Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with this easy-to-make Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread, a truly sinfully delicious breakfast or dessert. Each tender, gooey layer bursts with the comforting flavors of autumn, reminiscent of a classic cinnamon roll but made with significantly less effort. Perfect for cozy weekend mornings or a delightful gathering, this bread promises a delightful experience that captures the essence of the season.
When it comes to the quintessential fall dessert, pumpkin pie, my household stands firmly divided. I confess to being rather indifferent, a “take-it-or-leave-it” kind of person, while my husband, on the other hand, is an ardent devotee, often eyeing my untouched slice with hopeful anticipation. However, there’s one meal where our tastes perfectly align: breakfast. There’s a certain magic to our lazy Saturday mornings, the comforting sizzle of bacon, the aroma of freshly scrambled eggs, and the simple pleasure of buttery toast paired with a steaming cup of coffee. Yet, every now and then, especially when we have guests, I love to elevate our routine with something truly special, a dish that transforms an ordinary morning into a memorable occasion.
And if you, like many, have a deep affection for all things pumpkin, then prepare yourself, because this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread is nothing short of the monarch of special breakfasts. Or perhaps, the reigning queen of desserts. Or why not both? Rest assured, your secret is safe with me. This recipe isn’t just food; it’s an experience, a warm embrace of autumn flavors that will leave everyone reaching for more.
Truth be told, this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread with Vanilla Glaze has quickly ascended to the top ranks of my favorite sweet treats this season, rivaled only by my equally phenomenal Apple Pie Pull Apart Bread. Each bite offers a rich, doughy texture, giving way to a soft, warmly spiced pumpkin center, perfectly complemented by slightly crisp, golden edges. Crowned with a simple yet decadent three-ingredient vanilla glaze, serving a slice of this bread feels akin to presenting a little piece of heaven on a plate. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, making every moment feel a little more special.
What truly sets this recipe apart, beyond its exquisite taste, is its astonishing simplicity. Forget the daunting task of preparing dough from scratch; this recipe leverages the genius of a humble can of refrigerated biscuits. This shortcut is a game-changer, making it accessible even for novice bakers or those with limited time. You simply halve each biscuit, creating more individual layers for that irresistible “pull-apart” effect. Then, generously spoon a luscious mixture of pumpkin pie filling, melted butter, and a fragrant cinnamon-sugar blend over each piece. The key here is to use *pumpkin pie filling*, not plain pumpkin puree. The pie filling comes pre-sweetened and pre-spiced, offering the perfect balance of autumnal flavors that pure pumpkin alone would lack. Stack a few biscuits together, arranging these delightful piles side-by-side in a loaf pan, and your prep work is virtually complete!
Bake until the edges achieve a beautiful golden crispness and your home becomes enveloped in an intoxicating aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and warm sugar – a scent that defines the cozy atmosphere of fall. As soon as it emerges from the oven, still warm and inviting, drizzle it generously with the quick vanilla glaze. The warmth of the bread allows the glaze to melt slightly, seeping into every crevice and adding another layer of sweet indulgence. The final, and perhaps most challenging, step is to resist devouring the entire loaf in one sitting! This bread is not just a dish; it’s an experience, a celebration of fall flavors made effortless.
For those who enjoy baking from scratch and crave more pumpkin delights, don’t miss my comforting Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls with Maple Cream Cheese Glaze, another seasonal favorite that promises to satisfy your autumn cravings.
This Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to the joy of simple pleasures and the magic of seasonal ingredients. It’s perfect for a variety of occasions: a special breakfast with family, an impressive centerpiece for brunch, a comforting dessert after a fall dinner, or even a delightful treat to share at a holiday gathering. Its communal nature, where each person pulls off their own soft, sticky piece, adds to its charm and makes it a delightful experience for everyone.
Beyond its incredible taste and ease, consider the versatility of pull-apart breads. They offer the warm, comforting appeal of homemade baking without the extensive time commitment. This recipe is particularly forgiving, making it an excellent choice for beginner bakers looking to create something impressive. The use of refrigerated biscuits simplifies the most time-consuming part of bread making – kneading and proofing – allowing you to focus on the fun part: assembling the layers of flavor.
When preparing this bread, remember the crucial detail: the choice between pumpkin pie filling and plain pumpkin puree. Pumpkin pie filling is specifically formulated for baking pies, already containing a blend of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, along with sweeteners. This makes it a ready-to-use, perfectly flavored base for your bread, ensuring that signature pumpkin spice taste. Pumpkin puree, on the other hand, is just cooked and mashed pumpkin, unsweetened and unspiced. While great for savory dishes or if you want complete control over your spice blend, for a quick and easy recipe like this pull-apart bread, the convenience and pre-calibrated flavor of pie filling are unmatched. It’s a little trick that guarantees delicious results every time.
The magic truly happens as the bread bakes. The layers expand, fusing together with the pumpkin spice filling and melted butter, creating pockets of gooey delight. The cinnamon-sugar mixture caramelizes slightly on the surface, adding a delicate crunch to the soft interior. The scent alone is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and anticipation. This bread isn’t just about eating; it’s about the entire sensory experience, from the captivating aroma to the satisfying texture of each pulled-apart piece.
Serving this Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread offers several delightful possibilities. While it’s absolutely divine on its own, still warm from the oven, consider pairing it with a robust cup of coffee or a comforting mug of hot apple cider for a quintessential fall morning. For a more decadent dessert, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream could take it to an entirely new level of indulgence. The cold creaminess provides a beautiful contrast to the warm, spiced bread, making it an unforgettable treat.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices if you wish. While cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars, a tiny pinch of ground ginger or cloves could further enhance the pumpkin spice profile, adding an extra layer of warmth and complexity. However, even with just the basics, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. For best results, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and resist the urge to open the oven door too often during baking, as this can affect the bread’s rise and texture. When checking for doneness, a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean, indicating that the dough is fully cooked through.
Storage and reheating are also quite simple. If you happen to have any leftovers (a rare occurrence!), store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it. To reheat, simply pop individual slices or the entire loaf back into a warm oven or microwave until heated through. The flavors will still be delightful, and the soft texture will largely return, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh.
This Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the coziness and flavors of fall with ease and joy. It’s proof that sometimes, the most extraordinary treats can come from the simplest ingredients and methods. So, gather your ingredients this weekend, treat yourself and your loved ones, and prepare to be enchanted by every sweet, spiced, and gooey layer of this irresistible autumn delight.
Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread with Vanilla Glaze
1 loaf (serves 6-8)
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Ingredients
For Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin pie mix, not plain pumpkin puree
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 16 oz. tube Pillsbury Grands Flaky Layers Biscuits
For Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon milk, any kind
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
For Pumpkin Spice Pull Apart Bread:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal, and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray. In a shallow dish, mix together the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this spice mixture aside.
- Carefully remove the biscuits from their tube. On a clean surface, slice each biscuit in half horizontally, effectively creating 16 thinner biscuit rounds. Spread a small amount of the canned pumpkin pie mix evenly on top of each biscuit round. Follow this by drizzling each pumpkin-covered round with a bit of the melted butter. Finally, generously sprinkle each biscuit with the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture. Now, stack the biscuits into four separate piles, with each pile consisting of four prepared biscuits. Carefully place these stacks on their sides in a row within the prepared loaf pan. Ensure that the plain, un-filled sides of the first and last stacks are touching the ends of the pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown, puffed up, and thoroughly baked through in the center. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
For Vanilla Glaze:
- While the bread is still warm from the oven, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (any kind works well), and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Adjust consistency by adding a tiny bit more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin. Drizzle the vanilla glaze generously over the warm pumpkin spice pull apart bread. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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