Pumpkin Spice Sourdough
Pumpkin Spice Sourdough is a cozy autumnal bread combining the tangy charm of sourdough fermentation with warm pumpkin spice flavors and moist pumpkin puree. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or afternoon tea, this loaf delivers a delightful seasonal twist with a soft, hearty crumb and a crisp crust.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 4-6 hours starter readiness and 6-8 hours fermentation total)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Approx. 10-14 hours (including fermentation and resting times)
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups high-quality bread flour
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed 4–6 hours prior)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh, pure pumpkin only)
- ¾ cup warm water (adjust based on dough consistency)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger)
- Prepare Your Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly, ideally fed 4-6 hours before mixing for optimal rise and flavor.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, warm water, and brown sugar or maple syrup. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the bread flour, pumpkin spice blend, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
- Incorporate the Starter: Add the active sourdough starter to the dough and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution for proper fermentation.
- First Rise: Cover the bowl and let the dough ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours, until it doubles in size and bubbles appear on the surface.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the risen dough onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round or oblong loaf, preserving air bubbles.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured cloth. Let it rise again for about 2 hours until puffed.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Transfer the dough carefully into the hot Dutch oven, score the top deeply, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread and let it cool completely on a wire rack to set the crumb and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help dough ferment evenly and improve rise time.
- Adjust water amounts as pumpkin puree adds moisture to get perfect dough consistency.
- Allow slow and thorough fermentation for better flavor and texture development.
- Score the dough deeply to control oven spring and create attractive crust patterns.
- Use a Dutch oven to trap steam, creating a crusty exterior and soft interior.
- Store bread in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before use.
- Reheat slices in toaster or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of loaf)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice, sourdough bread, fall bread, pumpkin puree, homemade bread, autumn baking, cinnamon nutmeg cloves bread