Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread
A traditional Australian damper bread infused with the distinctive umami flavor of Vegemite and sweet roasted pumpkin. This australian-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 55 minutes pairs all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 tbsp, chilled and cubed unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup mashed roasted pumpkin
- 2 tbsp Vegemite
- 1/4 cup, warm water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Rub 3 tbsp chilled cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp vegetable oil with 2 tbsp Vegemite and 1/4 cup warm water until smooth.
- Step 4: Stir 1 cup mashed roasted pumpkin and the Vegemite mixture into the flour mixture, then gradually add 1 cup milk to form a soft dough.
- Step 5: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently 5-6 times, then shape into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet.
- Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Baked Pumpkin and Vegemite Damper Bread vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
