Pumpkin Fry Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Butter

Indulge in the sweet and satisfying charm of fry bread, a delectable delight akin to a donut or beignet, yet boasting its own distinct character. With a nod to tradition, we’ve innovatively infused classic American fry bread with the warmth of pumpkin and a hint of pumpkin pie spice. The outcome is a delightfully tender fried dough infused with the quintessential tastes of autumnal pumpkin. As if that weren’t enough, our indulgent treats come topped with a rich cinnamon cream cheese butter – so divine, you’ll be tempted to slather it on every breakfast item in sight!

Contents

Why Our Recipe Ingredient Notes Other Topping Options No stand mixer? No problem!Make Ahead Option Storage & Reheating Instructions

Why Our Recipe

As the crisp autumn air sets in, fry bread takes on a new level of flavor complexity with the incorporation of roasted pumpkin and warm pumpkin spices.
This indulgent spread of cinnamon-infused cream cheese and butter sends them soaring to new heights.
This delectable treat is sure to become a beloved family tradition, cherished by all who taste its irresistible charm.

I first encountered this recipe in my college culinary class and was immediately smitten. While Utahns affectionately refer to fry bread as scones, this colloquialism can lead to confusion among those unfamiliar with the region’s cultural nuances, particularly given the preeminence of traditional British scones in popular culture. A short-lived fast-food chain once thrived, specializing in an array of scones, from savory to sweet treats. In our home, these treasured treats will forever be referred to as Pumpkin Scones.

For generations, my family has entrusted me with the annual task of crafting these autumnal treats. The annual celebration of all things pumpkin scones – a delightful tradition! Is it a day we long to experience? Today is a moment to cherish and revel in joy. I’m serious. The thrill it provokes is simply astounding. Let’s share our incredible news with everyone! IT’S PUMPKIN SCONE DAY! Unless you’ve had a chance to try one, you might find this notion absurd. As the seasons changed, anticipation for pumpkin scone day grew, much like the excitement surrounding Christmas. As the warmth of the cinnamon-infused cream cheese butter melds with the tender pastry, a symphony of flavors and textures unfolds, making it an occasion worthy of rejoicing. So, happy pumpkin scone day! Wherever and whenever you are!

Ingredient Notes

An overhead view of the ingredients needed to make pumpkin fry bread.

Active dry yeast may be used as a substitute in the same quantity.
Only a tiny quantity is needed to nourish the yeast.
Is the milk warm enough to activate the yeast effectively? When temperatures soar, there’s a risk that the yeast will perish.
The ideal quantity can fluctuate; therefore, consider augmenting it incrementally, relying on your intuition. The dough ought to exhibit a subtle tenderness without exhibiting stickiness.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves embody the quintessential essence of autumnal delights.
The butter should be refrigerated until firm, then cut into small cubes before being incorporated into the flour.
Utilize 100% genuine pumpkin puree, avoiding pumpkin pie filling altogether. You’ll likely locate it in the baking supplies section, situated adjacent to canned products.
A cast-iron skillet is typically used for frying. Utilize a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, including canola, sunflower, and peanut oil options.
To ensure the cinnamon cream cheese butter is silky and even, be certain to soften the cream cheese to a pliable consistency that allows for seamless blending.
The butter should be softened to ensure effortless mixing.

Other Topping Options

The cinnamon cream cheese butter is a beloved staple in our household; feel free to get creative with your serving style!

Savor the rich flavors of your fry bread by pairing it with timeless sweet options like classic honey butter, a delicate drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a gentle dusting of powdered sugar – perfect for a straightforward yet indulgent treat. Whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of pure maple extract, and a touch of milk until smooth, adjusting the consistency as needed by adding more milk.

Savory options abound for fry bread! Savor the flavors of a unique fusion by crafting a fry bread taco by piling on tender shreds of meat, melted cheese, a dollop of tangy sour cream, and a drizzle of vibrant salsa. Why not elevate your soups and stews with the rich flavors of garlic butter and herbs, making for an irresistible accompaniment?

A pile of pumpkin fry bread lathered with cinnamon cream cheese butter.

No stand mixer? No problem!

With just a few simple ingredients and some gentle kneading, you can effortlessly create this scrumptious fry bread dough entirely by hand. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl, then use a pastry cutter or fork to work in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. With the yeast mixture, egg, and pumpkin puree incorporated, use a sturdy wooden spoon to harmoniously combine all the ingredients, gradually coalescing into a unified dough as you stir.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for approximately 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. When kneading the dough, you’ll recognize it’s fully developed when its surface transforms into a smooth, springy, and faintly sticky texture. As instructed, let the mixture rise undisturbed until it has doubled in size, then gently punch down its doughy texture to ensure even cooking before proceeding with the culinary instructions.

Make Ahead Option

Prepared in advance, the dough can be stored overnight by sealing the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating it for a quicker rising process, eliminating the need to let it sit on the countertop. Before embarking on the recipe, remove the dough in the morning and permit it to naturally warm up to room temperature, following the instructions that follow.

Fresh from the fryer, there’s no beating the warmth and flakiness of perfectly cooked fry bread. While we discourage pre-frying these items, as their crunchiness tends to dwindle with passage of time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Stored in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, they will remain fresh for up to 3 days.

Stored in an airtight container, it will remain fresh for up to one week.

Baked at 175°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to ensure thorough reheating, or swiftly revive it in an air fryer set to 175°C (350°F) for approximately 2 minutes to regain its crispy texture. You can also reheat the leftover in the microwave for approximately 20 to 30 seconds; however, it may compromise on its crunchiness.

With Rachel’s expert guidance, she will meticulously lead you through each step of this recipe. Sometimes having a visual element can make all the difference; that’s why our cooking show is always at your service, providing an engaging and informative culinary experience. Discover a comprehensive collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook page, and this very website, where you’ll also find detailed recipe instructions.