The crisp air of fall has always held a special place in my heart, and nothing encapsulates this season better than baking a loaf of Pumpkin Sourdough Bread. Every time I prepare this delightful treat, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where the aroma of spices and baking bread was a constant, comforting presence. This recipe, a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation, is one of my favorites, combining the tang of sourdough with the warmth of pumpkin and spices. It’s perfect for those cozy afternoons when you just want to wrap yourself in a blanket with a slice of homemade bread.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe
- It’s a beautiful balance of flavors—tangy sourdough meets sweet, spiced pumpkin.
- Creating it is a rewarding process, offering a sense of accomplishment with every coil fold.
- Perfect for fall gatherings, it brings warmth and comfort to the table.
- It’s so easy, it feels like a little kitchen victory!
- The delightful aroma will fill your home and hearts.
Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Treat
Let’s talk about these ingredients. Bread flour gives our loaf a sturdy structure, while the pumpkin puree adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. The spices—cinnamon and allspice—are like a warm hug for your taste buds. And let’s not forget the sourdough starter, the heart of this recipe, bringing that signature tang and helping our bread rise to perfection.
You’ll find the full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below!
Let’s Make Some Magic: Step-by-Step
Here’s where the fun begins! Start by combining all your ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Mix until you have a shaggy dough, then cover it and let it sit for a bit. This resting period is crucial—it allows the flour to absorb the water and begin forming gluten.
Next, we’re going to get hands-on with some coil folds. This technique gently develops the gluten, giving your bread the structure it needs. Over the next few hours, you’ll perform these folds every 30 to 45 minutes. It’s a labor of love, but trust me, the results are worth it.
After shaping and an overnight rest, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven inside, as it will create the perfect environment for your bread to rise and develop a beautiful crust. Once baked, let the bread cool completely before slicing—it’s tempting, but patience is key here!
A Few of My Favorite Tips
Here’s a little secret: diastatic malt powder is optional, but it can give your bread a lovely color and texture. And when you’re folding, think of it as a gentle dance rather than a rigid process—feel the dough and let it guide you.
How I Like to Serve This
I love serving this bread slightly warm, with a slather of butter that melts into the nooks and crannies. It’s also fantastic with a hearty autumn soup or simply toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Storing & Reheating (If There’s Any Left!)
Once cooled, store your bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, simply pop a slice in the toaster or warm it in the oven for a few minutes.
For more fall-inspired recipes, check out **Why My Family Can’t Get Enough of This Pumpkin Bread** and **Fall in Love with This Moist Pumpkin Bread Recipe**. Happy baking!
Pumpkin sourdough bread
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 115 g fed and active sourdough starter
- 75 g lukewarm water
- 300 g bread flour
- 150 g canned pumpkin puree
- 8 g salt
- 8 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp diastatic malt powder (optional)
- 50 g brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp all spice
- 2 pieces walnut halves
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients to create a shaggy dough and let sit for 45 minutes.
- Perform coil folds every 30-45 minutes for 4-5 hours.
- Divide dough, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and shape into balls.
- Refrigerate for 8-12 hours, then preheat oven to 500°F.
- Bake in Dutch oven for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature and bake for another 12-15 minutes.
- Cool completely before cutting and press a walnut half on top.
