September 22, 2026 2 min read

The First Signs of Fall

For me, fall doesn't begin when the calendar says it does. It begins the first time I pull a pumpkin recipe out of the oven.

Recently, I made a loaf of pumpkin sourdough sandwich bread, and it filled the kitchen with all the cozy scents that make this season my favorite. There's something about pumpkin, cinnamon, and fresh bread that immediately makes a house feel warmer.

Why I Love Baking With Sourdough

I've always enjoyed baking, but sourdough has become one of my favorite things to make.

There's something satisfying about slowing down, working with a starter, and creating a loaf from simple ingredients. Pumpkin adds a softness and richness that makes this bread perfect for fall.

Serving Ideas

One of the things I like most about this bread is how versatile it is.

It pairs well with:

  • Cranberry chicken salad
  • Grilled turkey and Swiss sandwiches
  • Turkey with cranberry sauce
  • An egg sandwich
  • Toast with butter and honey
  • A simple breakfast alongside coffee

Fresh From the Oven

The hardest part is waiting for it to cool.

There is nothing quite like a thick slice while it's still slightly warm. The pumpkin flavor is subtle, and the loaf is soft enough for sandwiches while still holding together beautifully.

Pumpkin Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe

Honey Pumpkin Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

  • 100g active sourdough starter
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons softened butter
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 3 to 3½ cups bread flour

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the active starter, pumpkin puree, honey, egg, and butter.

  2. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and 3 cups of bread flour. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

  3. Knead by hand or with a dough hook for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add additional flour if needed. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky.

  4. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover and let rise until noticeably puffy, about 4-6 hours.

  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a loaf.

  6. Place in a greased 9x5 loaf pan.

  7. Cover loosely and let rise until the dough is about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.

  8. Preheat oven to 375°F.

  9. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. An internal temperature of 195-200°F is ideal.

  10. While the loaf is still warm, mix 1 tablespoon melted butter with 1 tablespoon honey and brush over the top.

  11. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

A Small Fall Tradition

As the days get shorter and the mornings cooler, I find myself reaching for recipes like this more often.

They slow me down, fill the house with wonderful smells, and make everyday moments feel a little more special.

For me, that's what fall baking is all about.

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