It’s that time of year again, when the kitchen gets a little more creative, a little more playful, and a whole lot more spooky! Whether you’re planning a Halloween party, baking with the kids, or simply love any excuse to decorate with cobwebs and candy eyes, these recipes are the perfect way to bring the spirit of the season into your baking routine.
From olive “spiders” crawling across golden focaccia to pumpkin-shaped loaves that look straight out of a harvest fairytale, these bakes are all about having fun while keeping things simple and delicious. You’ll find everything from sweet treats like Pumpkin Spice Muffins and Spooky Marshmallow Brownies to savoury showstoppers like Skeleton Sourdough and Pumpkin Loaf. Each one is easy to recreate, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out.
So grab your sourdough starter, a handful of black olives, and maybe a few marshmallows because it’s time to bake up some Halloween magic.
Spider focaccia
Bring a little spooky fun to your table this Halloween with this easy Spider Focaccia, delicious, simple to make, and perfect for sharing!
Start with your favourite focaccia dough recipe, then top it with pitted black olives. Slice them in half for the spider bodies and cut thin strips for the legs. Arrange your creepy-cute creations across the dough, scatter over fresh rosemary and a generous pinch of flakey sea salt, and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake until golden, soft, and slightly crisp around the edges. The result? A beautifully spooky loaf that’s equal parts fun and flavourful, perfect for Halloween parties or a themed family dinner.
Watch the Full Spider Focaccia Video!
Pumpkin spice muffins
These Pumpkin Spice Muffins are the perfect way to use up some sourdough discard and sneak a little veg into your baking routine. Soft, spiced, and filled with a luscious cream cheese centre, they’re everything you love about café-style muffins (only better, because they’re homemade 👌🏻)
Simply mix your sourdough discard with pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a touch of sweetness, then add a creamy centre before baking. The result? Fluffy, fragrant muffins with just the right amount of indulgence.
Once cooled, enjoy them warm with your morning coffee or as an afternoon treat, a cozy bite of pumpkin magic anytime of year.
Watch the Pumpkin Magic Happen!
Find the Full Pumpkin Muffin Recipe Here!
Sourdough Pumpkin Shape
Another fun Halloween bake to try, pumpkin-inspired sourdough loaf! It’s a simple twist that looks impressive on the table, perfect for Halloween or any autumn-themed gathering.
To create the pumpkin shape, gently tie your shaped dough with cooking string before baking. As it rises and bakes, the dough puffs beautifully between the strings, forming natural pumpkin-like segments. For that signature orange glow, mix a pinch of turmeric powder into your flour. It gives the loaf a warm, golden colour and a subtle earthy depth.
Once baked, untie the string and admire your creation, a beautifully golden, pumpkin-shaped sourdough that’s as fun to make as it is to share.
Watch the Pumpkin Loaf Tutorial!
Spooky Scoring
This Skeleton Sourdough is a fun and easy way to give your loaf a Halloween makeover (no extra ingredients needed!)
Lightly dust your dough with flour, then use a razor or lame to score a simple skeleton face before baking. As the loaf rises and bakes, the design opens up beautifully, revealing those eerie-yet-charming details. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact and it’s guaranteed to impress everyone at home.
Serve it warm with soup or butter for a festive table centrepiece that’s equal parts spooky and delicious.
Watch How to Score the Skeleton Design!
Halloween Brownies
Turn your favourite brownies into a Halloween showstopper with this quick and creepy topping idea!
Simply melt 4-5 white marshmallows in a microwave-safe bowl for about 20-30 seconds until gooey. Lightly grease your fingers with a little oil or butter (trust us, it helps!) and stretch the melted marshmallow over your brownies to create spooky web-like strands. Finish with a few candy eyes, and you’ve got the perfect mix of scary and sweet.
These are easy to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Find the Full Sourdough Brownies Recipe Here!
We hope these Halloween recipes inspire you to have some fun in the kitchen this season. There’s nothing better than seeing our baking community get creative!
If you try any of these recipes, don’t forget to tag us @youkneadsourdough and share your spooky sourdough creations, we’d love to see what you come up with.
Happy baking and happy haunting!