How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread at Home

Discover the sweet twist of S’mores Sourdough Bread with gooey marshmallows, chocolate, and a tangy crust you can make at home! This unique recipe combines the rustic charm and chewy texture of classic sourdough bread with the nostalgic flavors of s’mores, creating a delightful fusion that’s perfect for cozy nights or special treats. Whether you’re a sourdough lover or a s’mores fanatic, this recipe promises a delicious, homemade delight that’s simply unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A unique flavor combination: S’mores Sourdough Bread perfectly blends tangy sourdough with sweet marshmallows and rich chocolate for a mouthwatering bite every time.
• Fun and nostalgic: It captures that classic campfire s’mores experience in a loaf you can bake anytime at home.
• Perfect for sharing: This bread makes an impressive and delicious centerpiece for gatherings or cozy family snacks.
• Homemade comfort: Baking your own sourdough brings warmth and satisfaction beyond store-bought breads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients are the heart of your S’mores Sourdough Bread, each bringing a distinct taste or texture that makes the final loaf irresistible.

• Active sourdough starter: Provides natural leavening and that signature tangy flavor unique to sourdough.
• Bread flour: Gives your bread structure and chewiness for a perfect crumb.
• Water: Hydrates the dough and activates the yeast in your starter.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and strengthens the dough.
• Mini marshmallows: Add gooey sweetness that melts during baking for that classic s’mores texture.
• Chocolate chunks or chips: Provide rich, melty pockets of chocolate throughout the bread.
• Optional: graham cracker crumbs: Sprinkle on top or fold inside to introduce a subtle crunchy sweetness reminiscent of campfire s’mores.

Variations for S’mores Sourdough Bread

Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe however you like—it’s easy to adjust based on what’s in your pantry, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings.

• Vegan version: Use vegan marshmallows and dairy-free chocolate to keep the bread plant-based.
• Nutty addition: Incorporate chopped toasted almonds or walnuts for a satisfying crunch alongside the gooey textures.
• Extra gooey center: Add more marshmallows and chocolate bits inside the dough for pockets of melted deliciousness.
• Graham cracker topping: Lightly sprinkle crumbs on the crust before baking to mimic the classic s’mores biscuit.
• Spiced twist: Add cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne for a warm or slightly spicy flavor boost.

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How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Starter and Mix the Dough

Ensure your active sourdough starter is bubbly and fed within the last 4-6 hours. In a large mixing bowl, combine your bread flour, water, and starter. Mix until you have a shaggy dough, then let it rest for about 30 minutes for the flour to fully hydrate.

Step 2: Add Salt and Begin Kneading

Sprinkle salt over the dough, then start kneading either by hand or with a mixer. Use a gentle folding and stretching technique to develop gluten without overworking it. Continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Bulk Fermentation and Folding

Cover the dough and allow it to ferment at room temperature for 4-6 hours. Every 30-45 minutes during the first 2 hours, perform gentle stretch and folds to strengthen the dough and distribute the bubbles.

Step 4: Incorporate Marshmallows and Chocolate

Once the dough is nearly fully fermented, gently fold in the mini marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Be careful not to squish them too much to maintain their texture during baking.

Step 5: Shape and Proof

Shape your dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your baking vessel. Place it into a floured proofing basket or bowl and cover. Let it proof for another 1-2 hours until it slightly puffs and springs back slowly when poked.

Step 6: Score and Bake

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) with a Dutch oven or baking stone inside for at least 30 minutes. Carefully transfer the loaf to parchment paper, score the top with a sharp knife or razor, and place it in the Dutch oven. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until beautifully golden brown and crusty.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Remove the bread from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the crumb to set and the marshmallows to firm up just enough but remain gooey inside.

Pro Tips for Making S’mores Sourdough Bread

• Use room temperature water: It helps activate your starter and speeds fermentation.
• Don’t overmix the marshmallows: Fold them in gently at the end to avoid melting or losing texture.
• Score creatively: A well-scored loaf not only looks beautiful but helps control oven spring and crust shape.
• Let your bread cool fully: This is crucial for the texture to stabilize and prevents gumminess.
• Use high-quality chocolate: It melts better and enhances the overall flavor profile of your S’mores Sourdough Bread.

How to Serve S’mores Sourdough Bread

Garnishes

Top slices with a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs or drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra visual and flavor appeal.

Side Dishes

This sweet, tangy bread pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of whipped cream for dessert-style indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve thick slices toasted with a pat of butter or cut into small squares and serve as handheld treats at parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain softness.

Freezing

You can slice the loaf and freeze the slices individually in freezer bags for up to 3 months—great for quick snacks or breakfasts.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a toaster or oven to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven aroma and crispness, making every bite taste just as good as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?

Yes, though bread flour is ideal for structure and chewiness, you can experiment with whole wheat or spelt flour, keeping in mind it may affect texture and fermentation time.

Do the marshmallows melt completely inside the bread?

They soften and become wonderfully gooey, but don’t melt entirely, giving you delightful pockets of sweet texture in every bite.

Is it necessary to have an active sourdough starter?

Yes, the starter is what gives this bread its signature tang and rise; without it, the texture and flavor will change significantly.

Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?

Absolutely! Use a baking stone or regular baking sheet, just add a pan of hot water in the oven to create steam for a crisp crust.

How long does it take to make S’mores Sourdough Bread from start to finish?

From mixing to the final bake, plan for about 8-10 hours including fermentation and proofing time, though much of this is hands-off waiting.

Final Thoughts

If you love baking and indulging in nostalgic flavors, you absolutely must try making S’mores Sourdough Bread at home. It’s a fun, delicious way to enjoy the best of both sourdough and s’mores worlds, creating a loaf that’s as delightful to share as it is to savor. Happy baking, and enjoy every gooey, chocolaty bite!

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