Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread is the perfect combination of tangy, warm, and cozy flavors that make fall baking so special. This golden sourdough bread is made with the delightful blend of pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice, creating a comforting loaf that’s perfect for autumn breakfasts or as a side dish for your Thanksgiving feast. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the richness of pumpkin and the distinct flavor of sourdough. Let’s dive into how you can easily make this aromatic bread at home!

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread is an autumn-inspired twist on traditional sourdough. This recipe brings together the comforting flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice, making it a perfect addition to your fall baking repertoire. The combination of a tangy sourdough starter with warm, spicy notes from cinnamon and pumpkin spice will fill your home with the most inviting aroma. It’s not just delicious but also fun to make, with simple yet effective techniques that even beginner bakers can follow.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this cozy and flavorful bread:

• Active Sourdough Starter: Essential for the bread’s rise and its signature tang.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to help form the dough’s structure.
• Filtered Water: Helps activate the starter, making sure the dough is hydrated properly.
• Inactive Sourdough Starter: It adds more depth and complexity to the flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: Gives the bread its rich, smooth texture and flavor.
• Bread Flour: Helps give the bread the perfect chewy texture.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors and controls yeast fermentation.
• Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, sweet aroma that complements the pumpkin spice.
• Pumpkin Spice: A blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg that truly captures the essence of fall.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the spices.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make some substitutions, here are a few ideas:
• For a gluten-free version, try using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose and bread flour.
• If you don’t have pumpkin puree, you can use roasted and mashed sweet potato for a similar flavor.
• Swap out the sugar for maple syrup or honey for a more natural sweetener.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread involves patience and careful steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. Feed the Starter: Begin by feeding your active sourdough starter. Mix ½ cup of starter, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1 cup of room-temperature water. Mark the level of the starter with tape and set it in a warm spot. Let it rise for 6-12 hours until it doubles in size.
2. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine your activated starter with the filtered water and pumpkin puree. Gradually mix in the bread flour until you have a sticky dough. Add salt last to prevent it from interfering with the yeast.
3. Stretch and Fold: Allow the dough to rest for 1 hour, then perform your first stretch and fold. Stretch the dough and fold it back onto itself to develop gluten. Cover it and let it rest for another hour.
4. Second and Third Stretch and Fold: For improved texture and flavor, do another stretch and fold 1.5 hours later and a final one at bedtime. Let the dough rise overnight in a warm spot (67-73°F).
5. Shape the Dough: The next morning, take the dough out, stretch it into a rectangle, and fold in a pumpkin spice sugar mixture. Shape it into a tight ball and place it in a floured banneton (proofing basket).
6. Cold Proof: Refrigerate the dough for anywhere between 8-30 hours. A longer cold proof enhances the flavor, so opt for a longer time if you can.

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure to feed your sourdough starter in advance so it’s active and bubbly.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip the optional morning stretch and fold.
• For a crispy crust, always bake your sourdough in a covered Dutch oven.
• Let the bread cool before slicing to avoid it being too doughy.
• Don’t rush the cold proofing! A longer rise results in a more flavorful bread.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread is versatile and can be paired with a wide variety of dishes:
• Spread: Enjoy with a spread of butter, cream cheese, or a touch of honey.
• Side Dish: Serve it alongside soups or a rich pumpkin stew for a hearty fall meal.
• Variation: If you want a sweeter version, add chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the dough before baking.

For storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well for 2-3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for longer storage.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread

Not only is Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients from the pumpkin puree, which is a great source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. The fermentation process also makes this sourdough bread easier to digest, providing beneficial probiotics that can improve gut health. Enjoy a slice for a warming, nutritious fall treat!

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread is the ultimate fall treat that brings the best of pumpkin, spices, and sourdough together in one mouthwatering loaf. The tangy flavor from the sourdough starter pairs beautifully with the warm, comforting spices, making it perfect for cozy autumn mornings or as a side dish for your Thanksgiving table. The process may require some patience, but the end result is a flavorful, soft, and slightly chewy bread that will fill your home with the delightful aromas of fall. Whether you’re a sourdough lover or new to bread baking, this Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy!

FAQ

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