As I sifted through my kitchen, the scent of fresh sourdough dough intertwined with memories of summer nights gathered around a campfire, a sweet idea sparked. S’mores Sourdough Bread merges the tangy soul of artisanal sourdough with nostalgic flavors of gooey mini marshmallows and rich chocolate chunks. This recipe is not just a treat; it’s a cozy crowd-pleaser, perfect for sharing during special gatherings or simply indulging on a quiet evening at home. Plus, the process of making this homemade delight is a fun way to experiment with your pantry staples, allowing for creativity in every bite. Curious to see how this fusion of flavors transforms into a dreamy loaf that has everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive in! Why is S’mores Sourdough Bread a Must-Try? Nostalgic Flavors: This recipe brings back childhood memories of summer campfires with the delightful combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Creative Customization: Easily adapt it with your favorite additions—swap out chocolate for flavored baking chips or use unique marshmallow flavors! Quick Homemade Treat: Skip the fast food. In just a few hours, you can create a delicious handmade loaf for your family and friends. Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this bread is sure to be a hit. Amazing Gift Idea: Share a loaf with neighbors or friends; it’s an unforgettable homemade treat that everyone will adore! S’mores Sourdough Bread Ingredients Get ready to create a delicious homemade delight! For the Dough Active Sourdough Starter – Ensures a tangy flavor and helps the bread rise beautifully; make sure it’s bubbly and recently fed. Bread Flour – Provides the structure and chewiness; whole wheat or spelt flour can be used as a nutritious alternative, but may change the texture. Water – Hydrates and activates yeast; it’s essential for developing gluten, so use warm water for optimal fermentation. Salt – Enhances the flavor while controlling the yeast activity in the dough; don’t skip this step! For the Sweet Additions Mini Marshmallows – Brings sweetness and gooey pockets of deliciousness; they will maintain some shape while melting into the bread. Chocolate Chunks – Offers rich bursts of flavor; feel free to use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate, depending on your sweet tooth. For Topping (Optional) Graham Cracker Crumbs – Adds a classic s’mores crunch on top; sprinkle them on for that nostalgic touch and texture. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for S’mores Sourdough Bread Step 1: Prepare the Dough In a large mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with the bread flour and warm water. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough and let it rest for 30 minutes. This autolyse process allows the flour to hydrate, promoting gluten development. You’ll notice the dough becomes slightly smoother at the end of this resting period. Step 2: Kneading After resting, sprinkle salt over the dough and start kneading it on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should spring back gently when pressed, indicating the gluten has developed well. Your S’mores Sourdough Bread dough will feel slightly tacky but should not stick excessively to your hands. Step 3: First Fermentation Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Let it ferment at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours. During the first 2 hours, perform stretch and folds every 30 to 45 minutes, gently lifting and folding the dough over itself to build strength and structure. Step 4: Incorporate Additions Once the dough has risen nicely, it’s time to introduce the gooey fun! Carefully fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Be gentle to avoid squishing the marshmallows; you want them to maintain their shape and provide delightful pockets of sweetness in your S’mores Sourdough Bread. Step 5: Shape the Loaf Gently turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the shaped dough into a floured proofing basket, seam side up. Cover it again with a damp cloth and let it proof for 1 to 2 hours or until it has puffed up noticeably, almost doubled in size. Step 6: Preheat Oven While the dough is proofing, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you are using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to preheat for 30 minutes. This will help create a steamy environment for better oven spring and crust development when baking your S’mores Sourdough Bread. Step 7: Bake Once preheated, carefully transfer the dough onto a piece of parchment paper. Score the top with a sharp knife or razor for a beautiful crust. Place the dough (on the parchment) into the Dutch oven, cover it, and bake for 20 minutes. Then, uncover and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches about 200°F (93°C). Step 8: Cool Down Once baked, carefully transfer the S’mores Sourdough Bread to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. This cooling stage is crucial as it helps set the crumb structure and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Slicing while warm can result in a gummy texture. What to Serve with S’mores Sourdough Bread Transform your culinary experience into a cozy gathering that tantalizes the senses and warms the heart. Toasted Butter: A simple spread of butter on warm slices elevates the dish, adding richness that complements the bread’s sweetness. Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy pieces of seasonal fruit provide a refreshing contrast that balances the rich chocolate and marshmallow layers. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream is a dreamy partner, melting onto the warm bread for an indulgent, gooey treat everyone will adore. Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top enhances the dessert-like quality and adds an elegant touch to each slice. Graham Cracker Crunch: Sprinkling graham cracker crumbs over the warm bread gives it an authentic S’mores vibe and a satisfying crunch. Hot Cocoa: Pairing with a rich cup of hot cocoa offers an indulgent experience, evoking memories of cozy nights by the fire. Marshmallow Fluff Dip: Serve alongside a fluffy marshmallow dip for an interactive treat that encourages guests to enjoy the joy of s’mores in every bite! Make Ahead Options These S’mores Sourdough Bread delights are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the sourdough starter, bread flour, and water, then proceeding through the kneading and first fermentation steps. After forming your loaf, instead of proofing, cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before preheating your oven and following the baking instructions. This method not only saves valuable time on busy days but also helps the flavors develop, ensuring your S’mores Sourdough Bread is just as delicious as if made fresh! Expert Tips for S’mores Sourdough Bread Active Starter Required: Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and well-fed for optimal rise in your S’mores Sourdough Bread. Kneading Wisely: Avoid over-kneading! Knead just until smooth and elastic to maintain that airy texture. Steam for Success: If you lack a Dutch oven, create steam by placing a pan of hot water in the oven while baking, enhancing crust quality. Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice warm bread; let it cool completely on a wire rack to set the crumb perfectly. Serving with Style: For an extra touch, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on slices before serving for added flair. S’mores Sourdough Bread Variations Feel free to adapt this recipe and let your culinary creativity shine with delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds! Dairy-Free: Substitute mini marshmallows with dairy-free options like coconut whipped cream for a vegan-friendly treat. The flavors will still be nostalgic and delicious! Flavor Explosion: Swap chocolate chunks for flavored baking chips, such as salted caramel or peanut butter, for a unique twist that elevates your bread to new heights of flavor. Use Whole Grains: Try using whole wheat flour instead of white for a healthier version. This swap adds a nutty flavor and increases the nutritional fiber content. Heat It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while mixing the dough for a spicy kick that beautifully complements the sweetness! Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the dough for added texture and a crunchy surprise in every slice. Marshmallow Medley: Experiment with different marshmallow flavors, such as chocolate or strawberry, to create a playful and colorful bread that’s still irresistibly soft. Fruit Infusion: Fold in dried fruits like cranberries or cherries for a burst of tartness and added chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate. S’mores Supreme: Top the loaf with graham cracker crumbs and a drizzle of melted chocolate before baking for an extra layer of s’mores goodness that will leave everyone craving more! Tasty variations allow you to create something special every time, ensuring that your S’mores Sourdough Bread remains an exciting treat. Try them all, or mix and match until you find your favorite! How to Store and Freeze S’mores Sourdough Bread Room Temperature: Store your freshly baked S’mores Sourdough Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep it soft and tasty. Fridge: Avoid refrigerating your bread, as this can lead to a dry texture. However, if you do need to store it in the fridge, consume it within 1-2 days. Freezer: For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months; just reheat in a toaster or oven for best results. Reheating: For a delightful experience, gently toast slices from the freezer to revive their soft, gooey charm, perfect for snacking or breakfast! S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe FAQs What type of sourdough starter should I use? Absolutely! Use a bubbly and recently fed sourdough starter to ensure proper rise and flavor in your S’mores Sourdough Bread. An active starter—one that has been fed within the last 4 to 12 hours—is ideal. How can I store S’mores Sourdough Bread? Store your S’mores Sourdough Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps maintain its soft, chewy texture while keeping it delicious. If you have leftovers, avoid refrigerating them, as this could dry them out. Can I freeze S’mores Sourdough Bread? Certainly! For freezing, slice the bread and lay the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply toast the slices directly from the freezer until warm and gooey! How do I deal with undercooked S’mores Sourdough Bread? If your S’mores Sourdough Bread is undercooked, it might need a bit more baking time! Check the internal temperature with a thermometer; it should read about 200°F (93°C). If it’s still undercooked after getting a nice crust, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning, and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of? Yes! This recipe is vegetarian-friendly, but be cautious if you’re serving someone with allergies. Common allergens in this recipe are gluten from the bread flour and dairy if you choose to serve it with butter. Always check for any specific dietary restrictions your guests might have. Delicious S’mores Sourdough Bread: The Ultimate Cozy Treat This S’mores Sourdough Bread combines artisanal sourdough with gooey mini marshmallows and rich chocolate, perfect for cozy gatherings or indulgent nights. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes minsCook Time 40 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dough1 cup Active Sourdough Starter Ensure it's bubbly and well-fed.4 cups Bread Flour Whole wheat or spelt flour can be used.1.5 cups Water Use warm water for optimal fermentation.1 tbsp Salt Enhances flavor and controls yeast activity.For the Sweet Additions1 cup Mini Marshmallows They will maintain shape while melting.1 cup Chocolate Chunks Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate.For Topping (Optional)0.5 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs Adds a classic s'mores crunch. Equipment Mixing BowlFloured surfaceproofing basketOvenDutch ovenparchment paperWire Rack Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine your active sourdough starter with the bread flour and warm water. Stir until it forms a shaggy dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.After resting, sprinkle salt over the dough and start kneading it on a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.Place the kneaded dough back in the bowl and cover it with a damp cloth. Let it ferment at room temperature for 4 to 6 hours, performing stretch and folds every 30 to 45 minutes.Once the dough has risen nicely, fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks gently.Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a floured proofing basket, seam side up, and let it proof for 1 to 2 hours.Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) while the dough is proofing.Transfer the dough onto parchment paper, score the top, and place it in the Dutch oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes.Transfer the bread to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg NotesEnsure your sourdough starter is bubbly and well-fed for optimal rise. Avoid over-kneading to maintain airy texture. Let the bread cool completely to set the crumb perfectly. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
