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Pumpkin Challah

Pumpkin Challah: A Cozy Fall Bread You’ll Adore

This Pumpkin Challah is a cozy fall bread with rich pumpkin spiced flavor, perfect for gatherings and versatile in use.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 4 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour May substitute with bread flour for a chewier texture.
  • 0.25 cups Granulated Sugar Can be reduced for a less sweet flavor or substituted with honey.
  • 2 teaspoons Instant Yeast Can swap with active dry yeast, adjusting for activation time.
  • 1 teaspoon Table Salt Ensure proper measurement to avoid over-salting.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Can use nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice as a substitute.
  • 1 cups Water (lukewarm) Ensure temperature is about 110°F for optimal yeast activity.
  • 1 cups Pumpkin Purée Can replace with butternut squash purée if unavailable.
  • 0.25 cups Vegetable Oil Substitute with melted butter for richness.
  • 1 large Egg Use a flax egg as a vegan alternative.
For the Egg Wash
  • 1 large Beaten Egg with Water Promotes a shiny crust; omit for a vegan version.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • wooden spoon
  • floured surface
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Kitchen Scale

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Challah
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, measure and whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk lukewarm water, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
  3. Form the Dough: Gradually pour wet ingredients into dry mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Knead the Dough: Transfer dough to a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First Rise: Shape into a ball and place in a greased bowl, covering it and letting it rise for 2 hours.
  6. Preheat the Oven: Once risen, preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment.
  7. Shape the Dough: Punch down risen dough, divide into three pieces, and braid or coil into shapes.
  8. Second Rise: Cover shaped loaves with a cloth and allow them to rise for about 1 hour.
  9. Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together one beaten egg and water, then brush it over the surface of the loaves.
  10. Bake the Loaves: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
  11. Cool and Slice: Let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 4gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Weigh ingredients for precise measurements, especially flour, to avoid dense bread. Cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

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