S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe

If you have a sweet tooth but also love the tangy depth of artisan bread, you are going to fall head over heels for this S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe. Imagine that perfect balance of chewy sourdough texture combined with pockets of melted chocolate, gooey marshmallows, and the nostalgic crunch of graham crackers folded into every bite. This bread transforms a classic campfire treat into an irresistibly sophisticated loaf that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether it’s for a special weekend breakfast or an indulgent snack, this recipe brings a cozy, comforting vibe right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in nailing the unique combination of flavors and textures in the S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe. From the foundational bread flour to the melt-in-your-mouth marshmallows, every item helps create that perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, soft, and crunchy.

• Bread flour (500 grams): Provides the strong gluten structure needed for that classic sourdough chewiness.
• Water (350 grams): Hydrates the flour and activates the sourdough starter, giving life to the dough.
• Active sourdough starter (50 grams): The natural leavening agent that adds tang and complexity.
• Salt (10 grams): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• Sugar (50 grams): Adds a touch of sweetness to contrast the tang and enrich crust color.
• Chocolate chips (100 grams): Melts into delightful pockets of chocolate goodness.
• Marshmallows (60 grams): Adds gooey creaminess reminiscent of classic s’mores.
• Unsalted butter (56 grams): Works with graham crackers to form a rich, buttery crust topping.
• Crushed graham crackers (4 pieces): Infuses that authentic s’mores crunch and aroma into the crust.

How to Make S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe

Step 1: Mix the dough

Start by combining your bread flour, water, active sourdough starter, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir just until everything comes together into a shaggy dough—no need to knead yet. Letting it rest for 30 minutes, known as autolyse, hydrates the flour and begins gluten development, setting the stage for a supple and elastic dough.

Step 2: Stretch and fold, add chocolate and marshmallows

Give the dough a gentle stretch and fold to start building structure. This is when you integrally fold in those chocolate chips and marshmallows, distributing the sweet treasures evenly without deflating the dough’s air bubbles. It’s the key moment where the s’mores magic begins to happen.

Step 3: Rest and repeat stretch and folds

Allow the dough another 30 minutes to rest, then perform a second round of stretch and folds. This extra time and gentle action strengthen the gluten network, ensuring your bread will rise beautifully while supporting the inclusions of chocolate and marshmallow without them sinking to the bottom.

Step 4: Bulk fermentation

Cover and leave the dough at room temperature for 10 to 14 hours, allowing wild yeast to ferment and flavor to deepen. During this time, the dough will expand and develop that signature tangy aroma uniquely associated with sourdough, enhanced by the sweet mix-ins.

Step 5: Prepare graham cracker mixture

While the dough ferments, melt the unsalted butter and combine it with the crushed graham crackers. This flavorful mixture will be folded into the dough later to give your bread that authentic s’mores crust, offering a buttery crunch with every bite of the finished loaf.

Step 6: Shape and fold in graham cracker topping

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a neat square. Spread the graham cracker and butter mixture across the surface, then carefully fold the dough to encase the crunchy bits inside. This step seals in that crunch for a delightful surprise throughout the loaf.

Step 7: Cold proof the dough

Place your shaped dough into a proofing basket and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours. This slow cold proofing enhances flavor complexity and makes the dough easier to handle when it’s time to bake, while ensuring a beautifully open crumb.

Step 8: Preheat oven and Dutch oven

Before baking, preheat your oven to 450℉ with a Dutch oven inside. This trick traps steam, helps develop the crust, and gives your sourdough that bakery-style oven spring and shine.

Step 9: Score and bake

Remove the cold-proofed dough from the fridge, score the surface to help it expand nicely, then place it carefully into your hot Dutch oven. Bake covered for about 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until the crust turns a glossy golden brown. The smell alone will have everyone lining up for a slice!

How to Serve S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe

Garnishes

While the bread is delicious on its own, a light brushing of melted butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate those s’mores flavors even more. For a festive touch, sprinkle a little extra crushed graham cracker or mini marshmallows on warm slices just before serving.

Side Dishes

This S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, like strawberries or bananas, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, try it alongside a cup of rich hot chocolate or your favorite coffee to complement the chocolate-marshmallow notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thick and serve it warm with melted chocolate spread or marshmallow fluff as a dip. Alternatively, turn it into a decadent French toast by dipping slices in a cinnamon-egg custard, then pan-frying until crisp on the outside and gooey inside—a playful twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe fresh, wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay soft and tasty at room temperature for about two days—perfect if you want to enjoy it over a couple of mornings.

Freezing

If you want to stretch the joy, slice the bread and freeze it in zip-top bags with parchment layers between slices. Frozen bread can last up to three months, preserving the unique s’mores combination until you’re ready for your next indulgence.

Reheating

To bring back its fresh-out-of-the-oven magic, toast slices directly or warm in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This reheating method revives the gooey marshmallows and melty chocolate, making every bite taste just as delightful as the first.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought yeast instead of sourdough starter?

While traditional sourdough starter adds that signature tang and natural fermentation, you can substitute with active dry yeast. Adjust the rising times as needed, though the flavor won’t be as complex or pronounced as with a wild starter.

Will the marshmallows melt completely inside the bread?

The marshmallows soften and partially melt during baking, creating gooey pockets, but they won’t disappear entirely. This adds texture and sweetness, giving the loaf that perfectly indulgent s’mores surprise in every bite.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can add an enjoyable crunch that complements the soft marshmallows and melty chocolate chips. Just be mindful not to overload the dough to maintain good rise and crumb.

How important is the cold proofing step?

Cold proofing is key for flavor development and dough handling. It allows the dough’s acidity and sweetness to mellow and enhances the bread’s texture. Skipping this step can result in a loaf that lacks complexity and is harder to score cleanly.

Is this bread best eaten fresh or can it be stored for later?

It’s absolutely delicious fresh from the oven, but thanks to its balanced moisture and fat content, it keeps well for a couple of days. When stored and reheated properly, the flavors and textures remain satisfying and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this S’mores Sourdough Bread Recipe—it’s one of those rare treats that feels both nostalgic and fancy at the same time. Once you experience that first warm slice with melting chocolate and toasted marshmallow, you’ll keep it in your rotation as a special go-to for cozy mornings or sweet gatherings. Give it a try, and prepare for compliments aplenty from family and friends!

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