Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in a soft, buttery bread, then this Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread is absolutely for you. Imagine tender, slightly sweet brioche dough infused with velvety pumpkin puree, layered generously with a fragrant cinnamon and brown sugar swirl. Each slice offers a perfect balance of warm spices, rich pumpkin, and that melt-in-your-mouth buttery tenderness that makes it irresistible. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a special brunch, this bread brings that comforting autumn vibe right to your table in the most delicious way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread requires simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in creating its inviting flavor and texture. From the pumpkin puree adding moisture and color to the cinnamon sugar filling that delivers that signature swirl, every component is thoughtfully chosen for the best result.

• Milk (1/4 cup): Warm milk activates the yeast, helping the dough rise beautifully and stay tender.
• Active dry yeast (2 teaspoons): This magical ingredient gives the bread its airy, fluffy texture.
• Sunflower oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a neutral richness that keeps the dough soft without overpowering the pumpkin taste.
• Pumpkin puree (1/2 cup): Provides moistness, a subtle sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Balances flavors and supports yeast activity.
• Eggs (2, room temperature): Give structure and richness, contributing to brioche’s classic tenderness.
• All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The base of the dough, essential for structure and that perfect crumb.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, cubed and chilled): Adds luscious richness incorporated into the dough for that signature brioche softness.
• Unsalted butter (5 tablespoons, melted): Used for brushing the filling and pan to keep every bite moist and flavorful.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Mixed with cinnamon to create the sweet, caramel-like swirl.
• Cinnamon (2 teaspoons): The warm spice that makes this bread truly unforgettable.

How to Make Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread

Step 1: Prepare the Yeast and Wet Ingredients

Start by warming the milk just until it feels pleasantly warm to your fingers, never hot as that would kill the yeast. Sprinkle in the yeast and give it a gentle stir. You’ll notice it dissolve and begin to bubble slightly—this means your yeast is alive and ready to make your bread rise beautifully. Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, pumpkin puree, sugar, and eggs until it’s smooth and inviting. This blend sets the rich pumpkin foundation for your brioche.

Step 2: Form the Dough

Pour the yeasty milk mixture into the pumpkin mixture and stir to combine. Then add your flour and sprinkle in the sea salt. Using the dough hook on a stand mixer, mix on medium-low. At first, the dough will seem resistant and sticky — don’t worry, just keep at it for about 5 minutes. When the dough pulls away from the bowl and starts looking smoother, it’s time to add the chilled cubed butter piece by piece. Continue kneading on low speed until the butter disappears into that gorgeous dough, which should be smooth and slightly tacky by the end.

Step 3: First Rise and Chill

Place your dough ball onto a floured surface and fold it gently into a smooth ball. Transfer it into a large bowl that you’ve brushed lightly with oil, so the dough won’t stick while it grows. Let it rest uncovered for 30 minutes at room temperature to wake up the yeast, then cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight in the fridge for deep flavor development and easier shaping.

Step 4: Shape the Dough with Cinnamon Swirl

Before shaping, prepare your loaf pan by melting the butter and using it to coat the pan along with lining the pan sides and bottom with parchment paper. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface into a thin rectangle roughly twice as long as your pan and about a quarter inch thick. Brush this surface with melted butter, leaving a small border at one side.

Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar mixture evenly over the buttered dough. Now tightly roll it up from the long side to form a log, making sure to seal your seam well. Slice this log crosswise into two smaller logs and place them in your pan. You can arrange them side by side or stack them in an X shape for an impressive swirl pattern. Press gently so the dough fills the pan, then let it rise again at room temperature until it doubles—usually up to an hour.

Step 5: Bake Your Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread

While your dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Just before the bread goes in, give it a final brush with melted butter to create a golden, flavorful crust. Bake the loaf for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a deep golden brown and it sounds hollow when you tap it. Let it cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes, then use the parchment overhang to lift it out and cool completely—this final step is key to slicing without crumbling.

How to Serve Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread

Garnishes

This bread is stunning on its own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey enhances its natural sweetness and makes it feel extra special. For an added touch, a spread of softened cream cheese or mascarpone can complement the cinnamon and pumpkin flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve the rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread alongside autumn favorites like a creamy chai latte or a spiced apple cider. It pairs wonderfully with warm bowls of soup or hearty breakfast plates featuring eggs and bacon to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing this brioche thickly and toasting it lightly to bring out its buttery aroma before layering with nut butter and sliced bananas for a breakfast treat. Or transform leftover bread into indulgent French toast—imagine those cinnamon pumpkin swirls soaking up egg custard for a decadent brunch centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread keeps well at room temperature, loosely wrapped in foil or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps preserve its soft crumb and buttery aroma without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside a freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

Reheating

To regain that fresh-baked warmth, pop slices in a toaster or heat the entire loaf in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes after thawing. Brushing slices with a little butter before heating enhances the taste and texture, making it feel freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?

Absolutely! Just roast and mash fresh pumpkin until smooth, measuring out the same amount as the canned puree. Homemade adds a fresh flavor but be sure it’s well drained so the dough isn’t too wet.

What if I don’t have a stand mixer with a dough hook?

You can mix and knead the dough by hand! It requires a bit more elbow grease, kneading for about 10-12 minutes until smooth and elastic. The hands-on effort is worth the tender result.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?

Yes, tossing in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or raisins with the cinnamon sugar swirl adds delicious texture and flavor variety, making your Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread even more indulgent.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the dough overnight?

While the overnight chill deepens flavor and improves texture, you can do a quicker rise at room temperature for about 2 hours if you’re short on time, though the bread may be less rich in flavor.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Besides that beautiful golden top, tapping the bread should produce a hollow sound, indicating it’s baked through. Using a thermometer, the internal temperature should reach around 190°F for perfect doneness.

Final Thoughts

Making Rich cinnamon swirl pumpkin brioche bread is such a rewarding experience that fills your home with the scent of autumn and warmth. Once you slice into that aromatic, tender crumb studded with cinnamon-sweet swirls, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes for cozy mornings and special occasions alike. Don’t wait—grab the ingredients and treat yourself to this unforgettable bread delight!

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