Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Category: Sweet Endings

This pull apart loaf blends soft, buttery biscuit layers with a warmly spiced pumpkin filling, crowned with a simple vanilla glaze. The flaky texture contrasts beautifully with the moist pumpkin mixture, offering a comforting aroma of fall spices throughout baking. Easy to assemble using store-bought biscuits, it’s ideal for festive brunches or cozy gatherings. Variations like nuts, apple slices, or caramel drizzle add delightful texture and flavor layers, making it a versatile treat for the season.

A woman in a chef's uniform poses for a picture.
Updated on Fri, 12 Sep 2025 18:06:23 GMT
A cake with frosting and sprinkles. Pin
A cake with frosting and sprinkles. | applefoodie.com

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread brings together the buttery comfort of biscuits with autumn’s favorite flavors. Each tender piece is filled with sweet, spiced pumpkin and finished with a drizzle of creamy vanilla glaze. Every bite is a little celebration of fall, whether you are serving it at a holiday brunch or just want to make an afternoon feel extra special.

I made this recipe the first time for a neighborhood brunch and everyone kept reaching for more pieces. Now my family asks for it every autumn weekend and it is always gone in minutes.

Ingredients

  • Canned biscuits: Essential for that flakey pull-apart texture Choose a quality brand with a classic buttermilk flavor for best results
  • Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps everything brown while keeping the bread moist Melt fully for even coating
  • Granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps develop a caramel flavor as it bakes Check for freshness and no lumps
  • Pumpkin pie spice: Delivers all the warming notes of cinnamon cloves nutmeg and ginger Use a well-balanced blend for deep flavor
  • Pumpkin puree: Brings real pumpkin flavor and keeps the layers moist Look for pure pumpkin not pumpkin pie filling
  • Brown sugar or granulated sugar: Sweetens the pumpkin layer and balances the spice Light or dark brown sugar both work
  • Powdered sugar Milk Vanilla extract: These three make up the glaze providing that gorgeous sweet drape over the top Choose pure vanilla for flavor depth and sift powdered sugar for smoothness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather and prep:
Make sure to have all ingredients pre-measured and your loaf pan greased so assembly is easy
Mix the coatings:
In one bowl combine the granulated sugar with pumpkin pie spice for coating In a second bowl mix the pumpkin puree with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice for the filling
Split the biscuits:
Gently separate the canned biscuits in half lengthwise so you end up with sixteen pieces Handle slowly to keep them from tearing
Dip and layer:
Take each biscuit half and dip it into melted butter coating both sides Next dip into the sugar and spice mixture covering well Then spread one to two teaspoons of pumpkin mixture over the top arranged evenly
Assemble the loaf:
Stack the biscuit pieces upright in your greased loaf pan with pumpkin side facing one direction Continue layering until the pan is full leaving just a little space for expansion
Bake the bread:
Place the pan in a preheated 350 degree oven Bake for forty to forty five minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle has just a few crumbs Cool completely in the pan so it sets
Make the glaze:
In a small bowl whisk powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until smooth Adjust milk for a drizzle consistency Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf
A stack of cinnamon rolls with white icing. Pin
A stack of cinnamon rolls with white icing. | applefoodie.com

Pumpkin puree is my favorite part because it keeps each layer so tender and moist Never forget the memory of my sister trying to eat the sugary pumpkin filling as I assembled the loaf

Storage Tips

After the bread fully cools store it in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for up to four days For longer storage freeze tightly wrapped slices for two months and thaw before reheating To reheat zap pieces in the microwave for thirty seconds or warm in a low oven until soft

Ingredient Substitutions

No canned biscuits Make your own biscuit dough and roll it thin before separating Homemade dough adds a rustic touch but watch the bake time If you do not have pumpkin puree try using canned sweet potato puree and adjust spices for a little twist Running low on brown sugar Use all granulated sugar but add a splash of molasses for flavor

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices warm for breakfast with coffee or offer them as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream For a holiday twist sprinkle extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon over the glaze Just a dollop of whipped cream is a wonderful finish especially on crisp mornings Serve it with hot chocolate or cider for the full fall vibe

A cake with frosting and sprinkles. Pin
A cake with frosting and sprinkles. | applefoodie.com

History Behind the Dish

Pull apart breads have roots in American potluck and church supper cooking where food needed to serve many and be fun to share This pumpkin version is inspired by classic monkey bread and sweet rolls with a seasonal upgrade In my family autumn always means bringing pumpkin into our bakes so this recipe is our newest twist on tradition

Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned biscuits?

Yes, homemade dough works well if rolled thin and layered properly. Keep an eye on baking time, as homemade dough may bake differently.

→ Is pumpkin pie filling a good substitute for pumpkin puree?

Absolutely. Using pumpkin pie filling replaces the need for added sugar and spices, simplifying the filling preparation.

→ What’s the best way to grease the loaf pan?

Use cooking spray or spread butter/olive oil evenly with a paper towel to prevent sticking.

→ How can I add a crunchy texture to the loaf?

Incorporate chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between layers, or sprinkle a brown sugar crumble on top before baking.

→ How do I check if the bread is fully baked?

The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

→ What if I don't have powdered sugar for the glaze?

Blend granulated sugar with a little cornstarch in a food processor to create a fine, powdery texture as a replacement.

Pumpkin Pull Apart Bread

Flaky biscuits layered with spiced pumpkin and a sweet vanilla glaze perfect for autumn treats.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cook Time
45 min
Total Time
60 min
By: Tyla

Category: Desserts

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Serves (1 loaf, serves 8)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Base

01 16.3 ounces canned biscuits (8 count)
02 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted

→ Sugar and Spices

03 1 cup granulated sugar
04 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

→ Pumpkin Mixture

05 ½ cup pumpkin puree
06 2 tablespoons brown sugar or granulated sugar
07 ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

→ Glaze

08 1 cup powdered sugar
09 1 to 2 tablespoons milk or half and half
10 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 02

Split each biscuit in half lengthwise to obtain 16 pieces.

Step 03

In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and pumpkin pie spice. In another bowl, combine pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until well blended.

Step 04

Dip a biscuit half into melted butter, then into the sugar and spice mixture. Spread 1 to 2 teaspoons of the pumpkin mixture over it.

Step 05

Place coated biscuit halves standing upright in the prepared loaf pan, leaning against the sides. Repeat layering and stacking until all pieces are used.

Step 06

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the loaf is golden brown and cooked through. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Step 07

Whisk together powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add the second tablespoon of milk if glaze is too thick.

Step 08

Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled loaf before slicing and serving.

Notes & Tips

  1. If top browns too quickly, cover with foil during baking. Do not overfill loaf pan to allow dough expansion.
  2. You can assemble the loaf in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days.
  4. Freeze cooled loaf in airtight container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  5. Reheat slices in microwave in 30-second intervals on low heat until warmed through.

Necessary Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens and consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains gluten and dairy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and should not be considered medical advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 4 g