Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread

There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen on a crisp morning. I still remember the first time I baked this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread—it was one of those spur-of-the-moment ideas that turned into a new seasonal favorite. I was experimenting with autumn flavors, and as the cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove began to fill the air, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The result was a soft, sweet, and warmly spiced bread that you can pull apart with your fingers—perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.

What I love most about this recipe is how it brings people together. Whether I’m baking it for my family, a small gathering, or just to enjoy at home, this bread never lasts long. The layers are flaky, sticky, and infused with rich fall flavors—each bite is as satisfying as the last. And the best part? It’s easy enough to make on a weekday, but impressive enough to serve on special occasions.

You’ll love this recipe for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with a glaze, enjoy it plain, or even switch up the spices depending on your mood. It works just as well for a cozy breakfast as it does for dessert. You can make it ahead, freeze it, and reheat it without losing its texture or flavor.

It’s also very affordable. The ingredients are pantry staples—flour, yeast, sugar, butter, and of course, canned pumpkin. The spices are common, and you likely have them on hand if you bake often. There’s no need for any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items. Just a few simple ingredients and a bit of love, and you’ll have a beautiful, bakery-worthy loaf.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 packet (7g) instant dry yeast

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup warm milk

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/3 cup canned pumpkin purée

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the filling:

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Optional glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Prepare This Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread

Making this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread is simpler than it looks. Despite its beautiful, layered presentation, the process is actually quick and manageable. You don’t need to be an expert baker—just follow these steps and you’ll have a warm, golden loaf on your table in no time.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Make a well in the center. In a separate bowl, combine the warm milk, melted butter, canned pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. You can use your hands or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook.

Step 2: Knead and Let It Rise
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 7 to 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Place it in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the dough is rising, make the filling. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Melt the butter separately and set both aside.

Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Once the dough has risen, punch it down and place it on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, about 12×20 inches. Brush the entire surface with melted butter. Sprinkle the spiced sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Step 5: Cut and Stack
Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough lengthwise into four long strips. Stack the strips on top of each other. Then, cut the stacked strips crosswise into 6 equal sections.

Step 6: Assemble the Layers
Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. Take each dough section and stack them upright in the loaf pan, cut sides facing out. Don’t worry if it looks messy—the pieces will bake together beautifully. Cover and let it rise again for 30 to 40 minutes.

Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the bread for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 8: Optional Glaze
While the bread is cooling slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. Drizzle it over the warm loaf if desired.

Quick and Easy

Although this recipe uses yeast, the steps are very simple. The dough comes together quickly, and most of the time is just letting it rise. The stacking and layering technique is surprisingly easy and gives that beautiful pull-apart effect without needing any complicated shaping.

Customizable

Feel free to switch things up. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture. You can also mix in a bit of orange zest to brighten the flavor. If you prefer a more subtle spice blend, reduce the amount of clove or ginger.

Popular with Many People

This bread is loved by adults and kids alike. It’s fun to eat, thanks to its tear-and-share format, and the flavors are universally comforting. Whether you serve it as breakfast, snack, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to be a hit on your table. And when the glaze melts into the warm crevices of each layer—it’s pure magic.

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FAQs

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the dough the night before and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, take it out, let it come to room temperature, and continue with the rolling and assembling process.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin purée as long as it’s smooth and not too watery. Make sure to drain it well or cook it down slightly before using it to maintain the right dough texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds to enjoy it warm again.

Can I freeze Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread?
Yes, this bread freezes very well. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm slightly before serving.

Can I make it without glaze?
Yes. The glaze is optional and mostly for added sweetness and shine. The bread is already flavorful on its own, so you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet version.

What type of pan should I use?
A standard 9×5 inch loaf pan works perfectly for this recipe. Make sure to line it with parchment paper or grease it well to prevent sticking.

Can I use a different flour?
All-purpose flour works best for a soft and tender texture. You can use bread flour if desired, but the result will be slightly chewier. Whole wheat flour is not recommended, as it may make the bread too dense.