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Pumpkin Challah

Irresistibly Soft Pumpkin Challah Perfect for Fall Feasts

This Soft and Sweet Pumpkin Challah is a must-try for its warm flavor and comforting presence at any fall gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Rising Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Jewish
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 5.75 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or bread flour for a lighter texture
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar or brown sugar for deeper flavor
  • 2.25 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast if proofed
  • 1.5 teaspoons table salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup lukewarm water not hot to avoid killing yeast
  • 0.5 cups pumpkin purée canned or fresh
  • 0.25 cups vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
For the Topping
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water for wash

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • wooden spoon
  • parchment paper
  • baking sheet
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, yeast, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until evenly mixed.
  2. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: lukewarm water, pumpkin purée, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
  3. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 6 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. Grease a bowl with oil, place the dough inside, cover, and let it rise in a warm area for about 2 hours until doubled.
  6. Punch down the dough, divide into two portions, roll each into a rectangle, and shape into spirals.
  7. Cover the shaped loaves and let them rise for another hour.
  8. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Prepare the egg wash, brush the tops of the loaves, and repeat for a glossy finish.
  10. Bake the loaves for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown, checking internal temperature of 190°F.
  11. Let the loaves cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Perfect for serving during Rosh Hashanah or as a cozy fall treat. Leftovers can easily be transformed into French toast or bread pudding.

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