Why Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Wins This Fall

Nothing says autumn quite like the warm, inviting aroma of Pumpkin Spice Sourdough baking in the oven. This delightful bread combines the tangy depth of traditional sourdough with the cozy, fragrant spices and rich pumpkin flavor that define fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping a toe into the world of homemade bread, Pumpkin Spice Sourdough is the perfect way to celebrate the season’s flavors while enjoying a wholesome, beautifully textured loaf. The balance of spices, natural pumpkin sweetness, and the sourdough’s gentle tang make it a unique staple that keeps bread lovers coming back for more every fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal Comfort: Pumpkin Spice Sourdough brings the beloved flavors of fall right to your kitchen with every loaf.
• Perfect Texture: The sourdough starter creates a chewy, airy crumb that’s both satisfying and light.
• Natural Ingredients: Using pumpkin puree and warm spices adds richness without artificial additives.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Great for breakfast toast, sandwiches, or alongside soups and stews.
• Impressively Homemade: This bread makes your kitchen smell amazing and looks like you put in way more effort than it takes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in the Pumpkin Spice Sourdough’s delicious flavor and texture. From the pumpkin puree that provides moisture and subtle sweetness, to the carefully balanced spices that define its unmistakable aroma, every element enhances this loaf.

• Sourdough Starter: Your natural leavening agent that gives the bread its signature tang and texture.
• Pure Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, nutrients, and that classic autumn color and flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base that forms the structure of the bread with light and airy crumb.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves: The traditional pumpkin spice blend that infuses warmth and depth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the underlying flavors.
• Water: Hydrates the dough, crucial for fermentation and rise.
• Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): Adds a hint of natural sweetness to amplify the autumn vibe.

Variations for Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

One of the best things about Pumpkin Spice Sourdough is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes, ingredient availability, and dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Gluten-Free Alternative: Swap in a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread baking and keep the sourdough starter gluten-free.
• Spice Adjustments: Add ginger or cardamom for a different spice profile that still screams fall.
• Nutty Boost: Incorporate chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
• Sweet Mix-Ins: Fold in dried cranberries or raisins to add bursts of sweetness throughout the loaf.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace any optional dairy with plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk for richer flavor.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

Step 1: Prepare the Starter and Ingredients

Begin by feeding your sourdough starter so it’s active and bubbly. Gather your pumpkin puree, spices, flour, salt, and water, making sure ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the starter, pumpkin puree, water, and maple syrup. Stir until fully blended. Add flour, spices, and salt, then mix gently until the dough comes together. The texture should be sticky but manageable.

Step 3: Autolyse and Rest

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest for about an hour. This autolyse period helps the flour hydrate and improves gluten development for that perfect chewy crumb.

Step 4: Bulk Fermentation with Stretch and Folds

Over 3-4 hours, perform a series of gentle stretch and folds every 30 minutes to strengthen the dough’s structure as it ferments and rises, allowing those beautiful sourdough bubbles to form.

Step 5: Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen and shows good elasticity, gently turn it onto a floured surface and shape it into a tight round or oval loaf, sealing the surface smooth.

Step 6: Final Proof

Place the shaped loaf into a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured towel. Cover and let it proof in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for 3-5 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside to 450°F (230°C). Transfer the loaf carefully to the hot vessel, score the top to allow proper rising, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.

Step 8: Cool Before Slicing

Allow your Pumpkin Spice Sourdough to cool completely on a wire rack to finish setting the crumb and making slicing easier.

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

• Use Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and recently fed for the best rise.
• Measure Precisely: Weigh ingredients for consistent results, especially flour and water ratios.
• Adjust Hydration: Pumpkin puree adds moisture; reduce water slightly if dough feels too wet.
• Don’t Rush Fermentation: Sourdough needs time to develop flavor, so be patient during bulk fermentation and final proof.
• Preheat Oven Thoroughly: A very hot oven creates that beautiful crust and oven spring every time.
• Score Creatively: Use decorative slashes to let steam escape and add a personal touch to your loaf.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

Garnishes

Lightly spread softened butter, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, or top with cream cheese for a luscious, cozy finishing touch that complements the spice profile perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside creamy soups like butternut squash or tomato bisque, or pair with a crisp autumn salad featuring roasted nuts and tart apples to create a full seasonal meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Pumpkin Spice Sourdough into delightful toast topped with smashed avocado and chili flakes or use it to craft sandwiches layered with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, and sage mayo for a festive twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Pumpkin Spice Sourdough tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days without drying out.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Slice before freezing, wrap each slice in parchment paper, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, ready to toast whenever you need a fall-flavored treat.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster or warm whole loaves in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 10 minutes to refresh the crust and soften the crumb before serving.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is often more convenient, just make sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Do I need to feed my sourdough starter before baking?

Feeding your starter about 4-6 hours before mixing the dough ensures it’s active and gives your bread the best rise and flavor complexity.

Can I make Pumpkin Spice Sourdough without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely. You can bake it on a preheated baking stone or heavy tray with a pan of hot water beneath to create steam, which helps develop a crispy crust.

How long does the Pumpkin Spice Sourdough last?

Freshly baked, it stays delicious for about 3 days at room temperature. Always store it properly to prevent it from drying out or going stale too quickly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to bake two loaves at once, but make sure you have enough proofing space and baking vessels to handle the larger quantity effectively.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring those warm, inviting autumn flavors into your kitchen? Pumpkin Spice Sourdough is a wonderful way to enjoy homemade bread with all the seasonal goodness your taste buds crave. Whether you’re sharing it with family or enjoying a quiet morning slice with tea, this recipe is sure to become a cherished fall tradition. So heat up your oven, gather your ingredients, and let the magic of Pumpkin Spice Sourdough transform your baking this season!

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