Bake Soft & Sweet Same Day Sourdough Bread – An Easy Recipe with a Sourdough Starter!

Introduction

Sourdough bread is known for its tangy flavor, chewy texture, and long fermentation process. However, traditional sourdough baking often requires extensive preparation time, sometimes spanning several days. If you’re looking for a soft, slightly sweet, and quick same-day sourdough bread, this recipe is perfect for you! With the right balance of ingredients and a well-fed sourdough starter, you can enjoy a delicious loaf in just a few hours.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Unlike traditional sourdough, this recipe is designed to be baked the same day.
• Soft & Sweet – A touch of sweetness and a soft crumb make this bread perfect for sandwiches, toast, or snacking.
• No Commercial Yeast – Made entirely with a natural sourdough starter.
• Versatile – Adjust the sweetness or add flavor enhancements like cinnamon, raisins, or nuts.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups (300g) bread flour
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (120g) sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
• 1 ¼ cups (300ml) warm water
• 3 tablespoons (45g) honey or sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30g) butter (melted)
• 1 ½ teaspoons (9g) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2g) baking soda (optional, to reduce sourness)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bread flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the sourdough starter, warm water, honey (or sugar), and melted butter.
3. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.

2. Knead the Dough

1. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
2. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
3. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour (a tablespoon at a time).

3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)

1. Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a damp towel.
2. Let it rise in a warm spot for about 3-4 hours or until it doubles in size.

4. Shape the Loaf

1. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf.
2. Place it in a greased or parchment-lined baking pan.

5. Second Rise

1. Cover the loaf and let it rest for another 1-2 hours until it puffs up slightly.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 30 minutes of this rise.

6. Bake the Bread

1. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
2. If desired, brush with melted butter for a softer crust.

7. Cool and Enjoy

1. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.

Variations

• Cinnamon Raisin Sourdough – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ cup raisins.
• Nutty Sourdough – Mix in ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds.
• Whole Wheat Version – Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Savory Herb Sourdough – Add 1 teaspoon dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: Makes 1 medium-sized loaf (8-10 slices)
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Rise Time: 4-6 hours
• Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 5-7 hours

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week.
• Freezing: Slice and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or toast slices as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Your starter should be bubbly and double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding. It should also have a pleasant, slightly tangy aroma.

Can I make this recipe without a sourdough starter?

No, this recipe relies on a natural sourdough starter for leavening. If you don’t have one, try a yeasted bread recipe instead.

Can I use only all-purpose flour?

Yes, but the bread may be slightly less chewy since bread flour provides extra gluten strength.

How can I make this bread less sour?

Adding a small amount of baking soda (about ½ teaspoon) can help neutralize some of the sourness.

Why didn’t my dough rise properly?

Possible reasons include an inactive starter, cool room temperature, or insufficient rising time.

Can I let the dough rise overnight?

Yes! If you prefer, you can do the first rise overnight in the fridge for enhanced flavor. Just let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Why is my crust too hard?

Brushing the loaf with butter immediately after baking can help soften the crust.

Can I make this into rolls instead of a loaf?

Yes, divide the dough into smaller portions, shape into rolls, and bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I add seeds or toppings?

Absolutely! Try sprinkling sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, or oats on top before baking.

How do I get a shinier crust?

Brushing the dough with an egg wash before baking will give it a glossy finish.

Conclusion

This soft and sweet same-day sourdough bread is a game-changer for those who love homemade bread but don’t want to wait days for fermentation. With its tender crumb and delightful flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. Try this recipe today and enjoy the magic of fresh sourdough bread in just a few hours!

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