Embrace the autumnal spirit with this stunning pull-apart brioche, shaped like a pumpkin and infused with the warm flavors of pumpkin puree and cheddar. A show-stopping centerpiece, perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall gathering.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the butter, 2 1/2 cups of flour, Cheddar cheese, eggs, water, dry milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, yeast, and salt. Mix on medium-high speed until a smooth and shiny dough forms (approximately 15 minutes).

02

Step

Sprinkle most of the remaining 1/4 cup of flour onto a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the floured surface and form it into a ball. Place the dough ball in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rest until doubled in volume (approximately 1 hour).

03

Step

Transfer the dough to the refrigerator and chill for 3 hours.

04

Step

Lay out two long pieces of kitchen string or twine onto lightly floured parchment paper to form an 'X'. Lay another pair of strings across the 'X', repeating until a circle is complete. Place the dough ball in the center, where the strings intersect. Tie each string securely over the top of the dough, then trim the ends. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place until puffy and doubled in volume (2 to 3 hours).

05

Step

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a small bowl, beat together the egg white and milk to create an egg wash. Unwrap the dough and brush it generously with the egg wash. Carefully lift the parchment paper onto a baking sheet.

06

Step

Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Continue baking, tenting the brioche with aluminum foil after 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning, for an additional 30 to 35 minutes. Let the bread cool on a wire rack until it is no longer hot to the touch.

07

Step

Once cooled, carefully flip the brioche over. Cut the kitchen strings on the bottom and gently pull them out. Finally, poke the cinnamon stick through the center of the top of the bread to resemble a pumpkin stem.