Ingredients
Follow our Sourdough Bread Recipe as the first step to prepare your dough.
- 1 small piece of food-safe kitchen twine (approximately 3–4 feet long).
- 1 small cinnamon stick or pecan half (for the “pumpkin stem”).
- A little olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the twine to prevent sticking).
Instructions
Follow our Sourdough Bread Recipe to prepare the dough. After the bulk fermentation stage, shape the dough into a round boule and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Shape into a Pumpkin
Lightly coat the kitchen twine with olive oil or melted butter to prevent it from sticking.
Place the dough ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Tie the twine around the dough to create the pumpkin “sections.” Lay the twine under the dough, bring the ends over the top, and cross them. Repeat until the dough is divided into 6–8 even sections, tying the twine snugly but not too tightly (the dough will expand during proofing).
Final Proofing
Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Let it proof at room temperature or refrigerate overnight, depending on your sourdough recipe. The dough will rise and take on the pumpkin shape.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) or as directed by your recipe. Place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside to preheat.
Score the Dough
Remove the twine carefully before baking or leave it on if it’s loose and the dough has risen enough. If removed, score lightly around the “sections” to define the pumpkin ridges further.
Bake the Bread
Bake the bread in the preheated Dutch oven or on the baking stone as directed in our Sourdough Bread Recipe (typically 30–40 minutes). For the last 10–15 minutes, remove the lid to allow the bread to brown beautifully.
Add the Stem
Once the bread has cooled, insert a small cinnamon stick or pecan half into the center to mimic a pumpkin stem.
Tips
Add pumpkin puree to our Sourdough Bread Recipe for extra flavor and a beautiful orange hue.
Dust the dough with flour before tying the twine for a rustic, textured look.
Use a kitchen scale to ensure even sections when tying the twine for a symmetrical pumpkin shape.
This festive pumpkin-shaped sourdough bread is the perfect addition to your fall table. Check out our Sourdough Bread Recipe to get started!
