time, remove the wrap from the dough. Use a sharp knife to make slashes along the sides of the dough to mimic the appearance of a pumpkin.
12
Brush the top of the bread with the egg-turmeric glaze to achieve a glossy finish.
13
Place the shaped dough in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
14
Allow to cool slightly before slicing and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Autumn Harvest Bread?
It is a savory, moist yeast bread infused with pumpkin or butternut squash and seasoned with autumn spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
What gives this bread its unique golden color?
The stunning golden hue is achieved through the addition of saffron and turmeric in both the dough and the glaze.
Can I use butternut squash instead of pumpkin?
Yes, you can use either 3/4 cup of cooked pumpkin or pureed butternut squash for this recipe.
Is this bread savory or sweet?
This is primarily a savory bread, though it has natural sweetness from the squash and a small amount of brown sugar.
What type of flour is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of all-purpose flour.
Do I need a bread machine to make this?
The instructions specify using a bread machine's dough cycle for the initial mixing and rising, but the bread is shaped by hand and baked in a standard oven.
Why should I keep the salt, sugar, and yeast in separate corners?
Keeping them separate prevents them from interacting directly at the start, which helps ensure the yeast activates properly during the mixing process.
What spices are used in the Golden Autumn Harvest Bread?
The recipe uses cinnamon, ginger, saffron, and turmeric to create a warm, complex flavor profile.
How do I add pumpkin seeds to the bread?
If your bread machine has a dried fruit cycle, add the seeds when it beeps; otherwise, they can be incorporated during the final shaping.
How long does the dough need to rise after shaping?
The shaped dough mound should rise for 45 minutes in a warm place while covered with oiled plastic wrap.
What is the baking temperature for this bread?
The bread should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How is the bread glaze made?
The glaze is a simple blend of one beaten egg and a small amount of turmeric.
How can I make the bread look like a pumpkin?
Shape the dough into a round mound and use a sharp knife to make slashes along the sides before baking to mimic a pumpkin's ribs.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically bakes for 35 to 40 minutes.
How can I tell if the bread is fully cooked?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and produces a hollow sound when you tap the bottom.
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Yes, softened coconut oil is a perfectly acceptable substitute for butter in this recipe.
Is the saffron necessary for the recipe?
No, saffron is listed as an optional ingredient, though it does contribute to the bread's color and aroma.
What kind of yeast should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of fast-rising or instant yeast.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, the recipe works well with both canned puree and fresh, cooked squash or pumpkin.
What should I serve with Golden Autumn Harvest Bread?
It is excellent served warm with butter or as a side dish for autumn soups and stews.
How do I get a glossy finish on the crust?
Brushing the top of the bread with the egg-turmeric glaze before putting it in the oven creates a glossy, golden finish.
Is this bread healthy?
This bread includes nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, turmeric, and ginger, making it a wholesome addition to a balanced meal.
What is the preparation for the squash?
The squash or pumpkin should be cooked and pureed before being added to the bread machine.
Should the water be cold or warm?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of warm water to help activate the yeast.
How much turmeric is needed?
Use 1 teaspoon total: 1/2 teaspoon for the dough and 1/4 teaspoon (or the remainder) for the egg glaze.
Can I add more seeds to the bread?
The recipe suggests 1 1/2 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds, but you can adjust this amount to your preference.
What is the texture of the finished bread?
The bread is moist and beautifully textured thanks to the inclusion of the squash puree.
Should I slice the bread immediately?
It is best to allow the bread to cool slightly before slicing to maintain its structure.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of lightly packed brown sugar.
What is the serving size for this bread?
While specific serving sizes aren't listed, a standard loaf typically provides 10-12 slices.