Description
This cozy sourdough loaf combines tangy sourdough starter with bright orange zest and tart cranberries for a festive fall or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups bread flour (about 375 g)
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (about 125 g)
- 1/2 cup active sourdough starter (100% hydration)
- 1 1/4 cups water (about 300 ml)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, pecans or walnuts)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (optional)
Instructions
- Feed your sourdough starter the night before and let it become active and bubbly.
- In a large bowl, combine flours, water, and starter, then stir until no dry flour remains. Cover and rest 30 minutes.
- Add salt, sugar or honey, and orange zest. Mix to combine, then gently fold in cranberries and nuts without crushing.
- Perform stretch-and-fold sessions every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours, keeping dough at about 75°F (24°C).
- After bulk fermentation, turn out dough onto a floured surface, pre-shape into a round, and rest 15 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a tight round, place seam side up in a floured proofing basket, and proof 1–2 hours at room temperature or refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C) with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes.
- Invert dough onto parchment, score the top, and place into the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake 20–25 minutes.
- Remove lid and bake another 20 minutes until deep amber. The loaf should sound hollow when tapped.
- Cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to maintain a tender crumb.
Notes
- This bread pairs beautifully with butter, soups, and cheese boards.
- Adjust the amount of orange zest based on your preference for orange flavor.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Sourdough Bread, Sourdough, Holiday Bread, Festive Bread