This sweet sourdough bread recipe has a soft texture and a mild tangy flavor with a touch of sweetness. Made with a sourdough starter and a slow fermentation process, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it plain, toasted with honey or cinnamon sugar, or with your favorite spread.
Why We Love This Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe
Baking sweet sourdough bread brings out the best of both worlds—the deep, tangy flavor of fermented dough with a touch of natural sweetness. This recipe is perfect for those who love homemade sourdough but want a softer, slightly sweet twist.
What Makes This Bread Special?
- Balanced Flavor – The mild tang from the sourdough starter pairs beautifully with the gentle sweetness of honey or sugar.
- Soft and Fluffy Texture – A well-hydrated dough and long fermentation create a tender crumb that stays fresh longer.
- Versatile Uses – Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter and jam, or topped with cinnamon sugar for a treat.
- No Commercial Yeast is needed – the power of wild yeast fermentation gives this loaf its airy rise and complex taste.
This bread is perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even as a base for French toast. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to sourdough, this recipe will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients for Sweet sourdough bread recipe
Sourdough starter – This is Essential for tang and natural fermentation. Use a healthy, active starter for the best rise and flavor.
All-purpose or bread flour – Bread flour gives a chewier texture, while all-purpose flour also works but provides a softer crumb.
Milk – Whole milk adds moisture and richness, making the bread tender. Lower-fat milk can be used, but it may make the bread less soft.
Unsalted butter – Adds moisture and flavor. Salted butter can be substituted but with less added salt.
Sugar or honey – Provides sweetness. Honey offers a mild sweetness, while sugar gives a more neutral flavor, allowing the sourdough to stand out.
Salt – Enhances flavor and regulates yeast activity for better rise and texture.
Instructions
Making sweet sourdough bread from scratch is a rewarding process. While it requires some patience, the result is absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Mix the sourdough starter, milk, sugar (or honey), and melted butter in a bowl. Add the flour and salt, then stir until the dough forms. Knead until smooth.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes on a surface dusted with flour. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
Step 3: First Rise
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise for 4-6 hours until it doubles in size.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Gently deflate the dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased pan. Let it rise for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool before slicing.
Pro Tips for a Sweet sourdough bread recipe
Use an Active Starter: Make sure your sourdough starter is bubbly and at its peak activity before starting the recipe for the best rise.
Let the Dough Rise Properly: Be patient with the first rise. It’s key to develop flavor. If you have time, let it rise longer or refrigerate it overnight.
Flour Choice: For a better texture, use bread flour instead of all-purpose flour. It gives the bread a chewy, sturdy crumb.
Hydrate Your Dough: Keep the dough slightly sticky for a soft, airy loaf. Add a little water or milk if needed to get the right consistency.
Rest the Dough: After shaping, let the dough rest before baking. This allows it to relax and rise more evenly.
These tips will make your sweet sourdough bread even better and easier to bake!
Variations
While this sweet sourdough bread recipe is already delightful, there are a few fun variations you can try to customize the flavor and texture. Here are some options to mix things up:
Add Dried Fruit: For a burst of natural sweetness, mix in raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots during the final mixing stage. These dried fruits pair perfectly with the tangy flavor of the sourdough.
Incorporate Nuts: Add walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the soft, chewy bread. Simply fold them into the dough during the second rise.
Cinnamon Sugar Swirl: If you’re craving a more indulgent treat, swirl cinnamon sugar into the dough before shaping. This will give the bread a sweet, spiced flavor and a beautiful marbled effect.
Honey Glaze: For a touch of extra sweetness and shine, brush a honey glaze over the bread just before baking. This will add a beautiful golden finish and a mild sweetness that enhances the bread’s flavor.
Whole Grain Twist: For a heartier option, substitute part of the bread flour with whole wheat flour. This gives the bread a richer flavor and a slightly denser texture.
These variations can easily be incorporated into the sweet sourdough bread recipe, allowing you to tailor the bread to your tastes and experiment with new flavors. Whether you prefer a nutty, fruity, or sweet twist, there’s a fun variation for every craving!
Serving Suggestions for Sweet Sourdough Bread
Once your sweet sourdough bread is baked to perfection, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy it. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a meal, here are a few ideas:
Classic Butter and Jam: Spread a generous amount of butter on a warm slice of bread and top with your favorite jam or preserves. This simple combo highlights the bread’s soft, tangy flavor while adding sweetness and richness.
Avocado Toast: For a savory option, mash some avocado with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Spread it on toasted slices of sourdough for a filling and nutritious snack or breakfast.
French Toast: Transform your sweet sourdough bread into a decadent breakfast by making French toast. Dip slices in a mix of eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla before frying. Serve with maple syrup for a comforting start to your day.
With these serving suggestions, your sweet sourdough bread can take center stage in a variety of meals, offering both sweet and savory options to suit your taste. It’s versatile, satisfying, and sure to please anyone at the table!
FAQ About Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe
Can I put sugar in my sourdough bread?
Yes! While traditional sourdough bread doesn’t require sugar, adding a small amount of sugar can enhance the sweetness of the bread, especially in a sweet sourdough bread recipe. It helps feed the yeast during fermentation, contributing to a soft, slightly sweet loaf.
What to put on sourdough bread sweet?
To bring out the sweetness of your sourdough bread, try topping it with butter, honey, or a fruit spread like jam or preserves. For a savory twist, try avocado or cream cheese with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Can I add cinnamon sugar to my sourdough bread?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon sugar to your dough before baking gives the bread a warm, aromatic sweetness. You can also sprinkle it on top of the bread before baking to create a sweet, crispy crust.
Sweet sourdough bread recipe
Ingredients
- 100 g ½ cup sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 500 g 4 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 250 ml 1 cup milk
- 50 g ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 50 g ¼ cup sugar or honey
- 7 g 1 ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter, milk, sugar (or honey), and melted butter. Stir well to blend.
- Add the flour and salt: Gradually mix in the flour and salt. Stir until the dough begins to come together, then use your hands to knead it in the bowl. It should feel slightly sticky yet easy to handle.
Step 2: Knead the Dough
- Knead on a floured surface: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should feel soft, smooth, and stretchy.
- Tip for easier kneading: If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the loaf soft.
Step 3: First Rise
- Let it rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and allow it to rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours or until it doubles in size.
- Tip for a better rise: If you’re in a hurry, you can let the dough rise in the fridge overnight for a slower, more flavorful fermentation.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
- Shape the dough: Once the dough has risen, gently deflate it to remove any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a tight ball or an oval loaf.
- Place in a pan: Place the shaped dough into a lightly greased loaf pan, covering it again with a damp cloth. Let it rest and rise for 1-2 hours until it has puffed up.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool completely: Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing to get the perfect texture.