Are you ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy autumn haven? This incredible Daks Pumpkin Wheat Bread is about to become your new obsession! Imagine the rich, warm aroma of freshly baked bread infused with the subtle sweetness of pumpkin and honey, filling your home with an irresistible fragrance that will have everyone racing to the kitchen. Whether you're a bread machine novice or a seasoned baker, this foolproof recipe promises a delectable loaf that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients: 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree, 2 tablespoons of honey, 3 cups of whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast.
- Measure 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) and pour it into the bread machine's baking pan. This temperature is ideal for activating the yeast.
- Add 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree to the warm water in the bread pan. Make sure the puree is smooth and free of lumps for even distribution.
- Next, add 2 tablespoons of honey to the mixture. Honey not only adds sweetness but also helps to keep the bread moist.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 cups of whole wheat flour with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even distribution of the salt.
- Gradually add the flour and salt mixture to the bread machine, ensuring it covers the wet ingredients completely. This helps to create a barrier that prevents the yeast from activating too early.
- Make a small well in the center of the flour and add 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Be careful not to let the yeast touch the liquid ingredients at this stage.
- Close the lid of the bread machine securely and select the 'Whole Wheat' setting on your machine. Set the crust preference if your machine allows (light, medium, or dark) and then start the machine.
- Allow the bread machine to mix, knead, rise, and bake the bread. This process will take approximately 3 hours.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully open the bread machine and use oven mitts to remove the baking pan. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After cooling, gently remove the loaf from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain the bread's texture.
- Once cooled, slice the bread using a serrated knife and enjoy it fresh or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Tips
- Yeast Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is precisely between 105-110°F. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cool, and it won't activate properly.
- Pumpkin Perfection: Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. The difference will impact both flavor and texture.
- Flour Fresh Factor: Use fresh whole wheat flour for the best flavor and rising potential. If your flour has been sitting for months, consider replacing it.
- Honey Hack: For easier measuring, spray your measuring spoon with non-stick cooking spray before adding honey – it'll slide right off!
- Cooling Crucial: Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture. Patience is key!
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3-4 days.
- Bread Machine Maintenance: Clean your bread machine after each use to prevent any residue buildup that could affect future loaves.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 7g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
