Sourdough Pumpkin Bread: Best Easy Fall Recipe

When the crisp air of fall settles in, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked bread. Sourdough pumpkin bread combines the rich, comforting flavors of pumpkin with the unique tang of sourdough discard. It’s easy to make, uses simple pantry ingredients, and makes for an incredibly moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. This recipe is ideal for using up your sourdough discard while indulging in the warm, spicy flavors of fall.

Why Sourdough Pumpkin Bread is a Must-Try

Sourdough pumpkin bread stands out with its perfect balance of flavors. The sourdough discard adds a subtle tang that complements the earthy sweetness of pumpkin, creating a flavor profile unlike any other. It’s quick to prepare and bakes up in just an hour, making it a convenient yet special treat for any fall occasion. Plus, it’s versatile—add mix-ins like chocolate chips or dried cranberries for an extra twist!

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture to the bread, making it light and fluffy.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the bread rises properly, giving it a soft and airy texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the bread and enhances the other flavors.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice & Cinnamon: These spices infuse the bread with a warm, cozy flavor that’s perfect for autumn.
• Nutmeg: Adds a sweet, slightly spicy depth to the bread, making each bite more flavorful.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender, ensuring a soft crumb.
• Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: These sugars provide the necessary sweetness while adding a hint of caramel flavor from the brown sugar.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help the bread rise to perfection.
• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• Pumpkin Puree: The star of the recipe, giving the bread its signature flavor, moisture, and beautiful orange hue.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps the batter come together smoothly.
• Unfed Sourdough Discard: Adds a tangy flavor and tender crumb, turning an everyday pumpkin bread into something special.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to modify this recipe to fit dietary preferences or ingredients you have on hand, here are a few swaps:

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond milk and the vegetable oil with coconut oil.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your sourdough discard is gluten-free.
• If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, substitute with a combination of ground ginger and cinnamon.
• For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of vegetable oil for a nutty twist.
• Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet, fruity touch that complements the pumpkin perfectly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, milk, and sourdough discard until fully combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
5. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
6. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Start checking at 60 minutes, but keep in mind that every oven is different.
7. Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. For best texture, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and let it rest overnight before slicing.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure your sourdough discard is at the right hydration level (100% hydration), you can add equal parts water and flour to it before using it in the recipe.
• Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause the bread to become tough.
• To prevent the top from browning too quickly, tent the bread with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if necessary.
• Letting the bread rest overnight allows the flavors to meld together, creating an even more delicious loaf.
• If you want to enhance the texture, you can substitute half of the oil with applesauce for a lighter, slightly tangy flavor.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This sourdough pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. For an extra indulgence, spread a layer of cream cheese or butter on each slice.
You can also make this recipe your own by experimenting with different mix-ins:
• For a nutty crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Stir in some chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the spice.
• Try adding a swirl of cream cheese filling for a rich, decadent twist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

You can keep this sourdough pumpkin bread wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to one week. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, wrap it tightly in plastic and then in aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the bread at room temperature before slicing.

Health Benefits of Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

While this bread is a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits thanks to the pumpkin. Pumpkin is rich in vitamins A and C, both of which support healthy skin, vision, and immune function. The addition of sourdough discard can also aid digestion due to the beneficial probiotics found in sourdough.

Sourdough pumpkin bread offers a sweet way to enjoy seasonal flavors while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of tea or as a dessert, it’s sure to become a fall favorite in your home.

Conclusion

Sourdough pumpkin bread is a delightful, flavorful treat that combines the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the tangy kick of sourdough. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy breakfast, a quick snack, or a dessert, this bread is sure to become a fall favorite in your household. With its perfect balance of spices and moisture, it’s an unforgettable way to enjoy the season’s flavors while making the most of your sourdough discard.

FAQ About Sourdough Pumpkin Bread

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