Beginner Sweet Sourdough

Name: Beginner Sweet Sourdough
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 350ml warm water; 100g sourdough starter (active); 2 tbsp honey; 10g salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I often find myself drawn to the delightful blend of sweetness and tang that sourdough brings to the table. This Beginner Sweet Sourdough recipe was born out of my quest to create a loaf that balances the rich, complex flavors of sourdough with just the right amount of sweetness. With its soft, airy texture and golden crust, it's perfect for breakfast toasts, sandwiches, or simply enjoying on its own. Join me in baking this flavorful bread that will elevate your baking game, even if you're a novice!

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-01-20T02:34:10.150Z

Baking sourdough can seem intimidating, but I assure you, it's a rewarding experience. My first attempt at this sweet sourdough resulted in a crust that was perfectly crispy and a crumb that was beautifully soft. The secret? Allowing the dough to ferment slowly—the flavor develops magnificently as time passes.

During my initial trials, I added a touch of honey, which not only sweetened the loaf but also helped retain moisture, giving it that delightful chewiness. Trust me, once you've tasted this bread fresh from the oven, you'll understand why it quickly became a favorite in my home!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Soft texture that pairs wonderfully with butter or jam
Easy and forgiving recipe, perfect for beginner bakers

      

Understanding Sourdough and Sweetness

Balancing the sweet and tangy elements in this sourdough is crucial. The honey not only contributes sweetness but also enhances moisture, giving the loaf a delightful crumb. By using an active sourdough starter, you introduce the necessary wild yeasts and bacteria that create the characteristic sour flavor. This balance will ensure a flavorful crust while providing a rich interior that's both tender and airy.

If you're exploring variations, consider different types of sweeteners. Brown sugar or maple syrup can yield different flavor profiles, while maintaining the sweetness in this recipe. However, be mindful of the moisture content they bring; you may need to adjust the water slightly to keep the dough from becoming too sticky.

Kneading Technique and Dough Consistency

Kneading is a vital step that develops gluten, which contributes to the structure and texture of your bread. Be sure to knead until the dough feels smooth and elastic—this can take about 10 minutes. If it starts to stick excessively, sprinkle a bit of flour; a well-kneaded dough should be tacky but not sticky. A good test is to stretch a small piece of dough: it should form a thin membrane without tearing too easily.

After the first rise, when the dough has doubled, handle it gently to preserve the gases that have developed. Deflating the dough helps to redistribute the yeast and sugars, which is essential for a consistent flavor and texture in the final loaf.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Beginner Sweet Sourdough

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
350ml warm water
100g sourdough starter (active)
2 tbsp honey
10g salt

Mix these ingredients well to begin your sourdough journey.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, warm water, sourdough starter, honey, and salt until a rough 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 lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 90 minutes, or until doubled in size.

Shape and Second Rise

Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan and let it rise again for 30 minutes.

Bake the Bread

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Once preheated, bake the bread for 35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your homemade sweet sourdough!

Enjoy your freshly baked bread with your favorite toppings!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. A little patience goes a long way
allow the dough ample time to rise for maximum flavor.

Baking and Crust Development

Preheating your oven thoroughly to 190°C (375°F) is essential to achieve the desired crust. The initial steam from the moist dough will help create a beautiful, golden crust. To encourage more steam, you can place a shallow pan with hot water at the bottom of the oven during baking. This trick will give you a crust that's both crunchy and flavorful, enhancing the overall experience of the sourdough.

If, during baking, you notice the crust is browning too quickly, you can lightly cover the top with aluminum foil. This will prevent burning while giving the loaf time to cook through completely, resulting in a beautifully baked interior.

Cooling and Storage Tips

Cooling your bread on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes is crucial as it allows the steam to escape and the loaf to set properly. Cutting into the bread too soon can result in a gummy texture, so patience is key here. A properly cooled loaf slices smoothly, providing nice, even pieces for toasting or sandwiches.

If you have leftovers, store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature to maintain the crust's integrity. For long-term storage, you can slice and freeze the bread; just be sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To revive the loaf, thaw at room temperature and optionally toast it for a freshly-baked taste.

Questions About Recipes

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

Your starter should be bubbly and have doubled in size within a few hours after feeding.

→ What can I use instead of honey?

You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if preferred, but adjust the quantity to taste.

→ Can I add seeds or nuts to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add seeds or nuts during the kneading step for extra flavor and crunch.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.