How to Make Pumpkin Shaped Sourdough Bread
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.Have you seen sourdough boules shaped as a pumpkin? They are beautiful and perfect to gift to a friend or family member during the fall season. How gorgeous would they look on a Thanksgiving table? I love the look of these pumpkin-shaped sourdough boules and am sharing tips for how you to make pumpkin shaped sourdough bread–so you can make one this fall season!
Boule is French for a round-shaped loaf
A pumpkin shape can be made out of any sourdough boule (even rolls!) Make your bread dough and shape it into a boule. I like using my artisan bread recipe, easy no-knead version or this delicious pumpkin artisan sourdough bread.
For easiest shaping, place the boule in the refrigerator for a cold ferment.
Place 4 long strips of bakers twine across parchment paper or a re-useable bread mat. You can lightly coat the strings in vegetable oil to help prevent them from sticking to the dough if desired.
Turn the chilled, fermented dough out on top of the center of the bakers twine. Try to center the dough so the middle hits where the 4 pieces of twine intersect.
Pull the pieces of twine up and tie them into a firm but loose knot. Repeat until all four pieces of twine are tied.
Lightly flour the top of the loaf. Score each of the eight sections using a bread lame.
Bake according to recipe directions. Once the loaf is baked through, let cool before cutting the twine and pulling it off the bread dough.
Place a cinnamon stick in the center of the loaf if desired! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the string affect how much the loaf will rise?
If you tie the string too tight, the loaf will grow around the string and be harder to remove when baked. It shouldn’t affect the rise too much but may bake up a little smaller than loaves that have a large score to increase their oven spring.
The string stuck to the dough. What do I do?
This can happen with certain types of string. Choose a string that is food safe and has less fuzzy fibers. You can lightly coat the string with vegetable oil to help prevent them from sticking to the bread dough. Waiting for the bread to cool before cutting off the strings also helps.
Do I have to use a cinnamon stick?
No. You don’t have to. I think it adds a little extra flair and looks beautiful. You can purchase cinnamon sticks here.
What bread lame do you recommend?
I love the wiremonkey bread lames. You can get 10% off your purchase using this link. If you already have a great lame, make sure to replace your razor blade frequently for the best score.
Sooo cute! And delicious, too! Thanks for sharing! 🎃🍞😍😋