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Pumpkin Fry Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter Recipe

4.8 from 75 reviews

This Pumpkin Fry Bread recipe combines the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with pumpkin puree to create a soft, fluffy fried bread. Served warm and topped with a smooth cinnamon cream cheese butter, it’s a comforting treat perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup warm milk (100-110℉)
  • 3 1/24 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pinch ground cloves
  • 4 tablespoons cold butter (cut in pieces)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Cream Cheese Butter Topping

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup butter (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Combine yeast, sugar and milk: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast, 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup warm milk. Let sit for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy and activated.
  2. Mix dry ingredients and cut in butter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 cups of the flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves. Add 4 tablespoons cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until the texture resembles coarse cornmeal.
  3. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture in the stand mixer and mix on low speed for 30-60 seconds just until combined. Then add 1 large egg and 1 cup pumpkin puree and continue mixing on low until fully incorporated.
  4. Add remaining flour and knead: Gradually add the remaining flour, a little at a time, while mixing on low speed until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl and forms a soft dough. Increase to medium speed and knead for 3-4 minutes until smooth and elastic.
  5. First rise: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  6. Shape dough pieces: Punch down the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Break off walnut-sized pieces and roll each into a thin, flat disc about 1/4 inch thick.
  7. Fry the dough: Heat 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 350-375°F. Fry the dough pieces in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  8. Prepare Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter: In a small bowl, combine 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Use a hand mixer to whip until smooth and creamy.
  9. Serve: Serve the fry bread warm topped or spread with the cinnamon cream cheese butter. Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated.

Notes

  • Ensure the milk is warm but not hot (100-110°F) to activate the yeast properly without killing it.
  • You can adjust the thickness of the fry bread discs depending on your preference, thinner pieces will be crisper.
  • Be cautious with oil temperature; too hot will burn the bread, too cool will make it greasy.
  • Leftover cinnamon cream cheese butter can be stored in the fridge up to one week.
  • This fry bread is best served fresh and warm for optimum softness and flavor.

Keywords: Pumpkin fry bread, fried bread, cinnamon cream cheese butter, autumn recipe, pumpkin recipe, fried dough