How To Make Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Bread

Tis’ the season for pumpkin everything! In this post I’ll show you how to take an ordinary loaf of sourdough bread into a beautiful pumpkin shaped loaf ready for any festive occasion. Easy steps to follow and will have our friends and family awed by the beauty of this bread.

History of Sourdough Bread

There is nothing better than a crisp, warm, fresh baked artisan sourdough bread. Absolutely nothing. There are so many ways to use this bread and we are entering soup and bread season and I’m here for it.

I use my master sourdough artisan bread recipe here but the ending before baking is what I’ll be showing you how to do.

This takes the loaf of bread to the next level as far as presentation goes. If you like having delicious food that is also pretty…stick around, I’ll show how to do just that.

Why Choose Sourdough?

Most people don’t understand why I chose to keep baking sourdough bread. It has been around for 100’s of years and is now making quite the comeback. When I’m baking sourdough for my family or my friends, I like to think of all the women before me who may have baked bread this same way. Kneading and folding the dough ever so carefully. Something pretty special to carry on.

Most of the people in the world are so disconnected from food and where it comes from. I don’t want that. It’s important to me that we teach our children and the people around where and how our food is naturally supposed to be. How it is grown, how to prepare it and how to preserve it.

Break the chain and teach your children and/or family skills that are lost and can be handed down from generation to generation.

Sourdough Seems Intimidating

Most would say they stay away from sourdough because they don’t understand it or may think it’s complicated. I promise you it is a simple process. It may take you a few tries and some patience but just like anything, if you’re determined and consistent you can master it.

The most important thing is to NOT give up on your sourdough or yourself. If I can do it, anyone can. 🙂

Is Sourdough Healthier?

Due to the few ingredients (flour, water, salt) and the fermentation of the grains. The phytic acid is already predigested before you consume because of the fermentation process. This is what makes more nutrients available to your body.

Because of the breakdown of the anti-nutrient (the phytic acid) the bread is earlier to digest making it more friendly to those who have a gluten sensitivity.

So, yes, this is a better way to consume bread.

Making the Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Bread

I used my Easy Artisan Sourdough bread recipe, and you can find that here. When you come to an end point after the bread had bulk proofed in the banneton basket and you are ready to bake.

You will take some bakers twine and cut it into equal lengths of 4 strands. With the dough in the basket, lay the four pieces of string over the bread. Starting with a cross and then another cross in the opposite direction.

Once that is complete, lay a piece of parchment paper over the basket and the strings you just placed. This next part is tricky. You want to quickly turn the basket over (including the strings and parchment paper) keeping the strings as close to the same place as you can.

Pull the basket off of the dough and adjust strings so they are straight.

Now, you will tie each string to the opposite side with a double knot to secure in place. The string doesn’t have to be tight because when the bread rises during baking it will naturally tighten as it rises.

After you have tied all four strings, go ahead and trim the excess off.

Dust the loaf with some flour to make the leaf design stand out or to have a more rustic look omit the flour. Score a design in the top. Then place the parchment paper with the scored dough into a preheated dutch oven and cover with the lid.

Bake and enjoy!

After baking, allow to cool for about 30-40 minutes before cutting string. Be careful when removing the baker’s twine so you don’t tear the bread (particularly on the bottom and sides).

This loaf is so whimsical and lovely to look at and would make a great gift to a friend. It is also mouthwatering. I hope you and your family enjoy making this fun, simple and delicious pumpkin shaped sourdough bread.