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Pecan Pumpkin Spice Swirl Bread

Laura Norris
Prep Time 3 hours
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1 cup all-purpose or bread flour plus extra for kneading/rolling
  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten*
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup pecans finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Boil the water for 15 minutes. This will dissipate some of the chlorine present in tap water. Let cool until it is warm to the touch but not hot - about the temperature of bath water or slightly cooler. Stir the oil, honey, and yeast into the water and let sit for 10-15 minutes, until the yeast blooms and develops a thick foam.
  • Combine the yeast mixture, flours, salt, and vital wheat gluten in a large bowl. Gently stir together and let rest for 15-20 minutes.
  • Use a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or your hands to knead the bread for 6-8 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to the lowest temperature and boil more water. Once the oven reaches the temperature, turn off and place the boiling water in an oven-safe bowl on the lowest rack of the oven. This will create a warm and humid environment that is conducive to yeast activity.
  • Let the bread rise for 60-90 minutes, until doubled in size.
  • Roll out the dough to ¼ to ⅓ inch thick.** Beat the egg and evenly brush half of it onto the rolled out dough. (Store the remaining egg in the fridge for a later step.)
  • Mix together the pumpkin spice and the brown sugar. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small margin so it does not overflow when you roll it.
  • Use both hands to slowly and evenly roll the dough into a loaf. Place the loaf in a pan lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with flour. Let rise for another 45 to 60 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the oven-safe bowl of water in the oven to keep the oven humid for baking. Brush the remaining egg over the top of the loaf and sprinkle on the chopped pecans.
  • Once the oven is preheated, place in bread on the top rack and reduce the temperature to 375 degrees. Bake for 40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.
  • Let cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

*Not necessary, but it does produce a great rise in whole wheat bread.
**I rolled mine out to approximately 20 inches long and 8 inches wide.