Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe

Name: Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 12 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup bread flour; 1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly); 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup warm water

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Sweet Sourdough Bread—it's sweet, tangy, and the perfect companion for breakfast or snacks. The sourdough starter adds depth and flavor, while the added sweetness creates a beautiful balance. Preparing it takes time, but the result is well worth the effort. I enjoy experimenting with different additives, like dried fruits or nuts, to personalize each loaf. This recipe has quickly become a family favorite, and I'm excited to share it with you.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:52:14.712Z

When I first tried my hand at sourdough, I was instantly hooked by the aroma that filled my kitchen. After a few attempts, this Sweet Sourdough Bread became my go-to recipe. The touch of sweetness elevates the natural tang of the sourdough, making it a delightful treat. I've loved sharing this recipe with friends who are curious about baking their own bread.

One of my favorite tips is to add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of raisins during the kneading process. This small addition makes the bread incredibly fragrant and perfect for toasting! The rise time is just as important, so be patient and let the dough develop its flavor fully.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delightfully sweet and tangy flavor profile
Perfectly crusty exterior with a soft, chewy interior
Versatile; enjoy it plain, toasted, or with your favorite spread

      

Understanding Sourdough Starter

A key element of this Sweet Sourdough Bread is the sourdough starter, which contributes essential flavor and texture. The starter is created through the fermentation of flour and water, cultivating naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. This adds a unique tanginess that complements the sweetness from the sugar. Be sure to feed your starter regularly to keep it active; it should be bubbly and have a pleasant aroma before use. An inactive starter can lead to flat or dense bread, so checking its readiness is essential.

If you don't have a sourdough starter on hand, you can make one from scratch, but this includes a waiting period of around 5-7 days. Alternatively, you can use a store-bought sourdough starter. In a pinch, a small amount of commercial yeast (1-2 teaspoons) could be used, though the flavor won’t be as pronounced. Remember, the longer fermentation time required by sourdough contributes to the development of taste and texture that makes this bread special.

Kneading for Structure

Kneading the dough is a vital step to develop gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewy texture. Aim for a hydration level that makes the dough sticky but manageable. If you find that it’s too tacky, lightly flour your hands as you knead, but avoid adding too much additional flour, as this can alter the bread's final texture. A well-kneaded dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly springy when pressed.

To check if your dough has been kneaded enough, perform the 'windowpane test.' Take a small piece of dough and stretch it gently. If it stretches into a thin, translucent sheet without tearing, it’s ready to rise. The kneading process typically takes about 10 minutes; however, depending on your technique and the humidity level, this may vary slightly.

Perfecting Your Bake

Baking the bread at the right temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crust. At 375°F (190°C), the bread develops a golden-brown exterior while remaining soft and tender on the inside. Keep a close eye on the baking time; ovens can differ, and you might need to adjust to get that signature hollow sound when knocking on the bottom of the loaf. This typically takes about 45 minutes, but start checking around the 40-minute mark.

For storing the bread, it’s best to let it cool completely on a wire rack to prevent condensation. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. To extend storage, slice and freeze portions wrapped in parchment paper and then plastic wrap. When ready to eat, you can thaw slices at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer for a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Bread

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
1 cup warm water

Mix all the ingredients well, ensuring there are no dry pockets. The dough should be slightly sticky to the touch.

Instructions

Instructions:

Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center and add the sourdough starter and melted butter. Slowly pour in the warm water, mixing with a spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you desire, fold in raisins and cinnamon at this stage for added flavor.

Bulk Fermentation

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 6-8 hours, or until it has doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to remove excess gas. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for another 1-2 hours.

Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for about 45 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked Sweet Sourdough Bread as it is, or with your favorite spread!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use a mature sourdough starter. You can also experiment by adding different spices or nuts to customize the bread to your taste.

Customizing Your Loaf

Consider adding mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to elevate your Sweet Sourdough Bread. Chopped walnuts or almonds can provide a nice crunchy contrast, while dried apricots or cranberries lend a hint of sweetness. Just be cautious not to overload the dough; about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of additions is usually just right. Fold these in gently after kneading to prevent breaking them down too much.

For a seasonal twist, you might experiment with spices like nutmeg or cardamom. This can give your bread a delightful warmth, making it perfect for autumn and winter. Likewise, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking can enhance sweetness further while providing a beautiful finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your bread doesn’t rise as expected, double-check your sourdough starter’s activity. It should be bubbly and healthy for the best results. Additionally, ensure that the environment is warm enough; if your kitchen is cool, consider placing the dough in a slightly warmed oven or near a heat source to facilitate rising. Alternatively, if the dough is too dry, adding water by the tablespoon can help rescue it.

In the event of an overly dense loaf, this often points to inadequate kneading or an inactive starter. Always pay attention to the texture while kneading, and remember that fermentation times can vary based on temperature and humidity, so flexibility and patience are vital for success.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture might be slightly different.

→ How do I know if my sourdough starter is active?

Your sourdough starter should double in size within 4-6 hours of feeding, and it should have bubbles on the surface.

→ What can I add to the dough for extra flavor?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon, or mix in dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or nuts.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage.