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: 1 cup sourdough starter, fed; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup bread flour; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 cup water, warm; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking this Sweet Sourdough Bread! The aroma that fills my kitchen is just delightful, and I can't help but feel excited as I watch the dough rise. It's a fantastic blend of tangy sourdough flavor balanced with a hint of sweetness. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or as a base for French toast, this bread has become a staple in my household. With a little patience and care, you can create a wonderful loaf that is both comforting and satisfying to make.

Created by

Sienna Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:07:18.780Z

Baking this Sweet Sourdough Bread has been a rewarding journey for me. The inclusion of sugar enhances the natural tang of the sourdough, creating a harmonious balance that is incredibly satisfying. I suggest letting your dough rest longer in the fridge for a deeper flavor profile and a better rise. This hands-off fermentation process is not only easy but also allows the dough to develop a rich character.

Each time I pull a freshly baked loaf out of the oven, I’m reminded of why I love sourdough. The crust is perfectly crisp while the inside remains soft and tender. Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or chocolate chips for a sweet twist! It’s an excellent way to personalize your baking and impress friends and family.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        The perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors.
A beautiful, crusty exterior that gives way to a soft, fluffy inside.
Great for meal prep or breakfast toast.

      

Understanding the Sourdough

The sourdough starter is the heart of this recipe, providing not only leavening but also that signature tangy flavor. A well-fed starter, which should be bubbly and active, ensures maximum rise and flavor development in your bread. If you're using a starter that has been refrigerated, make sure to feed it at least 8-12 hours before baking to bring it to peak activity.

Temperature plays a crucial role in sourdough bread making. If your kitchen is cool, consider warming your water slightly to around 100°F (38°C) to activate the yeast effectively. Be cautious, though: water that is too hot can kill the yeast, so stick to lukewarm water to help your starter thrive.

Kneading and Rising Techniques

Kneading is an essential step in developing gluten, which gives the bread structure and chewiness. As you knead, look for the dough to become smooth and elastic, roughly 10 minutes of kneading should suffice. If you find the dough is too sticky, you can sprinkle a little extra flour, but avoid adding too much; the goal is to keep it moist and pliable.

During the first rise, be patient. Bread can take longer to rise in cool temperatures, so don’t rush this step. Look for the dough to double in size, which may take as little as six hours or as long as eight. An effective method to check if it's ready is to gently poke the dough; if it springs back slowly, it’s prime for the next phase.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before starting for a smooth baking process.

For the Dough

1 cup sourdough starter, fed
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup bread flour
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water, warm
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine sourdough starter, warm water, and melted butter. Stir until well mixed.

Add Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the all-purpose flour, bread flour, sugar, and salt. Mix until a soft dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm place for 6-8 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape and Second Rise

Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased bread pan, cover, and let rise again for 1-2 hours.

Bake the Bread

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped.

Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked sweet sourdough bread with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For a sweeter flavor, try adding raisins or nuts to the dough before the second rise.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Sourdough Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. For breakfast, I love to slice it and toast it lightly, then spread a generous amount of butter on top. It’s also excellent as a base for French toast, which enhances the bread’s flavor and texture beautifully. Drizzling maple syrup or topping it with fresh fruit makes it a delightful brunch treat.

Consider serving this bread as an accompaniment to a savory meal. It pairs well with soups and stews, where its crusty exterior and soft interior can soak up delicious broths. You might even want to cut it into thick slices for sandwiches, adding your favorite fillings for a satisfying lunch option.

Storage and Freezing Tips

This bread stays fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. Make sure to keep it wrapped in a plastic bag or in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing half of the loaf. To do this, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy the frozen bread, you can either let it thaw at room temperature or pop it directly into the toaster. Toasting from frozen is a great way to revive its crusty texture while warming it through. Just keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead?

Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition.

→ How do I store the bread?

Store the bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

→ What should I do if my dough isn't rising?

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and fed. Temperature plays a role, so a warmer environment can help.

→ Can I make mini loaves?

Absolutely! Divide the dough into smaller portions and decrease the baking time accordingly.