Is there anything better than a perfectly chewy, deliciously pumpkin-y homemade bagel? Especially in the fall, these treats just hit the spot. One bite of that wholesome pumpkin flavor mixed into the soft, yeasty dough, and you’ll be hooked. No preservatives, just simple ingredients coming together to create the ultimate breakfast bread.
These bagels are so satisfying, but way easier to whip up than you might think. No fancy equipment required. And taking the time to boil and then bake each one to that ideal golden brown color and crusty texture means they taste SO much better than any store-bought version.
I love finding ways to sneak veggies into baked goods, and pumpkin is the perfect choice here. It gives these bagels such warmth, richness, and natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with either sweet or savory additions. And skipping the oil means a treat that’s hearty but still wholesome.
Whether you want to impress your weekend guests with from-scratch bagels or find a fun new way to get some extra pumpkin in your diet, this recipe is a winner. I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks for achieving bagel greatness right from your own oven!
Contents
Why You Will Love This Pumpkin Bagels Recipe
Seasonal Comfort: Embrace the cozy vibes of fall with the rich and inviting aroma of pumpkin spice. These bagels bring the essence of the season to your table, making every bite a comforting experience.
Texture and Flavor: With a chewy crust and a tender interior, our pumpkin bagels strike the perfect balance of textures. The pumpkin puree lends a natural sweetness and moistness to each bite, making them incredibly flavorful.
Impressive Appearance: The golden exterior and speckles of pumpkin seeds make these bagels visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests or brightening up your breakfast spread.
No Added Oils or Sugars: Our recipe is designed to be healthier, as it is oil-free and sugar-free, making it a mindful choice for those looking to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
Nourishing Ingredients: Pumpkin brings an array of nutrients to the table, including vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Indulging in these bagels allows you to enjoy a tasty treat while still incorporating wholesome elements into your diet.
Pumpkin Bagels Ingredients and Equipment
| Ingredients | Equipment |
For Boiling Sugar Water
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Pumpkin Bagels Instructions
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Step 7: A Symphony of FoldsFold the dough inward at 1/3, like turning the page of a beautifully written culinary novel. |
Step 8: Embrace of SymmetryContinue the bagel ballet by folding the other side to meet its counterpart, pressing them together with precision. |
Step 9: Ensuring ClosureFold the dough in half again, meticulously sealing the edges to prevent any surprises during baking. This step guarantees a seamless and visually appealing result. |
Step 10: Unleash CreativityRoll one end of the dough into a fan shape using a rolling pin. |
Step 11: Assembling the StoryRoll the other end tightly, creating a beautiful spiral of dough. Place it on oiled paper with the seam side down, creating a foundation for the bagel’s second act. |
Step 12: The Waiting GameComplete this enchanting dance with all the dough portions, covering them with plastic wrap for a brief second fermentation of 5 minutes. |
Step 13: A Water’s CaressSpritz the surface of each bagel with a light mist of water and adorn them with pumpkin seeds. |
Step 14: Sweet InfusionIn a pot, combine sugar and water, creating a sugary elixir that brings a hint of sweetness. This bath sets the stage for the bagels’ transformation in the heat. |
Step 15: The Water Bath WaltzGently introduce your bagels into the simmering water bath, where they’ll dance gracefully for 30 seconds on each side. This bath creates the iconic chewy texture of bagels. |
Step 16: The Oven EmbraceTransfer the bagels to a baking sheet, placing them gently into a preheated oven at 392°F. |
Step 17: Baking BrillianceWatch as the bagels bake to golden perfection in the oven’s gentle embrace. Maintain the temperature at 392°F, and allow them to transform over 18 minutes. |
Step 18: Emerging EleganceWith a sense of accomplishment, retrieve the bagels from the oven. Place them on a wire rack, allowing them to cool down gracefully and develop their final texture. |
Step 19: CoolingAs they cool, the bagels exude an irresistible aroma that beckons your senses. |
 Step 20: A Culinary Triumph
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Pumpkin Bagels Serving Suggestions
Serving Suggestions
- Cream Cheese Spread: Classic cream cheese is a perfect match for pumpkin bagels. You can also try flavored cream cheese like honey, cinnamon, or maple for an extra layer of taste.
- Smoked Salmon: Top your pumpkin bagels with smoked salmon, cream cheese, red onion slices, and capers for a delightful savory combination.
- Avocado Mash: Spread mashed avocado on your bagels and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for a creamy and healthy option.
- Egg and Cheese: Make a hearty breakfast sandwich by adding a fried or scrambled egg and a slice of melted cheese to your pumpkin bagel.
- Hummus and Veggies: Spread hummus on your bagel and top with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers for a refreshing vegetarian option.
- Nut Butter and Banana: Enjoy a sweet twist by spreading almond or peanut butter on your bagel and adding banana slices.
Beverage Pairings
- Coffee: A classic cup of coffee, whether black, with cream, or with a flavored syrup, is a wonderful pairing to balance the pumpkin flavors.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace the season with a pumpkin spice latte for the ultimate fall-themed combination.
- Herbal Tea: A cup of chamomile, cinnamon, or chai tea complements the warm and cozy flavors of pumpkin.
- Fresh Juice: Opt for a refreshing glass of orange juice or apple cider to contrast the richness of the bagels.
- Iced Tea: If you’re enjoying your bagels in warmer weather, a glass of iced tea can be a cooling and flavorful option.
- Smoothies: Blend up a pumpkin spice smoothie using pumpkin puree, yogurt, a touch of honey, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match according to your preferences. The goal is to create a balanced and enjoyable meal that highlights the deliciousness of your freshly baked pumpkin bagels. Enjoy!
Pumpkin Bagels Cooking Tips and Tricks
High-Gluten Flour Balance
Using high-gluten flour ensures the perfect chewiness in your bagels. However, if it’s not readily available, you can blend bread flour with vital wheat gluten to achieve a similar result.
Pumpkin Puree Consistency
Ensure your pumpkin puree is well-drained and not overly watery. Excess moisture can affect the bagel dough’s texture and rise.
Controlled Fermentation
Fermentation times can vary due to factors like room temperature. Observe the dough closely during the first rise to ensure it doubles in size before proceeding.
Rolling Pin Technique
When using a rolling pin to deflate the dough, apply gentle pressure to avoid overworking it. The goal is to release trapped air while maintaining a tender texture.
Dough Relaxation
Allow the dough portions to rest for 15 minutes after shaping. This relaxation period improves the dough’s elasticity and makes shaping easier.
Perfect Shaping
While shaping the bagels, use gentle but deliberate movements. Avoid excessive pressure, which can lead to uneven texture and density.
Boiling Brilliance
When boiling the bagels, add a pinch of baking soda to the water. This alkaline bath enhances the bagels’ crust and color while providing a unique shine.
Seed Adhesion
For better adherence of pumpkin seeds, brush the dough’s surface lightly with water before placing the seeds. This ensures they stick well during baking.
Water Bath Precision
Maintain a gentle simmer when boiling the bagels. Vigorous boiling can deform their shape and affect the texture.
Oven Accuracy
Use an oven thermometer to ensure the oven is accurately preheated to 392°F. This guarantees even baking and consistent results.
Cooling Gracefully
Allow the bagels to cool on a wire rack after baking. This prevents the bottoms from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
Pumpkin Bagels Storage and Shelf Life
Short-Term Storage
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bagels within 1-2 days, store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature. Make sure the bagels are completely cooled before storing.
Long-Term Storage
- Freezing: If you have more bagels than you can enjoy within a few days, consider freezing them for longer storage. Here’s how:
- Allow the bagels to cool completely.
- Wrap each bagel tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the individually wrapped bagels in a resealable plastic freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- Frozen pumpkin bagels can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Thawing and Reheating:
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen bagel, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature or in the microwave for a short time. You can also toast it directly from frozen.
- Toasting: To bring back the bagel’s crispy crust and warm interior, toast it in a toaster, toaster oven, or regular oven. Be mindful not to over-toast, as this can cause the bagel to become too dry.
Shelf Life: The shelf life of pumpkin bagels can vary based on factors such as the ingredients used and how well they are stored. Generally:
- Fresh pumpkin bagels stored at room temperature can be enjoyed within 1-2 days.
- Frozen pumpkin bagels can maintain their quality for 2-3 months in the freezer.
Tips for Maintaining Freshness:
- Store bagels in airtight containers or resealable bags to prevent moisture loss and staleness.
- If you’re storing the bagels in the refrigerator, be aware that the cold environment can potentially dry them out faster than room temperature storage.
- Avoid storing bagels near strong-smelling foods, as they can absorb odors.
Remember that while storage methods can extend the shelf life, freshly baked bagels are always best enjoyed shortly after baking when they are at their peak of flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pumpkin Bagels
Q: How much pumpkin is used in a pumpkin bagel recipe?
A: Most recipes call for around 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree per 4 cups of flour, or about 1/4 of the total dough weight. This gives great pumpkin flavor without making the dough too wet.
Q: Can I use canned pumpkin puree for the bagels?
A: Yes, canned pumpkin puree works well. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sugar.
Q: Can I substitute active dry yeast for fresh yeast?
A: Yes, you can use active dry yeast instead. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proofing it before adding it to the dough.
Q: My dough didn’t double in size during the first fermentation. What should I do?
A: The fermentation process can vary based on factors like room temperature. If the dough hasn’t doubled, give it some more time. If it’s taking longer, you can place it in a slightly warmer area.
Q: Can I freeze the bagel dough after shaping?
A: Yes, you can freeze the shaped dough on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer the frozen dough to a resealable bag. Thaw in the fridge before boiling and baking.
Q: How do I know when the bagels are done boiling?
A: Boil the bagels for about 30 seconds on each side or until they float to the surface. This brief boiling helps develop their chewy crust.
Q: Can I use different seeds for topping the bagels?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or sunflower seeds for a unique twist on the classic pumpkin seed topping.
Q: My bagels turned out too dense. What might have gone wrong?
A: Overworking the dough during shaping, insufficient rising time, or not properly deflating the dough after the first fermentation can lead to denser bagels.
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of high-gluten flour?
A: Whole wheat flour can be used, but it will yield denser bagels with a different texture. You might need to adjust the hydration and rising times accordingly.
Q: Can I add spices like cinnamon to the dough?
A: Yes, adding a pinch of cinnamon or other warm spices can complement the pumpkin flavor. Just be mindful not to overpower the pumpkin’s natural taste.
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