Pumpkin Pull-Apart Bread

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, dissolve 2 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast in 2 tablespoons warm water (100-110°F). Add 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup warm milk (100-110°F), softened butter, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1 pinch ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the yeast mixture. Mix until well combined.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, until a soft, tacky dough forms. The dough should be soft, but not sticky. You may not need the full 4 cups of flour.

Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, either by hand or using the dough hook on a stand mixer, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Just before the dough is finished rising, make the dipping mixture. Whisk together the melted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 pinch ground cloves in a small bowl.

Lightly grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan or two standard 9x5-inch bread loaf pans. Once the dough has risen, break off walnut-sized pieces. Dip each piece into the butter mixture and place them in the pan. Pour any remaining butter mixture over the dough.

Cover the pan(s) and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and baked through. The internal temperature should reach 190°F.

While the bread is baking, make the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with a hand mixer for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and continue beating until smooth.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert the pan onto a large plate or serving platter. While the bread is still warm, drizzle with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Serve warm or let cool completely before serving.

Dessert