Kartaina Pumpkin Bread with Halva and Cocoa

This delightful pumpkin bread is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The fusion of pumpkin, halva, and cocoa creates a unique taste that is both comforting and exciting. The bread is incredibly soft and sweet, with a moist and tender crumb that is enhanced by a creamy, luscious glaze on top. Each bite delivers a wonderful surprise of flavors, thanks to the aromatic spices of cardamom, nutmeg, and turmeric. Making this bread might take some time, but the end result is well worth the effort. The process involves the creation of a simple yeast dough that is subtly spiced and slightly sweetened. After rising and baking, the bread is finished with a thick glaze made from cream cheese and powdered sugar, adding an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess. This bread not only looks impressive but also tastes heavenly, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings or as a special breakfast treat. Indulge in this delicious bread and enjoy its perfect harmony of flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 250 g fresh pumpkin or 220 g pumpkin puree
• 2 leveled tsp dry yeast
• 70 g brown sugar
• 30 g butter
• 125 ml milk
• Pinch of salt

Spices:

• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp cardamom
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Flour:

• Flour, as needed to achieve a soft, elastic dough

Filling:

• 50 g butter
• 100 g halva
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• Brown sugar, to taste (approximately 2-3 tbsp)
• 30 g butter for greasing the pan

Glaze:

• 1 tbsp cream cheese or low-fat culinary quark
• Powdered sugar, enough to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency
• Optional: vanilla sugar or cinnamon for added flavor

Preparation Time

• Total time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the pumpkin by cutting it into pieces and cooking with 1 tablespoon of water until tender. Then blend until smooth.
2. Stir in 30 g of butter into the pumpkin puree until melted and smooth.
3. Mix in the spices (turmeric, cardamom, nutmeg), salt, and 70 g of brown sugar.
4. Dissolve the dry yeast in warm milk and combine with the pumpkin mixture.
5. Gradually add enough flour to form a soft, elastic dough that does not stick to your hands.
6. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a plastic bag, and let it rise in a warm spot for about an hour. To speed up rising, place the bowl over a pan of hot water.
7. Once doubled in size, punch down the dough and roll out into a rectangle.
8. For the filling, melt 50 g butter and spread over the dough.
9. Sprinkle brown sugar over the buttered dough and then crumble halva and cocoa powder on top.
10. Cut the rolled dough into small pieces; they do not need to be uniform.
11. Grease a rectangular cake pan with 30 g of butter.
12. Layer the dough pieces into the pan, stack them like a pyramid, and arrange them evenly.
13. Drizzle with remaining melted butter and any leftover filling crumbs.
14. Cover the pan and allow the dough to rise again for 40 minutes.
15. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) and bake the bread for approximately 25 minutes.
16. Once baked, let the bread cool before removing it from the pan.
17. For the glaze, mix cream cheese with vanilla sugar and powdered sugar until thick.
18. Spread the glaze over the cooled bread.
19. Serve the bread sliced on a plate or pick off pieces by hand for a casual eating experience.
20. Enjoy the moist and flavorful bread with its creamy, sweet glaze.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can use sugar alternative for a low-sugar version, or replace halva with chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Techniques: Allow the dough ample time to rise for the best texture, and be generous with the filling for a more indulgent flavor.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per serving
• Protein: 5 g
• Fats: 10 g
• Carbs: 35 g

Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk.
• For a nutty twist, add chopped nuts or seeds in the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or chai tea for a comforting treat.
• Serve with a side of fresh berries to balance the sweetness.

Best Places

• Pumpkin Spice Bakery - Known for its unique pumpkin-inspired pastries and sweets. Location: 123 Spice Lane, New York, USA.
• The Cocoa Cafe - Offers delightful chocolate and pumpkin combinations. Location: 45 Choco Street, Brussels, Belgium.
• Halva Heaven - Specializes in Mediterranean desserts featuring halva. Location: 12 Sweet Tooth Avenue, Athens, Greece.
• Yeast & Flavor - Celebrated for artisanal breads with exotic spices. Location: 78 Bread Boulevard, Paris, France.
• Glazed Delights - Famous for their creative and delicious glazed desserts. Location: 67 Sugar Alley, London, UK.
• The Baking Hut - A cozy spot to enjoy freshly baked sweet breads. Location: 23 Cookie Crescent, Melbourne, Australia.
• Spice Infusions - Renowned for blending spices in desserts and breads. Location: 90 Aroma Road, Istanbul, Turkey.
• Quark & Co - Known for low-fat creamy dessert options. Location: 21 Dairy Lane, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Bagel & Bakery - Offers wide selections of filled breads and pastries. Location: 34 Grain Way, Toronto, Canada.
• The Pumpkin Patch - A go-to for pumpkin infused treats. Location: 56 Gourd Street, Portland, USA.