This Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of maple syrup and crunchy pecans. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Who can resist that nutty, sweet aroma baking in the oven? I love to toast a slice and slather it with butter. It’s my little morning treat that makes every day feel special! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread Flour: Using bread flour gives the best structure and chew. If you can only find all-purpose flour, it’s fine, but the texture might be slightly less chewy.
Sourdough Starter: Make sure your starter is active and bubbly. If you’re new to sourdough, you can buy a starter online or in some bakeries. A quick tip: feed your starter the night before baking for the best rise!
Maple Syrup: The star of this bread! Make sure it’s pure maple syrup for that rich flavor. In a pinch, you can use honey or agave nectar, but the taste will change a bit. I prefer pure maple to keep that sweet authenticity.
Pecans: Toasting pecans brings out their flavor. If you have nut allergies, seeds like sunflower or pumpkin can be used instead, although they offer a different taste.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds a lovely warmth. If you like a spicier kick, try adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger instead!
How Can I Achieve a Great Rise with My Sourdough?
Getting a good rise is crucial for sourdough bread! Here are some steps to ensure your bread puffs up perfectly:
- **Autolyse:** Allowing the dough ingredients to rest after mixing helps develop gluten, which is key for structure.
- **Stretch & Fold:** This method helps strengthen the dough without heavy kneading. Do this every 30 minutes during the first 2 hours of bulk fermentation.
- **Cold Proofing:** Letting the dough rest in the fridge overnight enhances flavor and gives you better control of the rise, making it easier to handle on baking day.
- **Preheat Properly:** Make sure your oven and Dutch oven are hot before placing the dough inside. This initial heat is crucial for oven spring!
With these tips and homemade Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread, you’re set for a delicious treat. Enjoy your baking adventure! 🍞✨
How to Make Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 500 g bread flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 100 g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 350 ml water (room temperature)
- 10 g salt
- 60 ml pure maple syrup
- 100 g toasted pecans, roughly chopped (reserve some whole pecans for topping)
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon (for extra warmth and flavor)
- Flour for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of active preparation and mixing time, plus about 3-4 hours for bulk fermentation. The dough then needs to proof at room temperature for 1-2 hours, followed by an overnight cold proof of 8-12 hours. Finally, baking takes about 40-45 minutes. Altogether, plan for around 14-16 hours to enjoy your delicious Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread, including resting and cooling time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dough
In a large bowl, combine your bread flour and water. Stir until just mixed together. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes. This step helps the flour absorb water effectively.
2. Add Starter and Maple Syrup
Once the dough has rested, add your active sourdough starter, maple syrup, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Incorporate Pecans
Gently fold in the chopped toasted pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed in the dough for that delightful nutty flavor in every bite!
4. Bulk Fermentation and Stretch & Fold
Cover the bowl with a damp cloth or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to ferment at room temperature (around 21-24°C / 70-75°F) for 3-4 hours. During the first 2 hours, perform 3-4 sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes to help develop gluten strength.
5. Shape the Dough
After bulk fermentation, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape the dough into a tight round or oval loaf. Place it seam side up into a well-floured banneton or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel.
6. Proof
Cover your shaped dough and let it proof for 1-2 hours at room temperature. After that, refrigerate it overnight for 8-12 hours, which helps enhance the flavor.
7. Preheat Oven
About 30 minutes before you plan to bake, place a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot with lid) inside your oven and preheat to 230°C (450°F). This will create the perfect environment for baking the bread.
8. Prepare for Baking
Once preheated, remove the dough from the fridge. Carefully turn it out onto a piece of parchment paper. Decorate the top with whole pecans if you’d like, then dust it lightly with flour. Score the top with a sharp blade or lame to ensure it can spring up in the oven.
9. Bake
Using caution, place the dough (with parchment) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 20 minutes. After that, remove the lid and bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and crisp.
10. Cool
Once done, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack. This might take about 2 hours, but it makes slicing easier and enhances the flavor!
Enjoy the sweet and nutty aroma of your homemade Maple Pecan Sourdough Bread! This bread pairs beautifully with butter or cream cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra special treat. Happy baking! 🍞🥳
Can I Use Store-Bought Sourdough Starter?
Absolutely! Using a store-bought or purchased sourdough starter is a great idea if you’re short on time or new to baking. Just make sure it’s active and bubbly before using it in the recipe.
Can I Omit the Pecans?
Yes, you can omit the pecans if you prefer a nut-free bread. For added texture, consider subbing with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, or simply enjoy it as a traditional sourdough!
How Can I Store Leftover Bread?
Let the bread cool completely before storing. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and then place it in a paper bag to keep it fresh for a few days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container to enjoy later.
What to Do If My Dough Doesn’t Rise?
If your dough isn’t rising well, make sure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly before using it. Often, dough needs a warm environment to rise, so consider placing it in a slightly warm spot, like near an oven or inside an oven that’s turned off but lightly warmed.
