Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf

Name: Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 500g all-purpose flour; 300ml warm water; 100g sourdough starter (active); 50g honey; 25g granulated sugar; 10g salt; 50g unsalted butter (melted)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love baking my own bread, and this Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf is a true favorite in my kitchen. The delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. I've spent plenty of time perfecting this recipe, ensuring that the sourdough starter balances the sweetness beautifully. The crust is golden brown and the crumb is soft, making every slice a joy to eat. Whether slathered with butter or enjoyed on its own, this loaf never fails to impress my family and friends.

Created by

Isla Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:58:15.361Z

When I first attempted making sourdough bread at home, I was overwhelmed by the process. However, visiting a local bakery and tasting their sweet sourdough inspired me to create a version that I could make on my own. The addition of honey and a touch of sugar elevates the flavor, and the tangy notes from the sourdough starter create a perfect balance.

Through experimentation and trial, I've found that letting the dough rest longer during the fermentation phase enhances the flavor even further. A good tip is to check the dough’s elasticity; it should feel smooth and slightly tacky. This way, you know that your loaf will have a wonderful texture!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Delightfully sweet with a hint of tanginess
Crispy crust surrounding a soft, airy interior
Perfect for toasting and spreading your favorite toppings

      

Understanding the Ingredients

The balance of sweetness in this Homemade Sweet Sourdough Loaf comes primarily from honey and granulated sugar. Honey not only adds moisture but also enhances the flavor with its distinct floral notes. If you're looking to reduce refined sugars, you can substitute the granulated sugar with an equal amount of agave syrup or maple syrup, but be mindful that this may slightly alter the texture and rise of the dough.

Sourdough starter plays a crucial role in developing the bread's unique tangy flavor and airy texture. It's essential that your starter is active and bubbly before use; this ensures a successful rise. You can feed your sourdough starter the night before you plan to bake, creating a robust environment for yeast activity. If your starter is less active and hasn’t been fed recently, the bread may end up dense and under-proofed.

Mastering the Dough Technique

Kneading is a vital step to develop gluten structure, which gives the loaf its airy and chewy texture. During the 10 minutes of kneading, ensure that the dough becomes smooth and elastic; it should have a slight stretch when pulled. If at any point the dough is too sticky, dust with small amounts of flour—being careful not to add too much, as this can make the loaf dense.

After shaping the loaf, don't skip the second rise. This resting period allows the yeast to produce gas, contributing to the fluffy texture. Ensure your dough has visibly expanded and appears puffy before baking. A well-structured second rise also helps develop a better flavor profile, resulting in that delightful combination of sweet and tangy!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to ensure your sweet sourdough loaf turns out perfect:

Ingredients

500g all-purpose flour
300ml warm water
100g sourdough starter (active)
50g honey
25g granulated sugar
10g salt
50g unsalted butter (melted)

Make sure to measure the ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your homemade sweet sourdough loaf:

Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, warm water, sourdough starter, honey, and sugar. Mix until well combined, then let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Knead

After resting, add the salt and melted butter to the dough. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.

First Rise

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 2 hours or until doubled in size.

Shape the Loaf

Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan.

Second Rise

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

Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the loaf for 35-45 minutes until golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Cool Down

Remove the loaf from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked sourdough loaf with your preferred toppings!

Pro Tips

Make sure your sourdough starter is active for best results. You may also add nuts or dried fruits to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Freshness Tips

Once baked, let the loaf cool completely on a wire rack to avoid a gummy texture from steam buildup. To store your bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a bread bag to keep it fresh for 3-5 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider slicing the loaf and freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw slices as needed, and they will taste freshly baked when toasted.

For the best rewarming results, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the sliced bread directly on the rack for about 10 minutes. This method helps revive the crust's crispness while warming the interior. Avoid microwaving the bread, as it can lead to a rubbery texture.

Serving Suggestions

This sweet sourdough loaf shines as a breakfast item when paired with a dollop of creamy butter and a drizzle of additional honey. You can also try spreading a generous layer of cream cheese topped with fresh berries for a delightful weekday treat. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with a side of tangy homemade fruit preserves for a gourmet breakfast experience.

For an afternoon snack, consider using this bread to make French toast. The sweetness of the loaf complements the eggs and cinnamon beautifully—dip slices into the mixture and cook them on a hot skillet until golden brown. This transforms your loaf into a delightful brunch item that friends and family will rave about!

Questions About Recipes

→ How can I tell if my sourdough starter is active?

Your sourdough starter is active if it doubles in size within 4-6 hours after feeding and has a pleasant, slightly sour smell.

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

Yes, but using whole wheat flour may produce a denser loaf. You might consider blending it with all-purpose flour.

→ How should I store the sourdough loaf?

Store the loaf in a bread box or wrapped in a kitchen towel at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it.

→ Can I make this bread without honey?

Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or simply reduce the sugar.