Pumpkin Sourdough Bread

Making pumpkin sourdough bread has been a great fall treat for my kids! This pumpkin sourdough bread isn’t overly sweet like some I’ve made in the past. Plus, it’s yummy topped with butter or cream cheese.

The rainy season is here in Oregon so therefore it finally feels like fall. Mornings are wet and crisp. Sweaters have been pulled out. I love when the seasons change. We’ve been apple and pear picking, got family photos at a pumpkin patch (& grabbed some pumpkins!), and played in the leaves. Although the leaves aren’t as abundant as they are back home, it’s still magical to see leaves fall from the trees!

Ever since I cooked a pumpkin in my instant pot, I’ve been a wee bit obsessed with pumpkin things. Plus, using the instant pot wasn’t heating up my house like the oven would while we were still having temps up in the 80s (and no A/C).  

tips for cooking pumpkin sourdough bread

• the longer you allow your sourdough bread dough sit before baking it, the more you will taste that classic sourdough flavor.
• for sourdough breads, make sure your starter is active and bubbly (fed a few hours before is good). This is how your bread will rise since you aren’t using yeast.
• once your bread is done baking, place it on a cooling rack ASAP so you don’t over cook it.
• when I say I wrap my bread with a damp tea towel then place it in a bread pan, the photo below is what I’m talking about.

How to Store Pumpkin Bread

If you have leftover pumpkin bread, you’ll want to store it properly so it stays fresh and doesn’t dry out.

First, allow your pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing it. If you wrap it while it’s still warm, the trapped moisture can make the bread soggy.

If you’re planning to eat it within the next couple of days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it well and keep it in a cool, dry place. Since homemade pumpkin bread is moist, keep an eye out for mold and don’t leave it sitting out in a warm kitchen.

If you won’t finish it within a couple of days, you can refrigerate or freeze it instead.

How Long Does Pumpkin Bread Last in the Fridge?

Homemade pumpkin bread can generally be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to help prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.

I will say that refrigerating bread can change its texture and make it dry out faster, so I prefer freezing it if I know we won’t eat it in time.

If you notice mold or anything unusual about the smell or appearance, throw it away rather than trying to salvage it.

How to Freeze Pumpkin Bread

One of the great things about pumpkin bread is that it freezes well! This is especially helpful if you want to make a loaf ahead of time or save some for later instead of having to eat the entire thing before it goes bad.

Here’s how I freeze pumpkin bread:

1. Allow it to cool completely. You don’t want to trap steam inside the wrapping.
2. Decide whether to freeze the whole loaf or individual slices. I like the idea of freezing slices so you can pull out just what you need.
3. Wrap it well. Wrap the loaf or individual slices in freezer-safe wrapping, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight freezer-safe container.
4. Label and freeze. Write the date on the bag so you know how long it’s been in the freezer.

For the best quality, use frozen pumpkin bread within 2 to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the slices at room temperature or let them thaw in the refrigerator. You can also warm a slice in the oven or toaster oven if you like your pumpkin bread warm with a little butter or cream cheese!

Is Pumpkin Bread Healthy?

That depends on the ingredients you’re using and what healthy means to you!

Pumpkin itself provides fiber, beta-carotene (which the body can convert to vitamin A), and other nutrients. Making pumpkin bread at home also gives you control over the ingredients, including the type of flour, sweetener, and fats you use.

I enjoy making homemade recipes because I can choose the ingredients that work best for my family. Using freshly milled flour, for example, is one way to incorporate whole grains into your baking.

Of course, pumpkin bread is still a baked good, and the nutritional value will depend on the recipe. The amount of added sugar, the type of flour, and whether you use butter or oil will all affect the final result.

I don’t think every homemade treat needs to be completely free of sugar or fat to be enjoyed. For our family, I love being able to make things from scratch and know what’s going into them!

Can You Make Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread?

Pumpkin puree is naturally low in fat, which makes it a great ingredient to use in baking. It adds moisture and helps give pumpkin bread its soft texture.

Whether a pumpkin bread recipe can be considered low-fat depends on the rest of the ingredients, particularly how much butter or oil it contains. Some recipes use a lot of added fat, while others rely more on pumpkin puree for moisture.

If you’re looking for a lower-fat pumpkin bread, check the amount of fat in the full recipe rather than assuming it’s low-fat just because it contains pumpkin.

And remember, fat isn’t necessarily a bad thing! Ingredients like eggs, nuts, and certain oils can contribute nutrients as well as flavor and texture.

Can You Freeze Sourdough Pumpkin Bread?

Yes! Sourdough pumpkin bread can be frozen just like other homemade pumpkin breads. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze it in a whole loaf or individual slices.

This is a great way to have homemade pumpkin bread ready for breakfast, snacks, or whenever you’re craving a little taste of fall.

Is Pumpkin Sourdough Bread Healthy?

I love making homemade bread because I can control the ingredients that go into it! This sourdough pumpkin bread isn’t overly sweet, and it doesn’t contain any added oil, butter, or eggs.

Instead, the pumpkin puree helps add moisture to the bread, while the sourdough starter gives it that classic sourdough flavor. I also only use a little honey to sweeten it, so it isn’t nearly as sweet as some pumpkin bread recipes I’ve made in the past.

If you’re looking for a homemade pumpkin bread with less added fat and sugar than many traditional recipes, this is a great one to try!

Of course, whether a food is healthy depends on your overall diet and needs, but I love having simple homemade recipes like this that my family enjoys.

More Sourdough Recipes!

• make your own sourdough starter

• sourdough burger buns

• sourdough pumpkin waffles 

save this recipe for later!