If you love soft, sweet, and slightly spiced breakfast bread, this Publix Breakfast Bread Recipe is a must-try. Inspired by the popular bakery-style loaf from Publix, this homemade version is rich, fluffy, and filled with delicious dried fruits and nuts.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack with tea or coffee. It has warm cinnamon flavor, soft pumpkin richness, and a slightly chewy texture from the fruits. The best part? You can easily make it at home with simple ingredients.
In this detailed guide, you will learn how to make the perfect Publix-style breakfast bread step by step. The instructions are beginner-friendly and easy to follow.
What is Publix Breakfast Bread?
Publix Breakfast Bread is a soft, sweet yeast bread loaded with dried fruits, raisins, walnuts, and warm spices. It has a slightly dense texture but remains moist and tender inside.
This bread stands out because it includes:
- Pumpkin for moisture
- Molasses and honey for deep sweetness
- Cinnamon for warm flavor
- Mixed dried fruits and nuts for texture
It is baked in a loaf pan and brushed with butter for a golden crust. Many people enjoy it toasted with butter or cream cheese in the morning.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here are a few reasons why this homemade Publix Breakfast Bread will become your favorite:
- ✅ Soft and fluffy texture
- ✅ Perfect balance of sweetness
- ✅ Loaded with fruits and nuts
- ✅ Great for breakfast or brunch
- ✅ Freezer-friendly
- ✅ Tastes even better the next day
The combination of pumpkin, cinnamon, raisins, and walnuts makes every bite warm and comforting.
Equipment’s
To make this breakfast bread, you will need:
- Stove
- Oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan
- Loaf pan
- Pastry brush
- Hand mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients with Amounts
Here is everything you need to make Publix Breakfast Bread:
Main Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ cup Libby’s Canned Pumpkin, Recommended
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup Solo Prune Plum Filling, Recommended
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup pecan meal
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 8 tbsp Anthony’s Vital Wheat Gluten, Recommended
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for brushing)
Fruits and Nuts
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup chopped dried apples
- ¼ cup chopped dried apricots
- ¼ cup dark raisins
- ¼ cup extra dark raisins
- ¼ cup Sun Maid Golden Raisins, Recommended
Instructions
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Soak the Dried Fruits
Mix all dried fruits in a large bowl. Heat water and pour it over the fruits. Soak for about 20–25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Activate the Yeast
In a bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
Step 3: Prepare Butter and Milk Mixture
In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and add milk. Let it cool slightly, then mix it into the yeast mixture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- Bread flour
- All-purpose flour
- Vital wheat gluten
- Cinnamon
- Salt
Mix well.
Step 5: Combine Everything
To the yeast mixture, add:
- Pumpkin
- Plum filling
- Honey
- Sugar
- Molasses
- Beaten eggs
- Pecan meal
Mix using a hand mixer until smooth.
Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
Step 6: Knead the Dough
Add 3–4 cups flour gradually if needed. Knead until soft and smooth. The dough should not be too sticky.
Step 7: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Step 8: Add Fruits and Nuts
Punch down the dough. Divide into two halves. Sprinkle fruits and nuts over each half and knead gently to combine.
Step 9: Shape and Second Rise
Shape into loaves and place in greased loaf pans. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise for another hour.
Step 10: Bake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 40–50 minutes or until golden brown.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure milk is warm, not hot.
- Do not skip soaking dried fruits. It keeps the bread moist.
- If dough feels sticky, lightly flour your hands.
- Let bread cool fully before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Variations
You can customize this bread easily:
- Replace walnuts with pecans
- Add chocolate chips for sweetness
- Use cranberries instead of cherries
- Add orange zest for a citrus flavor
- Make mini loaves for gifting
Tips
- Use fresh yeast for best results.
- Always measure flour correctly (spoon and level method).
- Knead well to develop gluten for soft texture.
- Brush butter immediately after baking for shine.
- Toast slices for extra flavor.
What to Serve with Publix Breakfast Bread?
This sweet breakfast bread pairs perfectly with:
- Butter or whipped butter
- Cream cheese
- Honey drizzle
- Peanut butter
- A cup of coffee
- Hot tea
- Warm milk
It is also delicious with scrambled eggs or fruit salad for a complete breakfast.
How to Store Publix Breakfast Bread?
At Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In Refrigerator
Keep wrapped tightly for up to 1 week.
In Freezer
Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, toast or warm in microwave for 20 seconds.
Our Other Recipes:
Publix Breakfast Bread Recipe
Equipment & Tools
- Stove
- Oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Small saucepan
- Loaf Pan
- Pastry Brush
- Hand Mixer
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp active dry yeast
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¾ cup milk
- ⅓ cup Libby's Canned Pumpkin, Recommended
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup Solo Prune Plum Filling, Recommended
- 1 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup pecan meal
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 8 tbsp Anthony's Vital Wheat Gluten, Recommended
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter for brushing
- Fruits and Nuts
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup dried cherries
- ¼ cup chopped dried apples
- ¼ cup chopped dried apricots
- ¼ cup dark raisins
- ¼ cup extra dark raisins
- ¼ cup Sun Maid Golden Raisins, Recommended
Instructions
- Mix all dried fruits in a large bowl. Heat water and pour it over the fruits. Soak for about 20–25 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine warm water and active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Remove from heat and add milk. Let it cool slightly, then mix it into the yeast mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine:
- Bread flour
- All-purpose flour
- Vital wheat gluten
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Mix well.
- To the yeast mixture, add:
- Pumpkin
- Plum filling
- Honey
- Sugar
- Molasses
- Beaten eggs
- Pecan meal
- Mix using a hand mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add the flour mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
- Add 3–4 cups flour gradually if needed. Knead until soft and smooth. The dough should not be too sticky.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Divide into two halves. Sprinkle fruits and nuts over each half and knead gently to combine.
- Shape into loaves and place in greased loaf pans. Brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 40–50 minutes or until golden brown.
- If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Nutrition
Valuable Tips
What To Pair With Publix Breakfast Bread?
Fresh Fruit Salad, Bacon & Eggs Items, Hash Browns, Yogurt Parfait, Breakfast Sausage, and Fried Apples are the best side dishes for Publix Breakfast Bread.
How to Store Publix Breakfast Bread?
It is important to keep in mind that handmade bread does not keep as long as the bread is from the grocery store. This is due to the fact that it contains no preservatives. This is a good thing. Although homemade bread tastes best when it is baked immediately, this bread should keep for 5 to 6 days in an airtight container or bag.
How to Freeze Publix Breakfast Bread?
Wrap unsliced bread loaves tightly in plastic wrap or beeswax. You can rewrap it in aluminium foil, or you can put it in a freezer bag or airtight container. They will keep their best quality for approximately 3 months if properly stored.
How to Reheat Publix Breakfast Bread?
After allowing the bread to reach room temperature, place it in a preheated oven for five to ten minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees to warm the revitalized loaf.
Our Other Recipes:
Conclusion
This homemade Publix Breakfast Bread Recipe is soft, sweet, and full of warm cinnamon flavor. With pumpkin, dried fruits, and nuts, it makes the perfect breakfast or brunch loaf.
It is easy to prepare, freezer-friendly, and tastes even better the next day. Whether you enjoy it toasted with butter or plain with coffee, this bread will quickly become a family favorite.
Try this delicious breakfast bread today and enjoy bakery-style flavor at home.
made this several times and i used whatever i wanted. i feel king arthur flour is far superior to gold medal. same for the other brand stuff.
I would like to make this but can’t find vital wheat gluten or plum prune filling. are they necessary to the recipe? what can I substitute?