Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe

Name: Sweet Sourdough Bread Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 12 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 cup sourdough starter; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons sugar or honey; 1 cup warm water; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love making this Sweet Sourdough Bread because it combines the tangy flavor of traditional sourdough with a hint of sweetness. The gentle crust and fluffy interior create a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with butter or jam. Over the years, I’ve learned how to balance the sourdough starter's depth with a touch of sugar for a unique flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, if you’re a bread lover like me, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Created by

Megan Douglas

Last updated on 2026-01-20T01:28:12.002Z

When I first experimented with sourdough bread, I wasn’t sure how to incorporate sweetness without losing that original tangy flavor. After several batches, I discovered that just a touch of honey or sugar enhances the overall taste without overpowering the sourdough character. It’s this balance that makes my Sweet Sourdough Bread so special.

One of the secrets to achieving the perfect crust is the steam in the oven during baking. I always place a shallow pan filled with water at the bottom of the oven. This simple step helps create a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside perfectly soft. It’s a technique that has transformed my baking!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfectly balanced sweetness with a tangy sourdough taste
Crispy crust and soft, airy interior
Versatile for sandwiches or as a standalone treat

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to achieving the perfect Sweet Sourdough Bread lies in the quality of your ingredients. Using a robust sourdough starter is crucial as it provides the desired tangy flavor and helps the bread rise effectively. If you’re using a store-bought starter, look for one that’s well-established. The balance of flours in the recipe, including both all-purpose and whole wheat, contributes to the bread's texture, making it light yet hearty. You can experiment with different ratios to achieve your preferred flavor.

Sugar or honey is not just a sweetener in this recipe; it plays a vital role in the fermentation process. The sugar feeds the yeast, enhancing the rise and creating a tender texture. If you're aiming for a lower-sugar option, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave, but remember that it might slightly alter the fermentation time and flavor. Additionally, the olive oil adds moisture and aids in achieving that lovely crust.

Perfecting the Technique

Kneading the dough is where your bread truly comes to life. Ensure you knead for a full 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic; this is important for gluten development, which gives the bread its structure. If the dough seems too sticky, sprinkle in a bit more flour. If it’s feeling too dry, add a tablespoon of water to make it more workable. Remember, the dough should be tacky but not overly sticky; this balance will make a big difference in the final texture.

During the rising phase, pay close attention to environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, which can influence dough growth. Ideally, the dough should rise in a warm spot, around 75-80°F (24-27°C). If your kitchen is cool, consider placing the bowl in a turned-off oven or covering it with a warm, damp towel. The dough is ready for shaping when it has doubled in size and is puffy to the touch—this can take anywhere from 5 to 8 hours depending on your conditions.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start your sourdough journey!

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup sourdough starter
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar or honey
1 cup warm water
1 tablespoon olive oil

Make sure everything is at room temperature before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these steps for the perfect Sweet Sourdough Bread!

Mix the Dough

In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose and whole wheat flours, and mix in the salt and sugar. In a separate bowl, stir together the sourdough starter, warm water, and olive oil. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.

Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. Place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let it rise for 5-8 hours, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Second Rise

Once doubled, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round loaf. Place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in a floured proofing basket. Cover it and let it rise for an additional 1-2 hours.

Preheat and Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Before baking, make a few slashes on top of your loaf for steam to escape. Bake for about 35-40 minutes until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Enjoy

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your Sweet Sourdough Bread with butter or your favorite spread!

Happy baking! Enjoy your delicious homemade bread.

Pro Tips

For the best results, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it in this recipe. Don’t rush the rising times
patience is key to the perfect bread.

Storing and Freezing

Once your Sweet Sourdough Bread has cooled completely, it can be stored at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a kitchen towel for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its crust. Avoid plastic wrap, as it can make the crust soggy. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing the bread. Slice it before freezing, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat, simply remove the slices from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them straight into a toaster for a quick warm-up. For whole loaves, consider placing it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore that fresh-baked texture.

Creative Serving Suggestions

This Sweet Sourdough Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Try serving it warm with a generous spread of butter or a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast. It also makes for excellent toast, ideal for topping with avocado and poached eggs, or for a classic peanut butter and jelly treat for the kids.

If you're feeling adventurous, use this bread as the base for French toast or savory sandwiches. The gentle sweetness complements rich fillings exquisitely, making it a delightful choice for lunch or a light dinner. Don't hesitate to pair it with your favorite cheeses or chutneys—this bread will elevate your culinary experience!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute with bread flour or even spelt flour for a different flavor.

→ How do I know when my bread is done baking?

The bread should be golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

→ What if my dough doesn't rise?

Make sure your sourdough starter is active. If it’s too cold in your kitchen, try placing it in a warmer spot.

→ Can I freeze the bread?

Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months.