Fried bread can be a tasty little treat, like a donut or beignet, but with its own unique style. In this recipe, we've taken traditional American fry bread and added a little pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. The result is a perfectly soft fried dough full of pumpkin fall flavor. As if that's not enough, we serve it with cinnamon cream cheese butter that you'll want to spread on everything!
We have an authentic Native American Fried Bread Recipe If you are looking for a more traditional option.
Why our recipe?
- Fry bread gets a delicious fall twist with the addition of pumpkin and pumpkin spice.
- Take them on top of the cinnamon cream cheese butter.
- This is a treat that is so loved it will quickly become a famous family tradition.
My first experience with this recipe was in a college culinary class and I instantly fell in love. In Utah, we often call fry bread scones which can be a little confusing to someone not from the area because the British are quite influential in their version of scones. There was even a fast food chain called Sconecutter that served both savory and sweet scones. They are still known as pumpkin scones in our house.
It's a family tradition that I make these every fall. Pumpkin Scone Day is a day we look forward to. This is a day we long for. It is a day we celebrate and rejoice. i am serious The excitement it creates is incredible. We just want to shout it from the rooftops to the world. It's Pumpkin Scone Day! You'll find it ridiculous unless you try one. And then, well, you start anticipating Pumpkin Scone Day, too, like it's Christmas. When you put one in your mouth, all the cinnamon cream cheese is smothered in butter, and it melts… well, that's something to celebrate. So, happy pumpkin scone day! No matter where you are!
Material notes
- Instant dry yeast: You can use the same amount of active dry yeast.
- granulated sugar: This is a small amount to feed the yeast.
- warm milk: Milk needs to be warm, not hot, to help activate the yeast. If it's too hot, it can kill the yeast.
- All-purpose flour: The exact amount you need always varies so you can add it slowly and get a feel for it. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
- spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves all add autumn flavors.
- cold butter: The butter should be cooled and cut into pieces before mixing into the flour.
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. You'll find it in the baking aisle, usually near canned goods.
- vegetable oil: It is used for frying. Be sure to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, sunflower, or peanut oil.
- cream cheese: For the cinnamon cream cheese butter, make sure the cream cheese is softened so it blends smoothly.
- butter (soft): Butter should also be softened for easy mixing.
Other topping options
D Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter A family favorite for us, but feel free to get creative and serve it however you like!
Sweet toppings: Try serving your fry bread dusted with classic honey butter, maple syrup or powdered sugar for an easy, sweet treat. You can make a simple maple glaze with 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 teaspoon maple extract and a little milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
Fun twist: Fried bread can easily go delicious! Make a “fry bread taco” topped with shredded meat, cheese, sour cream and salsa. You can add some garlic butter and herbs to soups or stews for a savory side.
Any stand mixer? No problem!
This fried bread dough you can easily make by hand! Start by mixing your dry ingredients in a large bowl and cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs. Next, add the yeast mixture, egg and pumpkin puree and stir everything together with a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together.
Once the dough is too thick to stir, transfer it to a floured surface and knead it by hand for about 5-7 minutes. You will know the dough is ready when it is smooth, elastic, and slightly firm, but not sticky. From there, let it rise as directed and continue with the recipe.
Make Ahead Option
You can prepare the dough the night before by covering the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight without letting it rise on the counter. In the morning, take the dough out and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the recipe as directed.
Fry bread is best enjoyed fresh and hot out of the fryer. We do not recommend frying them in advance, as they lose their crispness over time.
Storage and reheating instructions
Store leftover fried bread at room temperature Up to 3 days in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Store the cream cheese butter in the refrigerator Up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Heat again and fry the bread Bake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through, or in an air fryer at 350°F for about 2 minutes to crisp again. You can reheat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, though it may lose some of its crispiness.
More delicious pumpkin treats…
Watch the video below Where Rachel walks you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we've always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes YouTubeour Facebook pageOr here on our website with their respective recipes.
