Funfetti Sourdough is a playful, colorful twist on traditional sourdough bread. By adding rainbow sprinkles (the funfetti) to the dough, you create a visually striking, slightly sweet bread that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat! It’s a great way to bring a little joy to your baking routine, whether you want to make a special loaf for a celebration or just to add some color to your meals.
Here’s a recipe to make Funfetti Sourdough:
Funfetti Sourdough Recipe
Ingredients:
For the sourdough starter:
- 1/4 cup sourdough starter (active and bubbly)
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
For the dough:
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (from above)
- 1/2 cup warm water (adjust if needed)
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (optional for a slightly richer dough)
- 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (use the nonpareils or jimmies kind, not the dragees as they are hard and may damage the dough)
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, to help with dough softness)
Instructions:
1. Activate Your Sourdough Starter:
- If you’re using a sourdough starter that’s been refrigerated, make sure to feed it for at least 6-12 hours before using it in the recipe to ensure it’s active and bubbly.
- In a small bowl, combine the starter with warm water and flour to make the starter mixture. Let it sit for 4-6 hours to activate.
2. Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter (about 1 cup), warm water, flour, sugar, and salt.
- Mix the ingredients together until a rough dough forms. You can use your hands or a dough scraper to incorporate everything.
- Add butter (if using) and milk (if using) into the dough, kneading them in until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The milk helps create a softer crumb, but you can leave it out if you prefer a more traditional tangy sourdough.
3. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation):
- Cover the dough with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it has roughly doubled in size. This is the bulk fermentation phase where the dough rises and develops flavor.
4. Add the Funfetti:
- Once the dough has completed its first rise, gently turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the rainbow sprinkles over the dough.
- Fold the dough over the sprinkles and knead it lightly for just a minute to evenly distribute the sprinkles throughout the dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this could deflate it.
- You may see some of the sprinkles melt slightly into the dough, which is perfectly fine!
5. Shape the Dough:
- Shape the dough into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. To shape, gently fold the dough into itself, creating tension on the outside for a smooth finish.
- If you’re using a proofing basket or bowl, you can place the dough inside to hold its shape.
6. Second Rise (Proofing):
- Let the dough rise again for 2-4 hours, or until it has puffed up. This is the proofing phase. Alternatively, you can proof it in the fridge overnight for a more developed flavor.
7. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a Dutch oven or baking stone inside the oven to heat up as well if you’re using one.
8. Score the Dough:
- Before baking, score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife or razor blade. This allows the bread to expand properly during baking and adds a beautiful decorative element to the loaf.
9. Bake the Bread:
- If you’re using a Dutch oven, carefully place the dough inside the hot pot and cover it with the lid. If you’re using a baking stone, place the dough directly onto the stone.
- Bake the loaf for 20-25 minutes, then remove the lid of the Dutch oven (if using) and reduce the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10. Cool the Bread:
- Once the bread is baked, transfer it to a cooling rack and let it cool completely before slicing. The sprinkles will add a bit of color and fun texture to the soft, tangy sourdough bread.
Serving Suggestions:
- Funfetti Sourdough is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with butter, jam, or even cream cheese for a sweet treat.
- It can be used to make sweet sandwiches or a festive breakfast toast, topped with fresh fruit or chocolate spread.
Tips for Success:
- Sprinkle Types: Use sprinkles that hold up well during baking. Nonpareils or jimmies work best, but avoid dragees (the hard candy balls) as they can cause the dough to tear.
- Overnight Rise: For extra flavor, let the dough rise in the fridge overnight after shaping it for a longer fermentation time.
- Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the sprinkles, handle the dough gently to avoid deflating the rise you worked on.
Funfetti Sourdough is a colorful and fun twist on classic sourdough, with the added joy of rainbow sprinkles. It’s perfect for a celebration, a party, or any day when you need a little extra fun in your baking! Enjoy the tangy, slightly sweet bread with a pop of color!
