Today is the first day of Autumn, and as the calendar turns and the days get shorter, there’s a special kind of magic that fills the air. It’s the moment when the world gets cozier, the sweaters come out, and the kitchen beckons with the promise of warmth and good food. And for us sourdough bakers, it’s a call to action! This is our time to shine, to celebrate the beautiful, bubbly life in our jars, and to fill our homes with the incredible aroma of fresh-baked bread, sweet treats, and other baked sourdough wonders.

Sourdough baking isn’t just about a recipe; it’s a conversation with a living thing. Your starter, with its tiny bubbles and subtle tang, is like a pet that lives on your counter, always ready to turn a simple mix of flour and water into something truly spectacular. As the seasons shift, so too does the rhythm of your bakes. The cooler temperatures mean slower, more patient fermentation. You might mix your dough in the afternoon, let it proof overnight for a long, slow rise, and wake up to a perfectly risen loaf just waiting for the oven. This slower pace is a gift, a gentle reminder to take your time and savor the process.

And what better way to welcome autumn than by infusing your bakes with the season’s best flavors? Imagine a loaf studded with toasted pecans and dried cranberries, or a soft, enriched dough swirled with cinnamon and apple chunks. You can even try adding a bit of pumpkin puree to your dough for a subtle hint of color and flavor. Each loaf becomes a canvas for the season, a delicious reflection of the world outside your window.

Here we have curated some of our best Fall recipes for your baking pleasure:

HARVEST PUMPKIN LOAF

Inspired to blog for Abigail’s Oven, a family bakery, the author was challenged to create a “Halloween bread” recipe from scratch. The result is a unique Harvest Pumpkin Bread, made with sourdough starter, pumpkin purée, and spiced apple cider. The post details the recipe and instructions for this delicious, seasonal loaf, proving that creativity can lead to wonderful new creations.

Embracing the arrival of fall in Provo, Utah, the author shares a new recipe inspired by a small, pumpkin-shaped waffle maker. Although their own pumpkin harvest was a disappointment, they used canned pumpkin to create Sourdough Pumpkin Waffles for One. The post offers a quick and straightforward recipe that utilizes sourdough starter for a single, delicious serving—perfect for a cozy fall morning.

SOURDOUGH PUMPKIN BREAD (scroll halfway down the post for the recipe)

Celebrate #NationalPumpkinDay in October! This post dives into the history and fun facts about this versatile fruit, from its ancient origins to its modern use in everything from pies to jack-o’-lanterns. Discover how pumpkins are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, and learn how to incorporate them into your sourdough baking with a special recipe for Sourdough Pumpkin Bread. It’s the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall and get creative in the kitchen.

PUMPKIN SOURDOUGH SCONES AND OTHER HARVEST RECIPES

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this post on Sourdough Pumpkin Scones. Darryl Alder shares a personal journey of discovering the “real” British scone and how a sourdough starter can transform the classic recipe, including optional glazes and tips, as well as your own pumpkin puree. This overnight pumpkin sourdough scone recipe adds a unique tang and tender crumb. It is just the thing for a frosty, autumn morning, served fresh from the oven.

Warm pumpkin scones made with sourdough

FALL HARVEST SWEET ROLLS

Get in the spirit of the Autumn with these delicious sourdough apple cinnamon rolls! This recipe combines the classic comfort of cinnamon rolls with the fresh taste of a fall harvest. Made with a sourdough starter and a secret ingredient—mashed potatoes—these fluffy, buttery rolls are perfect for a cozy autumn meal.

ELEVATE YOUR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY THIS YEAR WITH SOURDOUGH  

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. This year, why not take your holiday feast to the next level with the unique flavor and texture of sourdough? From savory appetizers to decadent desserts, sourdough can transform your Thanksgiving meal into a truly memorable experience.

Thanksgiving dinner preparations with sourdough front and center

PUMPKIN SOURDOUGH BREAD PUDDING

Turn leftover sourdough bread into a delicious Pumpkin Sourdough Bread Pudding with this easy recipe. Inspired by The Spruce Eats, the dish combines pumpkin purée, spices, and a rich butterscotch sauce for a decadent holiday treat that can be made ahead of time.

So, this fall, let’s embrace the sourdough life. Feed your starter, get your hands a little bit dusty with flour, and enjoy the beautiful, delicious journey of creating something with your own two hands. There’s a special kind of comfort in a warm slice of sourdough, spread with butter and jam, shared with loved ones on a chilly day.

What’s the first thing you’re going to bake this season?