S’mores Sourdough Bread

S’mores Sourdough Bread

S’mores Sourdough Bread is a delicious twist on the classic campfire treat. This bread combines the flavor of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers with the tangy, chewy texture of sourdough. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Imagine taking a slice of warm bread and finding gooey marshmallows and sweet chocolate inside—what could be better?

Why Make This Recipe

Making S’mores Sourdough Bread is a fun and fulfilling baking project. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also allows you to use your sourdough starter in a creative way. You get a warm loaf packed with flavor, and baking bread at home can be a rewarding experience. Plus, sharing slices with friends and family is a great way to spread joy!

How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread

Ingredients

• 1 cup active sourdough starter (bubbly and fed within the last 4-6 hours)
• 4 cups bread flour
• 1 1/2 cups room temperature water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup mini marshmallows
• 1 cup chocolate chunks or chips
• 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (for sprinkling on top or folding inside)
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or walnuts (for nutty addition)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne (for spiced twist)

Directions

1. Ensure your active sourdough starter is bubbly and fed within the last 4-6 hours.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine bread flour, room temperature water, and the starter. Mix until you have a shaggy dough, then let it rest for about 30 minutes.
3. Sprinkle salt over the rested dough, then knead by hand or mixer using gentle folding and stretching to develop gluten without overworking. Knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
4. Cover the dough and ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours. During the first 2 hours, perform gentle stretch and folds every 30-45 minutes to strengthen the dough and distribute air bubbles.
5. When the dough is nearly fully fermented, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks, taking care not to crush them to preserve texture during baking.
6. Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf depending on your baking vessel. Place it in a floured proofing basket or bowl, cover, and proof for 1-2 hours until it slightly puffs and springs back slowly when poked.
7. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside for at least 30 minutes.
8. Transfer loaf onto parchment paper, score the top with a sharp knife, and bake covered for 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
9. Remove bread from oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, allowing the crumb to set and marshmallows to remain gooey but stable inside.

How to Serve S’mores Sourdough Bread

This bread is best enjoyed warm. You can eat it plain or spread some butter on a slice for extra richness. It also goes well with a cup of hot cocoa or coffee. Feel free to toast slices for a crunchy treat!

How to Store S’mores Sourdough Bread

Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it for longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer. Just make sure to slice the bread beforehand, so you can easily take out the pieces you want.

Tips to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread

• Make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise.
• Avoid crushing the marshmallows and chocolate when folding them into the dough to keep them intact.
• Dust the proofing basket with extra flour to prevent sticking.

Variation

You can add your favorite nuts or spices to the dough for a different flavor twist. For a more adult version, try adding a splash of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular yeast instead of a sourdough starter?
Yes, you can use instant yeast if you prefer. Just follow the instructions for proofing that yeast with water and sugar before mixing it in.

2. How can I make this bread gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free bread flour blend in place of regular bread flour. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.

3. Can I make this bread without nuts?
Absolutely! You can skip the nuts if you prefer. The bread will still be tasty with just the marshmallows and chocolate.

Enjoy baking your S’mores Sourdough Bread and delight in the delicious flavors it brings!