Pumpkin Spice Swirl Sourdough Loaf

This Pumpkin Spice Swirl Sourdough Loaf is a cozy fall twist on my same-day yeasted sourdough recipe. It features a ribbon of pumpkin puree, warm spices, and mini chocolate chips rolled into a tender loaf — a slice of autumn comfort!

Same Day Sourdough? Yes, Please!

If you love pumpkin bread but want that signature sourdough tang, this Pumpkin Spice Swirl Sourdough Loaf is for you. It’s made with my reliable one-day yeasted sourdough base (Shh! Don't tell!) and filled with a spiced pumpkin puree that gives each slice a beautiful swirl of flavor and color.

This loaf isn’t overly sweet — it strikes the perfect balance between hearty artisan bread and soft, dessert-style pumpkin loaf. Add a handful of mini chocolate chips, and you’ll have just enough indulgence to make it feel special.

It’s moist, aromatic, and wonderfully seasonal — ideal for breakfast, gifting, or serving warm with a little butter and a hot cup of coffee.

Sourdough Inclusions

If you've been following me for a while you know that I've been on a roll (pun intended) adding swirls of this and that to my sourdough.

I've got quite a few savory loafs and even more sweet ones. This offering--pumpkin spice--fits nicely into the "sweet sourdough" category. And with just enough yeast to make it foolproof, you'll love the ease and pace of this recipe.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's bake some bread!

At a Glance

• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet, warmly spiced, and lightly tangy
• Options Included: Optional glaze for dessert-style finish
• Best For: Breakfast, gifting, or cozy fall gatherings

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Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Ingredients

These are simple ingredients you might have on hand. Just make sure your starter is active and bubbling and passes the float test!

You'll find a fun printable recipe card at the bottom but here's a look at what you'll need to make this delicious fall loaf.

Base Dough

• 100g active sourdough starter (½ cup)
• 350g warm water (1½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon instant yeast (about half a packet)
• 500g all-purpose or bread flour (4 cups, loosely scooped and leveled)
• 10g salt (1¾ tsp)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Pumpkin Swirl Filling

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
• ⅛ cup brown sugar (not pictured)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ⅓ cup mini chocolate chips (not pictured)

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 teaspoon milk or cream
• Dash of vanilla or maple extract

Note: You can substitute mashed sweet potatoes, if you prefer. I happen to be allergic to pumpkin, so I have no choice.

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How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sourdough

You'll be tickled at just how easy this one is, friends. And, as I mentioned above, the teaspoon of yeast guarantees a quick rise and a somewhat softer interior than a traditional sourdough loaf.

Here's how you're going to make it:

Step 1: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sourdough starter, warm water, and yeast. Add flour, salt, sugar, and spices. Stir to form a rough dough, then knead 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 2: First Rise

Cover and rest 60–90 minutes in a warm spot. Perform 2–3 stretch-and-folds during this time to strengthen the dough.

Step 3: Make the Pumpkin Filling

In a separate bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. The mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 4: Shape and Add the Swirl

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll into a 10×14-inch rectangle. Spread a thin, even layer of the pumpkin mixture across the surface, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Sprinkle evenly with mini chocolate chips.

Roll up jelly-roll style and pinch the seam to seal. Tuck the ends under to form a loaf.

💡 Baker’s Tip: Keep the pumpkin layer thin — it ensures you get a distinct swirl without making the loaf soggy.

Step 5: Final Proof

Place seam-side down in a floured banneton or parchment-lined loaf pan. Cover and let rise 45–60 minutes, until puffy and domed.

Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (covered) or 425°F (uncovered). Score the top, cover, and bake 25 minutes covered + 15–20 minutes uncovered, until golden and fragrant.

Step 7: Cool

Let cool at least 60–90 minutes before slicing.

The pumpkin swirl will look extra moist if cut while warm, but the texture evens out as it cools.

🍁 Optional Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla or maple extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf, then dust lightly with pumpkin pie spice.

Serving Ideas

• Toast a slice and top with butter, cream cheese, or cinnamon sugar.
• Serve with coffee or spiced tea for the ultimate fall treat.
• Wrap and gift — it’s the perfect seasonal bake for friends or neighbors.
• Cube leftovers and turn them into Pumpkin Bread Pudding or French Toast Bake.

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Storage

Keep tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week. Freeze slices for up to 2 months; reheat in the toaster or oven.

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Baker’s Notes

Because of the pumpkin puree and chocolate chips, this loaf retains extra moisture — it’s tender and soft even the next day. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, reduce the pumpkin filling to ¾ cup or drain the puree briefly before mixing.

This loaf captures everything we love about fall — pumpkin spice, chocolate, and homemade sourdough warmth in one beautiful swirl. 🍂

That's it for this post, friends. I hope you enjoy this delicious pumpkin spice swirl sourdough.

Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?

About the Baker

Janice Thompson is the baker, blogger, and storyteller behind Out of the Box Baking, where she combines her love for creativity and comfort food. A lifelong Texan with Italian roots woven through her Weddings by Bella book series, Janice believes that baking is more than mixing ingredients—it’s crafting memories. Her Pumpkin Spice Sourdough Loaf was inspired by cozy fall mornings, warm kitchens, and the comforting scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Whether she’s developing recipes, penning novels, or sharing stories of faith and family, Janice always finds joy in creating something beautiful—one loaf, one story, one smile at a time.