Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf

Name: Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 200g active sourdough starter; 350ml warm water; 50g honey; 10g salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 100g raisins (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love baking and there's something magical about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through my home. When I decided to create a sweet sourdough loaf, I was excited to blend the tangy flavor of sourdough with a touch of sweetness. The result is a delightful treat that not only elevates my breakfast but also becomes the perfect companion for my afternoon tea. With a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy interior, this loaf has quickly become a staple in my kitchen.

Created by

Holly James

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:46:11.191Z

When I first attempted to make this sweet sourdough loaf, I was amazed by how the fermentation process really brings out the flavors, making it uniquely delicious. I experimented with different sweeteners and settled on honey, which added a beautiful depth of flavor without overpowering the natural tanginess of the sourdough. I also found that letting the dough rise slowly in the fridge overnight enhances the texture remarkably, yielding a lighter loaf.

After several trials, I discovered that adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and a handful of raisins not only complements the sweet notes but also adds a cozy aroma that invites everyone to the kitchen. It's a simple yet impactful addition, bringing warmth that makes this bread perfect for every occasion, from breakfast to a delightful dessert.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Perfect blend of tangy sourdough and sweet honey
Fluffy texture that’s perfect for toasting
A delightful twist with hints of cinnamon and raisins

      

Understanding Sourdough

Sourdough bread has a unique flavor profile due to the natural fermentation process, which enhances its complexity. The wild yeast and beneficial bacteria in your sourdough starter contribute not only to the tangy taste but also to the crumb structure. This loaf's sweetness from honey balances the tang, creating a harmonious flavor that’s hard to resist. The combination of sourdough's characteristics with sweet notes makes it versatile enough for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

When baking with sourdough, timing and temperature are crucial. A warmer environment encourages the yeast to work faster, while cooler temperatures slow down fermentation. If you find that your dough isn’t rising as expected, check your starter's activity—make sure it's bubbly and has doubled within a few hours. A less active starter will lead to a denser loaf.

Perfecting the Dough

Kneading is essential for developing gluten, which gives your bread its structure and chewiness. While you knead, focus on achieving a smooth and elastic dough—this usually takes about 10 minutes. If you have a stand mixer, use the dough hook on medium speed for the same time. Pay attention to the dough's texture; it should spring back when pressed and feel slightly tacky without sticking excessively to your hands.

If you want to create a more artisan-style crust, consider creating steam in the oven. You can achieve this by placing a pan of hot water at the bottom of your oven during baking. This will help create a crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, fluffy interior of your sweet sourdough loaf.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your own delicious sweet sourdough loaf:

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
200g active sourdough starter
350ml warm water
50g honey
10g salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
100g raisins (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your sweet sourdough loaf:

Mix Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, active sourdough starter, warm water, and honey. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.

Add Salt and Optional Ingredients

Sprinkle in the salt, cinnamon, and raisins if using. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let the dough rise at room temperature for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Dough

Gently punch down the dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise

Cover the loaf with the damp cloth again and let it rise for another 1 hour.

Preheat Oven

While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 220°C (440°F).

Bake the Loaf

Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool and Enjoy

Let the loaf cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy it fresh with butter or toasted!

For the best flavor, enjoy this loaf the next day.

Pro Tips

For an extra crusty exterior, place a pan of water at the bottom of the oven while baking to create steam.

Storage and Freshness

To keep your sweet sourdough loaf fresh, store it in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer a longer storage solution, slice the loaf and freeze individual pieces in an airtight bag. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever you crave it, perfect for quick breakfasts or afternoon snacks. Just toast frozen slices directly from the freezer for a few minutes until golden and warm.

Be cautious about storing your loaf in plastic, as this can trap moisture and lead to a soggy texture. Always remember to let the bread cool completely before storage to avoid condensation. If you've added raisins or cinnamon, these ingredients tend to intensify the flavors over time, making the loaf even more delightful as the days go by.

Serving Suggestions

This lavender-scented sweet sourdough loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of toppings. For breakfast, spread a generous layer of butter or cream cheese, followed by a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an indulgent start to your day. For something a bit unique, try combining it with ricotta cheese and sliced fresh fruit—pears or figs complement the sourdough beautifully.

As an afternoon tea companion, this loaf shines when slightly toasted and served with jam or an artisan cheese selection. You can also transform leftovers into a scrumptious bread pudding by cubing the loaf and soaking it in a mixture of eggs, milk, and spices—perfect for a cozy dessert option!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.

→ How do I store leftover bread?

Wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this bread?

Absolutely! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What if my dough doesn’t rise?

Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly. If it's too cold, you can let it rise in a warmer spot.