No-Knead Dutch Oven Pumpkin Bread (Crispy Crust + Soft, Chewy Center)

This No-Knead Dutch Oven Pumpkin Bread is the ultimate fall comfort bread. With a crisp, crackly crust and a soft, tender interior, it’s packed with pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Best of all, it requires no kneading, making it easy for beginner bakers or anyone craving homemade bread without the fuss.

Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or alongside soups and stews, this pumpkin bread combines rustic charm with bakery-quality texture, all baked in a Dutch oven for that perfect artisan crust.

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp instant yeast
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup warm water
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter

Optional Toppings

• Pumpkin seeds
• Turbinado sugar

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, yeast, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

2. Add Wet Ingredients
Add pumpkin puree, warm water, sugar, and olive oil. Stir until a sticky dough forms.

3. First Rise
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours. Dough should double and become bubbly.

4. Preheat Dutch Oven
Place a Dutch oven with its lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).

5. Shape Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Let rest 30 minutes while Dutch oven heats.

6. Bake
Carefully remove preheated Dutch oven. Place dough inside, cover, and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 15–20 minutes until crust is golden and crisp.

7. Cool & Serve
Transfer bread to a wire rack to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Sprinkle with seeds or sugar if desired.

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Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• No Knead Needed: The long rise develops gluten naturally.
• Check Dough Consistency: Dough should be sticky but manageable.
• Dutch Oven: Produces the signature crisp crust.
• Spices: Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to taste.

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Variations

• Sweet: Add chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
• Savory: Incorporate shredded cheese and herbs instead of sugar/spices.
• Seeded Top: Sprinkle pumpkin or sunflower seeds for texture.

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Serving Suggestions

• Slice and spread with butter or cream cheese.
• Serve alongside pumpkin soup or chili for a cozy meal.
• Toast for breakfast with jam or nut butter.

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Fun Facts

Pumpkin bread became popular in the U.S. in the 20th century as pumpkin transitioned from pie-only use to a versatile baking ingredient. Using a Dutch oven mimics artisan bakery techniques, giving home bakers a golden crust and soft crumb with minimal effort.