The Best Easy Sweet & Spiced Pumpkin Babka Recipe

The Best Easy Sweet & Spiced Pumpkin Babka Recipe

 

 

As the weather cools and the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like filling your home with the comforting aroma of fresh-baked bread, especially when it’s infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin and fall spices. If you’re looking for the perfect seasonal treat to add to your kosher kitchen, this Pumpkin Babka recipe from Melinda Strauss (@therealmelindastrauss on Instagram) will hit all the right notes.

With this recipe, Melinda, a trusted voice in the kosher cooking community, takes the traditional babka—already a favorite in many Jewish homes—and gives it a seasonal twist. This version combines a rich pumpkin filling with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for a beautifully spiced loaf that’s perfect for fall Shabbat dinners or as a show-stopping dessert for your holiday table.

Plus, you can easily knead the dough by hand, meaning you don’t even need to pull out your stand mixer to whip up this babka. With simple, delicious ingredients and a quick and easy method, you can make this Pumpkin Babka recipe in just a few hours (including time to let the dough rise).

This babka delivers flavor and includes a clever addition: instant pudding powder in the filling, which adds a creamy texture and helps the babka stay moist longer. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced pro, this recipe is designed with the kosher home cook in mind. It’s easy to follow, yields two beautiful loaves, and is a great way to celebrate the flavors of the season while keeping things kosher.

Let’s get into the recipe and bring a little pumpkin-flavored joy to your kitchen this fall!

There’s So Much to Love About This Pumpkin Babka Recipe

Pumpkin Babka Recipe

Photo: Melinda Strauss

  • Cozy Fall Flavors: The pumpkin puree combined with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg brings all those warm, fall vibes right into your kitchen.
  • Fun to Make: Yeast doughs may look complicated, but this step-by-step process makes it simple to create sweet braided bread at home.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This sweet bread recipe yields two loaves, making it perfect for gifting or enjoying with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Babka Dough:

  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for topping)

For the Pumpkin Filling:

  • 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 package vanilla or chocolate instant pudding powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and ready to give the dough that fluffy texture.

Next, add the whisked eggs, oil, flour, and salt. Mix until everything is combined, then knead the dough by hand for about 2-3 minutes. It should feel slightly sticky—if it’s too sticky to work with, sprinkle in a bit more flour.

Cover the bowl with a clean towel or a bit of plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles.

2. Make the Pumpkin Filling

While your dough is rising, mix the filling ingredients (pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and instant pudding powder) in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. The pudding powder adds a creamy texture to the filling, making it extra indulgent!

3. Roll and Fill the Dough

Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet (or two loaf pans) with parchment paper.

With a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges.

4. Shape the Babka

Roll the dough up tightly into a log, then cut the log in half so you have two shorter logs of dough. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet or prepared loaf pan. Using clean scissors, cut notches along each log at an angle, pulling the snipped pieces out to alternate sides, creating that classic babka twist.

Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

Using a pastry brush, brush the dough with an egg wash and sprinkle with a little bit of cinnamon and sugar for that beautiful, golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Let your babka cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Pro Tips for Baking Babka

  • Don’t shortcut the proofing: Allowing the dough to rise enough both before and after shaping is key to a light, airy babka.
  • Get creative with the filling: Not into pumpkin? You can swap the filling for chocolate, a sugary cinnamon filling, or even a nutty spread like almond or hazelnut butter.
  • Storage: Babka is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to strain any excess liquid from the fresh puree so it’s not too watery.

What’s the best way to reheat babka?

Pop slices in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes, or give them a quick zap in the microwave to warm them up.

Can I make this dough in advance?

Yes! After the first rise, you can refrigerate the dough overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before rolling it out.

What can I make with leftover babka?

Pumpkin babka French toast or a breakfast babka bread pudding would be the best decadent sweet treat the next morning and take very little effort.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Babka is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a true fall celebration, blending seasonal spices with a classic, beloved Jewish pastry. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert for your next Shabbat meal or holiday dinner party, gifting a loaf to a friend, or simply enjoying a warm slice with a cup of tea, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire.

As kosher home cooks, we’re always looking for recipes that not only meet dietary needs but also bring joy to the table, and this Pumpkin Babka does just that. It’s a versatile bake that can be enjoyed during the week or saved for special occasions, making it an ideal addition to your holiday spread. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a treat that all of your guests will enjoy.

Baking this babka is also a wonderful opportunity to create moments in the kitchen with family and friends. The process of kneading, rolling, and shaping the dough can be a fun, hands-on activity for kids or a relaxing way to spend a fall afternoon. And the result? Two beautiful loaves of golden, pumpkin-spiced babka, perfect for sharing—or savoring yourself!

So, grab your rolling pin, stock up on pumpkin puree, and get ready to fill your home with the warm, inviting scent of this delicious babka. It’s a bake that’s guaranteed to bring smiles, warmth, and a little extra sweetness to your fall season.

Happy baking! 😊

The Best Easy Sweet & Spiced Pumpkin Babka Recipe

Sweet and Spiced Pumpkin Babka

Course Dinner
Servings 0

Ingredients
  

  • For the Babka Dough:
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs whisked
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon for topping
  • For the Pumpkin Filling:
  • 15 oz. can pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 package vanilla or chocolate instant pudding powder

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dough
  • In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes until the yeast is foamy. This step is crucial to ensure your yeast is active and ready to give the dough that fluffy texture.
  • Next, add the whisked eggs, oil, flour, and salt. Mix until everything is combined, then knead the dough by hand for about 2-3 minutes. It should feel slightly sticky—if it's too sticky to work with, sprinkle in a bit more flour.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean towel or a bit of plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until it doubles in size.
  • Make the Pumpkin Filling
  • While your dough is rising, mix together the filling ingredients (pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and instant pudding powder) in a medium bowl until the sugar dissolves. The pudding powder adds a creamy texture to the filling, making it extra indulgent!
  • Roll and Fill the Dough
  • Once the dough has risen, preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet (or two loaf pans) with parchment paper.
  • With a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a large rectangle on a lightly floured surface. Spread the pumpkin filling evenly over the dough, leaving about an inch border around the edges.
  • Shape the Babka
  • Roll the dough up tightly into a log, then cut the log in half so you have two shorter logs of dough. Transfer the dough to the baking sheet or prepared loaf pan. Using clean scissors, cut notches along each log at an angle, pulling the snipped pieces out to alternate sides, creating that classic babka twist.
  • Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes.
  • Bake to Golden Perfection
  • Using a pastry brush, brush the dough with an egg wash and sprinkle with a little bit of cinnamon and sugar for that beautiful, golden crust. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  • Let your babka cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Keyword Pumpkin Babka, fresh-baked bread, Shabbat dinners
Dini Klein
Founder of Prep+Rally, Dini Klein DINI@PREPANDRALLY.COM

Hey, I’m Dini Klein. I’m a cookbook author (you can shop my book here!) food host, former private chef, wife, and mama to some cute and very energetic kids.

Prep + Rally™ is my solution to getting a wholesome dinner on the table on those busy week nights when juggling mommy-ing and work life feels almost impossible.  Prep + Rally is the system helping busy moms all over the world get through it with ease!

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