Are you ready to elevate your baking game? This sweet sourdough bread recipe is perfect for both experienced bakers and those just starting their sourdough journey. Forget bland loaves; this recipe delivers a delightful balance of tangy sourdough flavor and irresistible sweetness. It's a fantastic addition to any breakfast table or afternoon snack, and surprisingly easy to make! This recipe offers a perfect blend of healthy eating and homemade goodness, making it a go-to for quick dinner ideas or simply enjoying a delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 200g active sourdough starter (fed 4-6 hours before)
- 300g lukewarm water
- 500g strong bread flour, plus extra for dusting
- 100g whole wheat flour
- 75g honey or maple syrup
- 10g salt
- 50g unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
Step 1: Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the sourdough starter and lukewarm water. Mix until the starter is fully dissolved. Add both flours and mix until a shaggy dough forms. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 30 minutes (autolyse). This allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more developed gluten structure.
Step 2: Incorporating Flavor
Add the honey or maple syrup, salt, and melted butter to the dough. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined. Use your hands or a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.
Step 3: Kneading and Bulk Fermentation
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 4-6 hours, or until doubled in size. During this bulk fermentation, perform a few stretch and folds every 30-45 minutes to develop the gluten.
Step 4: Shaping and Proofing
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 let it proof in the refrigerator for 12-18 hours. This slow cold proof develops flavor and gives the bread a beautiful open crumb.
Step 5: Baking
Preheat your oven to 250°C (480°F) with a Dutch oven inside for at least 30 minutes. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently place the proofed dough into the Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 220°C (428°F), remove the lid, and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 95-98°C (203-208°F).
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying
Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the crumb to set and prevents a soggy loaf.
Tips for Success:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements. This is particularly crucial when baking bread.
- Ensure your starter is active and bubbly before you begin.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the amount of flour depending on your flour's absorption.
- The baking time might vary depending on your oven. Use a thermometer to check for doneness.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
- Use different types of sweeteners like brown sugar or molasses.
- Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, autumnal flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your loaf and the specific ingredients used. For a general estimate, a slice of this sweet sourdough bread might contain around 150-200 calories, with a moderate amount of carbohydrates, some protein, and healthy fats from the flour and butter.
This sweet sourdough bread recipe is a fantastic addition to your easy recipes repertoire. It's a healthy meal option, perfect for homemade cooking, and results in a truly delicious dish – guaranteed to impress! Enjoy!