S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe

Imagine your favorite campfire treat transformed into a chewy, crusty sourdough loaf! This S’mores Sourdough Bread is a sweet, gooey, chocolatey delight with a rustic sourdough twist. It’s everything you love about s’mores—melty marshmallows, rich chocolate, and toasty graham crackers—all wrapped in the tangy goodness of sourdough. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re new to baking with sourdough.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Unique Take on a Classic: Perfect for those who love s’mores but want a creative twist on the traditional treat.
• Tangy Meets Sweet: The balance of sourdough’s tanginess with the sweetness of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers is absolutely divine.
• Fun and Foolproof: Whether you’re a sourdough expert or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and gives amazing results with minimal stress.
• Great for Sharing: This bread will wow your friends and family—perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a fun snack with coffee or tea.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this magical loaf:

• Bread Flour: High-protein bread flour gives the bread structure to hold all the gooey fillings. You can experiment with all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ.
• Active Sourdough Starter: This is the star ingredient that makes sourdough so special. Make sure your starter is bubbly and active for the best rise.
• Water: Hydrates the dough, helping gluten development. If your house is warm, use cold water to slow fermentation.
• Sugar: A little sweetness enhances the flavor and complements the s’mores-inspired fillings.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and improves the overall taste of the bread.
• Chocolate Chips: The melty pockets of chocolate are a must for true s’mores vibes. Dark or milk chocolate both work—choose your favorite!
• Marshmallows: These add gooey sweetness and create caramelized pockets throughout the bread.
• Unsalted Butter: Holds the crushed graham crackers together and creates a buttery, flaky swirl within the bread.
• Graham Crackers: The essential toasty, crunchy element that ties it all back to classic s’mores.

Tip: Make sure your butter is melted, and crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs for easy incorporation.

Variations

Feeling adventurous? Try these tweaks and make the recipe your own:

• Extra Chocolatey: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolate sourdough base.
• Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for added texture.
• Cinnamon Bliss: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the graham cracker-butter mixture for extra warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free bread flour mix, though results may vary with sourdough starters made for gluten-free baking.

How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

Combine bread flour, water, sourdough starter, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Mix until the dough comes together into a shaggy, rough mass. Cover and let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Chocolate and Marshmallows

Perform a series of stretch and folds every 30 minutes, incorporating the chocolate chips and marshmallows into the dough during the first fold.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation

Cover the dough and allow it to ferment at room temperature for 10-14 hours, or until it rises about 75%. If your room is cooler, this may take longer.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Melt the butter and mix it with crushed graham crackers to form a delicious crumble. Set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Spread your dough gently into a chubby square on an unfloured surface. Spread two-thirds of the graham cracker mixture over the dough, then fold the ends toward the center. After that, roll the dough—jelly roll style—into a log. Pinch the seams closed.

Step 6: Proof the Dough

Place the dough in a proofing basket (or a bowl lined with a floured towel). Add the remaining graham cracker-butter mixture on top if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

Step 7: Score and Bake

Preheat your oven, along with a Dutch oven, to 450°F. Score the top of your loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade, then bake it covered for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped. The internal temperature should hit 205°F.

Pro Tips for Making S’mores Sourdough Bread

• Keep Dough Cool: Warm temperatures can cause over-proofing, so place your dough in a cooler room or use cool ingredients if necessary.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Be gentle when adding fillings to avoid deflating the dough.
• Use Parchment Paper: This makes transferring dough into the Dutch oven a breeze and prevents sticking.
• Don’t Rush: Sourdough is all about patience, so give it the time it needs for fermentation and flavor development.

How to Serve

This bread shines on its own but can be paired with so much!

• Toast it: Slice and toast it lightly for crispy edges and melty, sweet fillings.
• Spread it: Slather with a little butter or a dollop of Nutella for extra indulgence.
• Pair it with Coffee: It’s a match made in heaven—perfect for breakfast or dessert.
• Dessert Base: Cube it, toast it, and use it as a base for bread pudding or trifles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, slice just before serving.

Freezing

Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the toaster or an oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought sourdough starter?
Of course! Just make sure it’s active and bubbly before incorporating it into the dough.

Can I skip the overnight proof?
Overnight proofing develops the best flavor, but you can proof at room temperature for a shorter time if you’re in a hurry. Just monitor it closely to avoid over-proofing.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
No worries! Use a heavy baking sheet or pizza stone, and place a baking dish with water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.

Do I have to use marshmallows?
While they’re a key ingredient for that true s’mores flavor, you can omit them if you’re not a fan—they’re fun, but not essential!

Final Thoughts

Get ready to impress yourself and everyone around you with this show-stopping S’mores Sourdough Bread! It’s indulgent, fun to bake, and undeniably delicious. Whether it’s your first foray into sourdough baking or you’re just looking for a fresh way to enjoy your starter, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Set aside a little time, and let the magic happen. You’ll be rewarded with a loaf that’s bursting with campfire nostalgia and artisan bakery vibes! Happy baking!

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