Name: Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups (193g) Bread flour (substitute with all-purpose flour if desired); 1 tsp (10g) Baking powder; 1 tsp (10g) Baking soda; 1 tbsp Pumpkin spice; 1 tsp (10g) Cinnamon; ½ tsp (5g) Salt; 1 cup (250g) Pumpkin puree; 1 stick (155g) Butter, melted; 1 cup (140g) Brown sugar; ½ cup (100g) Sourdough starter; 1 Egg; 1 tsp Vanilla extract; 1 tbsp Oil (coconut or avocado oil) to oil the bread loaf pan

There is something utterly magical about a warm slice of homemade bread that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and rich, comforting flavors. This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe perfectly blends the tangy depth of sourdough starter with the cozy spices of pumpkin and cinnamon, creating a loaf that feels like a hug in bread form. Whether you want to elevate your breakfast, impress your guests, or simply indulge in the spirit of the season, this bread is the ultimate treat that balances moist texture, gentle sweetness, and a hint of spicy warmth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass loaf pan sitting on a wooden cutting board contains an even layer of thick, light brown batter with a rough, slightly textured surface. The batter is spread smoothly across the base of the pan, filling it about a third of the way, showing soft ridges and peaks from spreading. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe is delightfully simple because every ingredient plays an essential role. From the flour that provides structure to the pumpkin puree that adds moisture and vibrant color, each component works in harmony to bring this comforting loaf to life.

Bread flour, 1½ cups (193g): Offers the perfect balance of protein to develop the dough’s gluten and create a tender crumb.
Baking powder, 1 tsp (10g): Helps give the bread a gentle rise and light texture alongside the sourdough starter.
Baking soda, 1 tsp (10g): Enhances lift and works with acidic ingredients for a well-risen loaf.
Pumpkin spice, 1 tbsp: Infuses the bread with warm, cozy notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—comfort in every bite.
Cinnamon, 1 tsp (10g): Adds a pure, sweet-spicy depth that harmonizes beautifully with pumpkin.
Salt, ½ tsp (5g): Balances sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
Pumpkin puree, 1 cup (250g): Brings moisture, natural sweetness, and that gorgeous orange hue.
Butter, 1 stick (155g), melted: Adds richness and a tender crumb texture.
Brown sugar, 1 cup (140g): Gives deep molasses sweetness and moistness to the loaf.
Sourdough starter, ½ cup (100g): Provides natural leavening and a tangy complexity unique to sourdough baking.
Egg, 1: Binds all ingredients together and lends structure.
Vanilla extract, 1 tsp: Amplifies sweetness and rounds out the spices with fragrant warmth.
Oil, 1 tbsp: Used to oil the bread pan, preventing sticking and adding a subtle softness to the crust.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a moment to oil your bread loaf pan generously with coconut or avocado oil to ensure your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread releases smoothly after baking.

Step 2: Melt and Cool the Butter

Melt one stick of butter gently on the stove until just liquified. To avoid scrambling eggs or uneven mixing, cool the melted butter to room temperature. A quick hack is to rest the butter bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice water until it feels cool to the touch.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whisk together the cooled butter, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, sourdough starter, vanilla extract, and egg. This mixture should become creamy and well-blended, promising great moisture and tang in your bread.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Into your wet mix, fold in the bread flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Mix everything gently yet thoroughly, creating a lively batter full of autumn magic.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the hot oven. Bake for 40 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and the loaf to rise to perfection.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

To ensure that your Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread is perfectly baked, insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! If not, give it a few more minutes and check again.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe

A loaf of brown bread with a rough, cracked crust is shown sliced into four pieces on the left side. Two slices lie flat on the right, showing a dense texture with small holes spread throughout. The bread sits on a textured light cloth with small crumbs scattered around. The crust is slightly darker than the soft interior, giving a warm, homemade look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light spread of cinnamon butter or a drizzle of honey is all you need to enhance your slice’s already luscious flavor. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds on top or swirl cream cheese frosting for a cake-like treat.

Side Dishes

This Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a glass of warm apple cider. It also complements hearty breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs, sausage, or roasted veggies for a wholesome morning.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving thick slices as a base for decadent French toast topped with whipped cream and cinnamon sugar. Or transform it into a layered bread pudding, incorporating chunks of the sourdough bread with custard and autumn fruits for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves the lovely moist texture while preventing the bread from drying out.

Freezing

For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Frozen bread stays fresh for up to 2 months and is perfect for toasting whenever you crave that comforting pumpkin-cinnamon flavor.

Reheating

To refresh your bread, gently warm slices in a toaster or oven at low heat until heated through. This method revives its soft texture and enhances the warming aromas without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Absolutely! Substituting bread flour with all-purpose flour in this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe will work just fine, though you might notice the loaf is slightly less chewy but still delicious.

Do I have to use sourdough starter? Can I substitute yeast?

The sourdough starter gives this bread its signature tang and depth, but if you don’t have one, you can experiment with yeast. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor will change, leaning more toward traditional pumpkin quick bread.

How ripe should the pumpkin puree be?

It’s best to use plain canned pumpkin puree or homemade pumpkin puree without added spices. Fresh puree should be smooth and moist, as it’s key to keeping the bread tender and colorful.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries complement the pumpkin-cinnamon profile nicely. Fold them in gently after combining the dry and wet ingredients.

What’s the best way to tell if the bread is done without a toothpick?

If you don’t have a toothpick handy, gently press the top of the loaf; it should spring back rather than feel doughy. Also, the bread will have a golden-brown crust and pull slightly away from the pan edges when fully baked.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pumpkin Cinnamon Sourdough Bread Recipe is like capturing the essence of fall in a loaf you can share and savor anytime. Its inviting aroma, moist crumb, and warmly spiced taste make it one of those comforting, feel-good recipes that feels like a personal gift from your kitchen to loved ones. I encourage you to try baking this soon—you might just find yourself reaching for another slice before the day ends.