Are you ready to elevate your baking game and experience the unparalleled satisfaction of crafting your own sourdough bread? This recipe isn't just for experienced bakers; it's designed to be approachable for everyone, even beginners. We're making a sweet sourdough bread, a delightful twist on the classic, perfect for breakfast, alongside a bowl of soup, or simply enjoyed on its own. This recipe guarantees a deliciously tender crumb and a beautifully crisp crust, making it one of the best recipes for homemade bread you'll ever try. Get ready to bake up some magic!
Ingredients:
- For the Levain (Sourdough Starter Build):
- 50g active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours prior)
- 50g bread flour
- 50g water (lukewarm)
- For the Dough:
- All of the levain
- 300g bread flour
- 100g whole wheat flour
- 350g water (lukewarm)
- 10g salt
- 50g honey or maple syrup
- 20g unsalted butter, softened
Instructions:
Making the Levain:
- In a medium bowl, combine the active sourdough starter, bread flour, and lukewarm water. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature (ideally 70-75°F) for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size and bubbly. This is crucial for activating your starter and ensuring a successful bake.
Making the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine the levain, bread flour, whole wheat flour, and lukewarm water. Mix with your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook until just combined. Don't worry about kneading it perfectly at this stage.
- Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a better gluten development and a softer crumb.
- Add the salt and honey/maple syrup to the dough. Mix well until incorporated. If using a stand mixer, use a dough hook on low speed for a couple of minutes.
- Add the softened butter and continue mixing until the butter is fully integrated. Again, you can do this by hand or with the mixer.
- Bulk Fermentation: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it bulk ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until almost doubled in size. Perform 2-3 sets of stretch and folds during this time, spaced about 30-45 minutes apart. This helps develop the gluten structure.
- Shape and Proof: Gently turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough in a well-floured banneton basket (or a bowl lined with a floured cloth). Cover and refrigerate for 12-18 hours. This slow cold proof develops flavor and enhances the texture.
Baking the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes.
- Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently transfer the dough from the banneton into the Dutch oven.
- Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. This is especially important when baking bread.
- The fermentation times may vary depending on the temperature of your environment. Observe your dough carefully.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of flour or sweeteners.
- For a more intense flavor, consider adding some whole grain flour to the recipe.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Incorporate nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or spices to the dough for added flavor and texture. Raisins, cranberries, and chopped walnuts are all delicious additions.
- Glaze: Brush the baked loaf with a simple honey glaze for extra sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 35-45g
- Fiber: 3-5g
This sweet sourdough bread recipe is a delicious and rewarding project for home bakers of all skill levels. Enjoy the process and the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen! This easy recipe is perfect for creating healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, and it’s a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy your homemade loaf!